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What Is the Statute of Limitations for Assault And Battery in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for assault and battery is generally 3 years under S.C. Code § 15-3-530(5).

3 YEARS
Assault & Battery · South Carolina
✓ Verified Checked Sep 2026

Assault and battery Deadlines in South Carolina

How long do you have to file a assault and battery claim in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for assault and battery is generally 3 years under S.C. Code § 15-3-530(5).

When does the clock start for assault and battery in South Carolina?

Three years — South Carolina does not carve intentional torts into a shorter window the way most states do.

Can the South Carolina deadline for assault and battery be extended?

The § 15-3-535 discovery rule applies to these claims too, since they arise under subsection (5). A criminal prosecution does not pause the civil clock.

Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in South Carolina?

Often, yes. Verified claim within 1 year; suit within 2 years under S.C. Code §§ 15-78-80, 15-78-110. Under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act, a claimant who files a verified claim within one year gets two years from the date of loss to bring suit; a claimant who does not file a verified claim gets only two years, and the Act's own limitations provision in §…

How does South Carolina compare to other states for assault and battery?

South Carolina's 3 years is in the middle of the range nationally. Across the 49 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for assault and battery ranges from 1 year to 6 years, and 2 years is the most common. Compare all states →

What Does Assault & Battery Cover?

Situations that typically fall under the assault and battery deadline in South Carolina:

01 Physical attacks causing injury
02 Intentional harmful or offensive contact
03 Threats that placed someone in fear of harm
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Other Filing Deadlines in South Carolina

Statutes of limitations have exceptions, and courts apply them to specific facts. This page states the general rule. A licensed South Carolina attorney can tell you the deadline that applies to your situation.
See every filing deadline in South Carolina, or compare assault and battery across all states.
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