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Michigan Statute of Limitations (2026)

Civil filing deadlines in Michigan under the Revised Judicature Act, MCL ch. 600 — three years for most torts, six for contracts, and a 120-day notice trap for government defendants.

✓ Last verified: Sep 2026

Claim Types

claim types tracked

Filing Range

1–6

year filing range

Govt. Notice

0.3

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.

3 YEARS

Personal Injury

Three years from the date of injury for an action to recover damages for injury to a person or property.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805 ✓ Verified

2 YEARS

Medical Malpractice

Two years from the act or omission, or six months from when the claimant discovered or should have discovered the claim — whichever is later.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5838a ✓ Verified

6 YEARS

Written Contract

Six years from the date of breach.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5807 ✓ Verified

3 YEARS

Property Damage

Three years, on the same clock as personal injury.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805 ✓ Verified

1 YEARS

Defamation

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

Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805 ✓ Verified

3 YEARS

Product Liability

Three years for personal injury caused by a defective product.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805 Unverified

3 YEARS

Wrongful Death

Generally three years, running from the date of death.

Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 600.2922, 600.5805 ✓ Verified

6 YEARS

Fraud

Six years under the residual provision covering personal actions not otherwise provided for.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5813 ✓ Verified

6 YEARS

Breach of Oral Contract

Six years — the same as a written contract, since Michigan does not shorten the period for unwritten agreements.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5807 ✓ Verified

2 YEARS

Legal Malpractice

Two years from the date the attorney discontinued serving the client in the matter, or six months from discovery — whichever is later.

Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 600.5805, 600.5838 ✓ Verified

2 YEARS

Assault & Battery

Two years — Michigan pulls intentional torts out of the general three-year period and gives them a shorter window.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805 ✓ Verified

3 YEARS

Trespass to Land

Three years, as an action for injury to property.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805 ✓ Verified

0.3

years

Government claims notice

Written notice within 120 days for highway defect claims — Mich. Comp. Laws § 691.1404 Section 691.1404 requires written notice within 120 days of the injury for a claim arising from a defective highway, specifying the exact location and nature of the defect, the injury sustained, and the names of known witnesses. Other categories of claim against a governmental agency carry their own notice rules, and some state agency claims require action within six months. The 120-day highway notice is the one that most often ends a claim before it starts.

Common Questions About Michigan Deadlines

What is the statute of limitations in Michigan?

It depends on the type of claim. Michigan filing deadlines range from 1 year to 6 years — for example, personal injury 3 years, breach of a written contract 6 years, medical malpractice 2 years, defamation 1 year.

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

3 years under Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805. Three years from the date of injury for an action to recover damages for injury to a person or property. Full personal injury rules →

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

3 years under Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 600.2922, 600.5805. Generally three years, running from the date of death. Full wrongful death rules →

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

2 years under Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5838a. Two years from the act or omission, or six months from when the claimant discovered or should have discovered the claim — whichever is later. Full medical malpractice rules →

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

6 years under Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5807. Six years from the date of breach. Full breach of a written contract rules →

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

1 year under Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805. One year for libel or slander — the shortest civil deadline in Michigan. Full defamation rules →

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

3 years under Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805. Three years, on the same clock as personal injury. Full property damage rules →

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

Often, yes. Written notice within 120 days for highway defect claims under Mich. Comp. Laws § 691.1404. 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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Michigan Statute of Limitations (2026)

Common Questions About Michigan Deadlines

What is the statute of limitations in Michigan?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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