What is the statute of limitations in Colorado?

Colorado civil limitations are codified in C.R.S. Title 13, Article 80.

1. Personal Injury — 2 Years (3 Years for Motor Vehicle)

C.R.S. § 13-80-102(1)(a): Tort actions, including but not limited to actions for negligence, trespass, malicious abuse of process, malicious prosecution, outrageous conduct, interference with relationships, and tortious breach of contract — 2 years.

C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n): All actions for damages arising out of the operation of a motor vehicle — 3 years.

2. Written Contract — 6 Years

C.R.S. § 13-80-103.5(1)(a): All actions to recover a liquidated debt or an unliquidated, determinable amount of money due to the person bringing the action and all actions for the enforcement of rights set forth in any instrument securing the payment of or evidencing any debt — 6 years.

3. Oral Contract — 3 Years

C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(a): All contract actions, including personal contracts and actions under the Uniform Commercial Code (other than written debt instruments above) — 3 years.

4. Property Damage — 2 Years

C.R.S. § 13-80-102(1)(a): General tort, including property damage — 2 years.

5. Fraud — 3 Years (Discovery Rule)

C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(c): All actions for fraud, misrepresentation, concealment, or deceit — 3 years, accrual deferred under § 13-80-108(3) until the aggrieved party discovers or should have discovered the cause of action.

6. Medical Malpractice — 2 Years / 3-Year Repose

C.R.S. § 13-80-102.5(1): Actions for medical or health care malpractice — 2 years from discovery; in no event more than 3 years after the act or omission. Exceptions: knowing concealment, foreign object (2 years from discovery, max 3 years generally), minor children (extended to age 8 minimum).

7. Wrongful Death — 2 Years

C.R.S. § 13-21-204: Wrongful death actions — 2 years after death (3 years if vehicle-related per § 13-80-101(1)(n)).

8. Other Notable Periods

Defamation: 1 year (C.R.S. § 13-80-103(1)(a)).

Judgments: 20 years, renewable (C.R.S. § 13-52-102).

UCC sale of goods: 3 years in Colorado (C.R.S. § 4-2-725).

Colorado Governmental Immunity Act notice: 182 days to file written notice (C.R.S. § 24-10-109).

Construction defect: 2 years with 6-year repose (C.R.S. § 13-80-104).

9. Tolling

C.R.S. § 13-81-103 tolls for persons under disability (minority, mental incompetence).

This is legal information, not legal advice.