North Dakota Statute of Limitations
Time limits for filing civil lawsuits in North Dakota. 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.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16(1)).
- Oral Contracts: 6 years (N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16(1)).
- Personal Injury: 6 years (N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16(5)).
- Property Damage: 6 years (N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16(3)).
North Dakota Statute of Limitations by Claim Type
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Statute | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Contracts | 6 years | N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16(1) | Accrues on the date of breach. |
| Oral Contracts | 6 years | N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16(1) | Same period as written contracts. |
| Personal Injury | 6 years | N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16(5) | Accrues on the date of injury. |
| Property Damage | 6 years | N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16(3) | Accrues when damage occurs. |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 years | N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-18(3) | 2 years from the act or from discovery. 6-year statute of repose. |
| Debt Collection | 6 years | N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16(1) | 6 years for all debt types. |
| Fraud | 6 years | N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16(6) | 6 years from discovery of the fraud. |
General Notes for North Dakota
North Dakota provides a generous 6-year statute of limitations for most civil claims, including personal injury. Medical malpractice has a shorter 2-year period with a 6-year statute of repose. The discovery rule applies to medical malpractice and fraud claims.
Related Resources
- Small claims court in North Dakota
- Free legal aid in North Dakota
- Consumer complaints in North Dakota
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in North Dakota?
North Dakota allows 6 years for personal injury claims, one of the longest periods in the nation.
-
What is the statute of limitations for debt in North Dakota?
North Dakota allows 6 years for creditors to sue on debts, whether written or oral.
-
Does North Dakota have a statute of repose for medical malpractice?
Yes. North Dakota has a 6-year statute of repose from the date of the act, meaning no claim can be filed more than 6 years after the act regardless of when the injury is discovered.