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How long do you have to file?
Massachusetts statutes of limitations set hard deadlines for filing a legal claim. Miss them by a single day and most claims are barred forever, regardless of how strong the underlying case would have been. Each type of claim has its own deadline set by the Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.); a few are also subject to a "statute of repose" that imposes a hard outer limit independent of when the injury was discovered. This calculator applies the most common deadline for the case type you select, but special rules (the discovery rule, tolling for minors, presentment requirements against government entities, continuous-treatment doctrine) can shift the deadline forward or backward in any individual matter. Pick your case type, enter the date the matter began, and we'll show you what is left.
Common questions about Massachusetts statutes of limitations
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What is a statute of limitations in Massachusetts?
A statute of limitations is a hard deadline for filing a legal claim. Miss it by a single day and Massachusetts courts will almost always dismiss the case regardless of how strong it would have been. Each type of claim has its own deadline, set by Massachusetts statute (M.G.L.). Most personal injury claims are 3 years from the date of injury under M.G.L. c. 260 § 2A.
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When does the clock start?
Usually on the date of the injury or wrongful act. Massachusetts also recognizes the "discovery rule" for matters where the harm could not reasonably have been discovered until later (medical malpractice and toxic exposure are common examples). The clock can also be tolled (paused) for minors, for plaintiffs under legal disability, or while the defendant is out of state.
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What are the most common deadlines?
Personal injury, slip and fall, auto, and motorcycle: 3 years (M.G.L. c. 260 § 2A). Medical malpractice: 3 years from injury or discovery, with a 7-year hard outer limit (M.G.L. c. 260 § 4). Workers compensation: 4 years to file the claim, but only 30 days to give NOTICE to the employer (M.G.L. c. 152 § 41). Contract: 6 years (M.G.L. c. 260 § 2). Consumer protection / 93A: 4 years (M.G.L. c. 260 § 5A). Claims against a government entity: 3 years to file suit, plus a 2-year written presentment requirement (M.G.L. c. 258 § 4).
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What if my deadline is days away, can I still file?
Possibly. Massachusetts courts file complaints up to the last day. The firm has filed within 24 hours of a deadline more than once. Telephone (617) JIM-WINS immediately if your deadline is approaching; the line is answered 24/7 and an attorney can begin work the same day.
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Does this calculator give me legal advice?
No. It applies the most common statutory deadline for the case type you select. Special rules (discovery, tolling, presentment, repose) can shift any individual deadline forward or backward. The only way to know the deadline that applies to your specific facts is by telephone with a Massachusetts attorney.
This tool provides general information about Massachusetts statutes of limitations. It is not legal advice. Special rules (discovery rule, tolling for minors, presentment requirements against government entities, continuous-treatment doctrine, repose periods) can shift the deadline forward or backward in any individual case. Date calculations exclude the day of injury per Massachusetts pleading convention. The only way to know the deadline for your specific matter is by telephone with a Massachusetts attorney.