Rhode Island Statute of Limitations
Time limits for filing civil lawsuits in Rhode Island. 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: 10 years (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a)).
- Oral Contracts: 10 years (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a)).
- Personal Injury: 3 years (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b)).
- Property Damage: 10 years (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a)).
Rhode Island Statute of Limitations by Claim Type
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Statute | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Contracts | 10 years | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a) | Accrues on the date of breach. |
| Oral Contracts | 10 years | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a) | Same period as written contracts. |
| Personal Injury | 3 years | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b) | Accrues on the date of injury. Discovery rule applies. |
| Property Damage | 10 years | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a) | Accrues when damage occurs. |
| Medical Malpractice | 3 years | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14.1 | 3 years from the act or from discovery. No statute of repose. |
| Debt Collection | 10 years | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a) | 10 years for all debt types. |
| Fraud | 3 years | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b) | 3 years from discovery of the fraud. |
General Notes for Rhode Island
Rhode Island has one of the longest contract limitation periods at 10 years. Personal injury and fraud claims have a 3-year period. Rhode Island does not have a statute of repose for medical malpractice, making the discovery rule particularly important.
Related Resources
- Small claims court in Rhode Island
- Free legal aid in Rhode Island
- Consumer complaints in Rhode Island
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the statute of limitations for debt in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island allows 10 years for creditors to sue on debts, one of the longest periods in the nation.
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How long do I have for a personal injury claim in Rhode Island?
You have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.
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Does Rhode Island have a statute of repose for medical malpractice?
No. Rhode Island does not have a statute of repose for medical malpractice, meaning the discovery rule can extend the filing deadline beyond the typical 3-year period.