What Is the Statute of Limitations for Defamation in Virginia?
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for defamation is generally 1 year under Va. Code § 8.01-247.1.
Defamation Deadlines in Virginia
How long do you have to file a defamation claim in Virginia?
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for defamation is generally 1 year under Va. Code § 8.01-247.1.
When does the clock start for defamation in Virginia?
One year after the cause of action accrues, covering libel, slander, insulting words, and defamation.
Can the Virginia deadline for defamation be extended?
Virginia has a modern and useful carve-out: where the publisher posted anonymously or under a false identity on the internet, the period is tolled until the publisher's identity is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. "Insulting words" is a distinctly Virginian statutory cause of action.
Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in Virginia?
Often, yes. Written notice within 1 year (6 months for localities) under Va. Code §§ 8.01-195.6, 15.2-209. Under the Virginia Tort Claims Act, written notice of a claim against the Commonwealth must be filed within one year of accrual (§ 8.01-195.6). Claims against a city, town, or county require notice within six months under § 15.2-209. The two regimes are separa…
How does Virginia compare to other states for defamation?
Virginia's 1 year is among the shortest in the country. Across the 48 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for defamation ranges from 1 year to 3 years, and 1 year is the most common. Compare all states →
What Does Defamation Cover?
Situations that typically fall under the defamation deadline in Virginia:
