Massachusetts Statute of Limitations
Time limits for filing civil lawsuits in Massachusetts. The statute of limitations varies by claim type. Once the deadline passes, you generally cannot file suit.
Data last updated: Apr 16, 2026Key Takeaways
- Written Contracts: 6 years (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2).
- Oral Contracts: 6 years (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2).
- Personal Injury: 3 years (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2A).
- Property Damage: 3 years (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2A).
Massachusetts Statute of Limitations by Claim Type
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Statute | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Contracts | 6 years | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2 | Accrues on the date of breach. 20 years for contracts under seal. |
| Oral Contracts | 6 years | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2 | Same period as written contracts. |
| Personal Injury | 3 years | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2A | Accrues on the date of injury. Discovery rule applies. |
| Property Damage | 3 years | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2A | Accrues when damage occurs. |
| Medical Malpractice | 3 years | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 4 | 3 years from the date of the act or from discovery. 7-year statute of repose. |
| Debt Collection | 6 years | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2 | 6 years for all debt types. |
| Fraud | 3 years | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2A | 3 years from discovery of the fraud. |
General Notes for Massachusetts
Massachusetts provides 6 years for contract claims and 3 years for tort claims. Contracts under seal have an extended 20-year limitation. The discovery rule applies to medical malpractice and fraud claims, with a 7-year statute of repose for medical malpractice.
Related Resources
- Small claims court in Massachusetts
- Free legal aid in Massachusetts
- Consumer complaints in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the statute of limitations for debt in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts allows 6 years for creditors to sue on debts, whether written or oral.
-
What is a contract 'under seal' and why does it matter?
A contract under seal is a formal written contract that bears a seal or recital of sealing. In Massachusetts, such contracts have a 20-year statute of limitations, much longer than ordinary contracts.
-
How long do I have for a medical malpractice claim in Massachusetts?
You have 3 years from the act or from discovery of the injury, but no more than 7 years from the act under the statute of repose.