Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations
Time limits for filing civil lawsuits in Pennsylvania. 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: 4 years (42 Pa. C.S. § 5525(a)).
- Oral Contracts: 4 years (42 Pa. C.S. § 5525(a)).
- Personal Injury: 2 years (42 Pa. C.S. § 5524).
- Property Damage: 2 years (42 Pa. C.S. § 5524).
Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations by Claim Type
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Statute | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Contracts | 4 years | 42 Pa. C.S. § 5525(a) | Accrues on the date of breach. |
| Oral Contracts | 4 years | 42 Pa. C.S. § 5525(a) | Same period as written contracts. |
| Personal Injury | 2 years | 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524 | Accrues on the date of injury. Discovery rule applies. |
| Property Damage | 2 years | 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524 | Accrues when damage occurs. |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 years | 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524 | 2 years from the act or from discovery. 7-year statute of repose. Minors have until age 20. |
| Debt Collection | 4 years | 42 Pa. C.S. § 5525(a) | 4 years for all debt types. |
| Fraud | 2 years | 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524(7) | 2 years from discovery of the fraud. |
General Notes for Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania provides 4 years for contract claims and 2 years for most tort claims. The discovery rule is well-established in Pennsylvania and applies broadly. Medical malpractice claims have a 7-year statute of repose, with a special provision allowing minors to file until age 20.
Related Resources
- Small claims court in Pennsylvania
- Free legal aid in Pennsylvania
- Consumer complaints in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the statute of limitations for debt in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania allows 4 years for creditors to sue on debts, whether written or oral.
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How long do I have for a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania?
You have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania.
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Does Pennsylvania apply the discovery rule?
Yes. Pennsylvania broadly applies the discovery rule, delaying the start of the statute until the plaintiff discovers or should have discovered the injury and its cause.
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What is the statute of repose for medical malpractice in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a 7-year statute of repose from the date of the act. Minors have until age 20 to file, regardless of the repose period.