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Oregon Statute of Limitations (2026)

Civil filing deadlines in Oregon under ORS ch. 12 — two years for injury to the person, six for contracts and property, and a product liability statute that overrides the wrongful death period.

✓ Last verified: Sep 2026

Claim Types

claim types tracked

Filing Range

1–6

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 injury to the person.

ORS § 12.110(1) ✓ Verified

2 YEARS

Medical Malpractice

Two years from discovery, with a five-year outer limit from the act or omission.

ORS § 12.110(4) ✓ Verified

6 YEARS

Written Contract

Six years from breach.

ORS § 12.080(1) ✓ Verified

6 YEARS

Property Damage

Six years for injury to personal property — three times the two years Oregon gives injury to the person.

ORS § 12.080(4) ✓ Verified

1 YEARS

Defamation

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

ORS § 12.120(2) ✓ Verified

2 YEARS

Product Liability

Two years for personal injury from a defective product, on a discovery-based trigger, with a statute of ultimate repose on top.

ORS § 30.905 Unverified

3 YEARS

Wrongful Death

Three years from when the fatal injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.

ORS § 30.020 ✓ Verified

2 YEARS

Fraud

Two years, running from the discovery of the fraud or deceit.

ORS § 12.110(1) ✓ Verified

6 YEARS

Breach of Oral Contract

Six years — the same as a written contract.

ORS § 12.080(1) ✓ Verified

2 YEARS

Legal Malpractice

Two years from discovery, with the same five-year outer limit.

ORS § 12.110(4) ✓ Verified

2 YEARS

Assault & Battery

Two years, under the general injury-to-the-person period.

ORS § 12.110(1) ✓ Verified

6 YEARS

Trespass to Land

Six years for waste, trespass, or interference with an interest in real property.

ORS § 12.080(3) ✓ Verified

0.5

years

Government claims notice

Notice of claim within 180 days — ORS § 30.275 The Oregon Tort Claims Act requires notice of claim to the public body within 180 days of the alleged loss or injury, and within one year for wrongful death. Notice is a condition precedent to suit. The Act also caps damages. URL points at ch. 12 and should be repointed to ORS § 30.275.

Common Questions About Oregon Deadlines

What is the statute of limitations in Oregon?

It depends on the type of claim. Oregon 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 Oregon?

2 years under ORS § 12.110(1). Two years for injury to the person. Full personal injury rules →

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

3 years under ORS § 30.020. Three years from when the fatal injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. Full wrongful death rules →

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

2 years under ORS § 12.110(4). Two years from discovery, with a five-year outer limit from the act or omission. Full medical malpractice rules →

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

6 years under ORS § 12.080(1). Six years from breach. Full breach of a written contract rules →

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

1 year under ORS § 12.120(2). One year for libel or slander — the shortest civil deadline in Oregon. Full defamation rules →

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

6 years under ORS § 12.080(4). Six years for injury to personal property — three times the two years Oregon gives injury to the person. Full property damage rules →

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

Often, yes. Notice of claim within 180 days under ORS § 30.275. 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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Oregon Statute of Limitations (2026)

Common Questions About Oregon Deadlines

What is the statute of limitations in Oregon?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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