Vermont Statute of Limitations
Time limits for filing civil lawsuits in Vermont. 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 (Vt. Stat. tit. 12, § 511).
- Oral Contracts: 6 years (Vt. Stat. tit. 12, § 511).
- Personal Injury: 3 years (Vt. Stat. tit. 12, § 512).
- Property Damage: 3 years (Vt. Stat. tit. 12, § 512).
Vermont Statute of Limitations by Claim Type
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Statute | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Contracts | 6 years | Vt. Stat. tit. 12, § 511 | Accrues on the date of breach. |
| Oral Contracts | 6 years | Vt. Stat. tit. 12, § 511 | Same period as written contracts. |
| Personal Injury | 3 years | Vt. Stat. tit. 12, § 512 | Accrues on the date of injury. |
| Property Damage | 3 years | Vt. Stat. tit. 12, § 512 | Accrues when damage occurs. |
| Medical Malpractice | 3 years | Vt. Stat. tit. 12, § 521 | 3 years from the date of the act or from discovery. 7-year statute of repose. |
| Debt Collection | 6 years | Vt. Stat. tit. 12, § 511 | 6 years for all debt types. |
| Fraud | 6 years | Vt. Stat. tit. 12, § 511 | 6 years from discovery of the fraud. |
General Notes for Vermont
Vermont provides 6 years for contract claims and 3 years for most tort claims. Medical malpractice has a 7-year statute of repose. The discovery rule applies to medical malpractice and fraud claims. Vermont also tolls the statute for minors and incompetent persons.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the statute of limitations for debt in Vermont?
Vermont allows 6 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 Vermont?
You have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Vermont.
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Does Vermont have a statute of repose for medical malpractice?
Yes. Vermont has a 7-year statute of repose from the date of the act, meaning no claim can be filed after that time regardless of when the injury is discovered.