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New Jersey Statute of Limitations (2026)

Civil filing deadlines in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 et seq. — a broad six-year period covering contracts, property, and fraud alike, against a short two years for personal injury.

✓ Last verified: Sep 2026
Claim Types
12
claim types tracked
Filing Range
1–6
year filing range
Govt. Notice
0.2
yrs to notify govt.
2 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 from accrual for an action for injury to the person caused by a wrongful act, neglect, or default.
N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-2 ✓ Verified
2 YEARS
Medical Malpractice
Two years, with the discovery rule applying where the injury or its negligent cause was not reasonably knowable.
N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-2 ✓ Verified
6 YEARS
Written Contract
Six years from the date of breach.
N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-1 ✓ Verified
6 YEARS
Property Damage
Six years — New Jersey gives property claims three times the window it gives personal injury.
N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-1 ✓ Verified
1 YEARS
Defamation
One year from publication for libel or slander.
N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-3 ✓ Verified
2 YEARS
Product Liability
Two years for personal injury caused by a defective product.
N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-2 Unverified
2 YEARS
Wrongful Death
Two years after the death.
N.J.S.A. § 2A:31-3 ✓ Verified
6 YEARS
Fraud
Six years, with accrual generally delayed until the injured party discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, the facts forming the basis of the claim.
N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-1 ✓ Verified
6 YEARS
Breach of Oral Contract
Six years — the same as a written contract, since § 2A:14-1 does not distinguish between them.
N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-1 ✓ Verified
6 YEARS
Legal Malpractice
Six years — New Jersey is unusually generous here compared with the one and two-year windows most states apply.
N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-1 Unverified
2 YEARS
Assault & Battery
Two years, under the general injury-to-the-person period.
N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-2 ✓ Verified
6 YEARS
Trespass to Land
Six years for trespass to real property.
N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-1 ✓ Verified
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Legal Forms
0.2
years
Government claims notice
Notice of tort claim within 90 days — N.J.S.A. § 59:8-8 The New Jersey Tort Claims Act requires a notice of claim to be filed with the public entity within 90 days of accrual. The notice does not replace the two-year limitations period — both must be met, and the suit generally cannot be filed until the entity has had six months to respond. A late notice may be permitted within one year on a showing of extraordinary circumstances under § 59:8-9. Link goes to Justia — New Jersey's official statutes host uses non-derivable section URLs.

Common Questions About New Jersey Deadlines

What is the statute of limitations in New Jersey?

It depends on the type of claim. New Jersey filing deadlines range from 1 year to 6 years — for example, personal injury 2 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 New Jersey?

2 years under N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-2. Two years from accrual for an action for injury to the person caused by a wrongful act, neglect, or default. Full personal injury rules →

What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in New Jersey?

2 years under N.J.S.A. § 2A:31-3. Two years after the death. Full wrongful death rules →

What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in New Jersey?

2 years under N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-2. Two years, with the discovery rule applying where the injury or its negligent cause was not reasonably knowable. Full medical malpractice rules →

What is the statute of limitations for breach of contract in New Jersey?

6 years under N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-1. Six years from the date of breach. Full breach of a written contract rules →

How long do you have to sue for defamation in New Jersey?

1 year under N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-3. One year from publication for libel or slander. Full defamation rules →

What is the statute of limitations for property damage in New Jersey?

6 years under N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-1. Six years — New Jersey gives property claims three times the window it gives personal injury. Full property damage rules →

Do you have to notify the government before suing in New Jersey?

Often, yes. Notice of tort claim within 90 days under N.J.S.A. § 59:8-8. 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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