Georgia operates under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.), with statutes of limitations that vary significantly by case type. From Atlanta to Savannah to Augusta, plaintiffs need to know their specific deadline before consulting an attorney — many cases require very fast action.
Georgia Statute of Limitations — Quick Reference
| Case Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 years |
| Written Contracts | 6 years |
| Oral Contracts | 4 years |
| Property Damage | 4 years |
| Defamation (Libel/Slander) | 1 year |
| Fraud | 4 years |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years |
Detailed Breakdown by Case Type
Personal Injury
Personal injury claims must be filed within 2 years from the date of injury. This includes auto accidents, slip-and-falls, and assault.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice has a 2-year window from discovery, with an absolute 5-year statute of repose. For minors under 5, the deadline extends to their 7th birthday.
Written Contracts
Written contracts have a 6-year window from the breach.
Oral Contracts
Oral contracts have a 4-year limit, two years shorter than written ones.
Property Damage
Property damage claims have a 4-year window.
Defamation (Libel/Slander)
Defamation claims must be brought within 1 year from publication.
Fraud
Fraud claims have a 4-year deadline, applied with a discovery rule.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years of the death.
⏸️ Georgia Tolling & Exceptions
Georgia tolling rules include: minority (until age 18); mental incapacity; fraudulent concealment by the defendant; and the discovery rule for malpractice and fraud cases.
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