New Jersey Statute of Limitations
Time limits for filing civil lawsuits in New Jersey. 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 (N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-1).
- Oral Contracts: 6 years (N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-1).
- Personal Injury: 2 years (N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-2).
- Property Damage: 6 years (N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-1).
New Jersey Statute of Limitations by Claim Type
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Statute | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Contracts | 6 years | N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-1 | Accrues on the date of breach. |
| Oral Contracts | 6 years | N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-1 | Same period as written contracts. |
| Personal Injury | 2 years | N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-2 | Accrues on the date of injury. Discovery rule applies. |
| Property Damage | 6 years | N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-1 | Accrues when damage occurs. |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 years | N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-2 | 2 years from the date of the act or from discovery. Affidavit of merit required within 60 days of filing. |
| Debt Collection | 6 years | N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-1 | 6 years for all debt types. |
| Fraud | 6 years | N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-1 | 6 years from discovery of the fraud. |
General Notes for New Jersey
New Jersey provides 6 years for contract and property claims, and 2 years for personal injury. The discovery rule is well-established in New Jersey and applies to medical malpractice and latent injury claims. Medical malpractice claims require an affidavit of merit from a qualified expert.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the statute of limitations for debt in New Jersey?
New Jersey allows 6 years for creditors to sue on debts, whether written or oral.
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What is an affidavit of merit in New Jersey?
For medical malpractice and professional negligence claims, New Jersey requires the plaintiff to provide an affidavit from a qualified expert stating that the defendant deviated from accepted standards. This must be filed within 60 days of the defendant's answer.
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Does New Jersey apply the discovery rule?
Yes. New Jersey has a well-developed discovery rule that delays the start of the statute of limitations until the plaintiff knew or should have known about the injury and its cause.