Illinois statutes of limitations vary widely by case type, with some of the most generous contract deadlines in the country and shorter windows for personal injury and defamation. Whether you're dealing with a Chicago car accident or a Springfield contract dispute, the time clock starts ticking immediately.
Illinois Statute of Limitations — Quick Reference
| Case Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 years |
| Written Contracts | 10 years |
| Oral Contracts | 5 years |
| Property Damage | 5 years |
| Defamation (Libel/Slander) | 1 year |
| Fraud | 5 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 or the date the injury was reasonably discovered.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice has a 2-year limit from discovery, with an absolute 4-year statute of repose. For minors, the limit can extend until age 22.
Written Contracts
Illinois has one of the longest written contract limits in the country — a full 10 years from the date of breach.
Oral Contracts
Oral contracts have a 5-year window, half that of written agreements.
Property Damage
Property damage claims must be filed within 5 years of the damage.
Defamation (Libel/Slander)
Defamation claims have just a 1-year window — among the shortest in the country.
Fraud
Fraud claims have a 5-year deadline, applied with a discovery rule.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death claims must be brought within 2 years of the death.
⏸️ Illinois Tolling & Exceptions
Illinois tolling provisions include: minority (until age 18, with extensions for some claims); legal disability or insanity; military service; and the discovery rule applied broadly across personal injury and malpractice cases.
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