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Colorado Statute of Limitations (2026)

Civil filing deadlines in Colorado under C.R.S. art. 13-80 — two years for most torts, but three for anything arising from a motor vehicle, which is the single most expensive distinction in the state.

✓ Last verified: Sep 2026

Claim Types

claim types tracked

Filing Range

1–3

year filing range

Govt. Notice

0.5

yrs to notify govt.

1 of these entries are marked “Unverified.” They have been added to the register but not yet checked line-by-line against the current statute text. Treat those figures as a starting point only, and confirm the citation at its official source before relying on it.

2 YEARS

Personal Injury

Two years for general tort actions "regardless of the theory upon which suit is brought" — but three years where the injury arose out of the use or operation of a motor vehicle.

C.R.S. §§ 13-80-102, 13-80-101(1)(n) ✓ Verified

2 YEARS

Medical Malpractice

Two years from when the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered, with a three-year statute of repose.

C.R.S. § 13-80-102.5 ✓ Verified

3 YEARS

Written Contract

Three years from breach.

C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(a) ✓ Verified

2 YEARS

Property Damage

Two years generally, three where the damage arose from the use or operation of a motor vehicle.

C.R.S. §§ 13-80-102, 13-80-101(1)(n) ✓ Verified

1 YEARS

Defamation

One year for libel or slander — the shortest civil deadline in Colorado.

C.R.S. § 13-80-103 ✓ Verified

2 YEARS

Product Liability

Two years for a product liability claim.

C.R.S. §§ 13-80-106, 13-80-102(1)(b) ✓ Verified

2 YEARS

Wrongful Death

Two years — and the clock can start BEFORE death: it runs from when the injury leading to death was known or discoverable (Crownover v. Gleichman), and no later than the date of death.

C.R.S. § 13-21-204 ✓ Verified

3 YEARS

Fraud

Three years, with the clock generally starting when the fraud was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.

C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(c) ✓ Verified

3 YEARS

Breach of Oral Contract

Three years — the same as a written contract.

C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(a) ✓ Verified

2 YEARS

Legal Malpractice

Two years, generally running from discovery of the injury.

C.R.S. § 13-80-102(1)(a) Unverified

1 YEARS

Assault & Battery

One year — half the general tort period, and a twelfth of what some states allow.

C.R.S. § 13-80-103 ✓ Verified

2 YEARS

Trespass to Land

Two years for trespass.

C.R.S. § 13-80-102 ✓ Verified

0.5

years

Government claims notice

Notice of claim within 182 days — C.R.S. § 24-10-109 The Colorado Governmental Immunity Act requires written notice of claim within 182 days after the discovery of the injury, and compliance is a jurisdictional prerequisite to suit. A car accident involving a government vehicle triggers both the 182-day notice and the three-year motor vehicle deadline — missing either ends the claim. This URL points at art. 80 rather than § 24-10-109 and should be repointed.

Common Questions About Colorado Deadlines

What is the statute of limitations in Colorado?

It depends on the type of claim. Colorado filing deadlines range from 1 year to 3 years — for example, personal injury 2 years, breach of a written contract 3 years, medical malpractice 2 years, defamation 1 year.

How long do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Colorado?

2 years under C.R.S. §§ 13-80-102, 13-80-101(1)(n). Two years for general tort actions "regardless of the theory upon which suit is brought" — but three years where the injury arose out of the use or operation of a motor vehicle. Full personal injury rules →

What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Colorado?

2 years under C.R.S. § 13-21-204. Two years — and the clock can start BEFORE death: it runs from when the injury leading to death was known or discoverable (Crownover v. Gleichman), and no later than the date of de… Full wrongful death rules →

What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Colorado?

2 years under C.R.S. § 13-80-102.5. Two years from when the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered, with a three-year statute of repose. Full medical malpractice rules →

What is the statute of limitations for breach of contract in Colorado?

3 years under C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(a). Three years from breach. Full breach of a written contract rules →

How long do you have to sue for defamation in Colorado?

1 year under C.R.S. § 13-80-103. One year for libel or slander — the shortest civil deadline in Colorado. Full defamation rules →

What is the statute of limitations for property damage in Colorado?

2 years under C.R.S. §§ 13-80-102, 13-80-101(1)(n). Two years generally, three where the damage arose from the use or operation of a motor vehicle. Full property damage rules →

Do you have to notify the government before suing in Colorado?

Often, yes. Notice of claim within 182 days under C.R.S. § 24-10-109. This is usually much shorter than the ordinary deadline.

Know your rights — check the claim type that matches your situation, then confirm the deadline with a licensed attorney.

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Colorado Statute of Limitations (2026)

Common Questions About Colorado Deadlines

What is the statute of limitations in Colorado?

How long do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Colorado?

What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Colorado?

What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Colorado?

What is the statute of limitations for breach of contract in Colorado?

How long do you have to sue for defamation in Colorado?

What is the statute of limitations for property damage in Colorado?

Do you have to notify the government before suing in Colorado?

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