Mississippi Statute of Limitations
Time limits for filing civil lawsuits in Mississippi. 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: 3 years (Miss. Code § 15-1-49).
- Oral Contracts: 3 years (Miss. Code § 15-1-49).
- Personal Injury: 3 years (Miss. Code § 15-1-49).
- Property Damage: 3 years (Miss. Code § 15-1-49).
Mississippi Statute of Limitations by Claim Type
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Statute | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Contracts | 3 years | Miss. Code § 15-1-49 | Accrues on the date of breach. |
| Oral Contracts | 3 years | Miss. Code § 15-1-49 | Same period as written contracts. |
| Personal Injury | 3 years | Miss. Code § 15-1-49 | Accrues on the date of injury. |
| Property Damage | 3 years | Miss. Code § 15-1-49 | Accrues when damage occurs. |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 years | Miss. Code § 15-1-36 | 2 years from the act or from discovery. 7-year statute of repose. |
| Debt Collection | 3 years | Miss. Code § 15-1-49 | 3 years for all debt types. |
| Fraud | 3 years | Miss. Code § 15-1-49 | 3 years from discovery of the fraud. |
General Notes for Mississippi
Mississippi uses a general 3-year 'catch-all' statute of limitations for most civil claims. Medical malpractice is shorter at 2 years with a 7-year statute of repose. The discovery rule applies to medical malpractice and fraud claims.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the general statute of limitations in Mississippi?
Mississippi has a general 3-year statute of limitations that applies to most civil claims, including contracts, personal injury, property damage, and debt collection.
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How long do I have for a medical malpractice claim in Mississippi?
You have 2 years from the act or from discovery of the injury, subject to a 7-year statute of repose.
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Does Mississippi toll the statute for minors?
Yes. The statute of limitations is tolled for minors until they reach age 21 (Mississippi's age of majority for this purpose).