Pennsylvania's statutes of limitations are codified primarily in 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524 and related sections. With courts in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and across the Commonwealth, knowing the precise deadline for your case type is essential to preserving your right to sue.
Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations — Quick Reference
| Case Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 years |
| Written Contracts | 4 years |
| Oral Contracts | 4 years |
| Property Damage | 2 years |
| Defamation (Libel/Slander) | 1 year |
| Fraud | 2 years |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years |
Detailed Breakdown by Case Type
Personal Injury
Personal injury claims, including auto accidents, premises liability, and assault, must be filed within 2 years from the date of injury.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice has a 2-year window from discovery, with an absolute 7-year statute of repose for most cases.
Written Contracts
Both written and oral contracts in Pennsylvania share a 4-year statute of limitations.
Oral Contracts
Verbal contracts have the same 4-year window as written contracts in Pennsylvania.
Property Damage
Damage to real or personal property must be litigated within 2 years.
Defamation (Libel/Slander)
Defamation claims have a strict 1-year window from the date of publication.
Fraud
Fraud claims must be filed within 2 years of the discovery of the fraudulent act.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death actions must be initiated within 2 years of the death.
⏸️ Pennsylvania Tolling & Exceptions
Pennsylvania tolling rules include: minority (until age 18); mental incompetence; the defendant fraudulently concealing their identity; and the discovery rule for medical malpractice and certain fraud cases.
Calculate Your Exact Filing Deadline
Use our free interactive tool to enter your incident date and get the exact deadline — with days remaining and urgency alerts.
Use the Free Checker Tool →