South Carolina Statute of Limitations (2026)
Civil filing deadlines in South Carolina under S.C. Code ch. 15-3 — a near-uniform three years, with a statutory discovery rule written directly into § 15-3-535.
✓ Last verified: Sep 2026
Common Questions About South Carolina Deadlines
What is the statute of limitations in South Carolina?
It depends on the type of claim. South Carolina filing deadlines range from 2 years to 3 years — for example, personal injury 3 years, breach of a written contract 3 years, medical malpractice 3 years, defamation 2 years.
How long do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in South Carolina?
3 years under S.C. Code § 15-3-530(5). Three years, with § 15-3-535 supplying a statutory discovery rule: the period runs from when the person knew or by the exercise of reasonable diligence should have known that they… Full personal injury rules →
What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in South Carolina?
3 years under S.C. Code § 15-3-530(6). Three years, running from the date of death — the accrual point is stated in the subsection itself. Full wrongful death rules →
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in South Carolina?
3 years under S.C. Code § 15-3-545. Three years from the act or from discovery, subject to a six-year statute of repose from the date of the act. Full medical malpractice rules →
What is the statute of limitations for breach of contract in South Carolina?
3 years under S.C. Code § 15-3-530(1). Three years from breach — short by national standards. Full breach of a written contract rules →
How long do you have to sue for defamation in South Carolina?
2 years under S.C. Code § 15-3-550(1). Two years for libel or slander. Full defamation rules →
What is the statute of limitations for property damage in South Carolina?
3 years under S.C. Code § 15-3-530(4). Three years for injury to personal property. Full property damage rules →
Do you have to notify the government before suing in South Carolina?
Often, yes. Verified claim within 1 year; suit within 2 years under S.C. Code §§ 15-78-80, 15-78-110. This is usually much shorter than the ordinary deadline.