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What is the statute of limitations in Indiana?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

Indiana civil limitations are codified in I.C. Title 34, Article 11.

1. Personal Injury — 2 Years

I.C. § 34-11-2-4(a): An action for injury to a person or character; injury to personal property; or a forfeiture of penalty given by statute, must be commenced within 2 years after the cause of action accrues.

2. Written Contract — 10 Years (Pre-9/1/1982 contracts) / 6 Years (Post)

For written contracts (other than promissory notes) executed before September 1, 1982 — 10 years (I.C. § 34-11-2-11). For those executed on or after, generally 6 years (I.C. § 34-11-2-9). Promissory notes payable to a particular person: 6 years (I.C. § 34-11-2-9).

3. Oral Contract — 6 Years

I.C. § 34-11-2-7: Actions on accounts and contracts not in writing — 6 years.

4. Property Damage — 2 or 6 Years

I.C. § 34-11-2-4: Personal property — 2 years. Real property injury — 6 years under § 34-11-2-7.

5. Fraud — 6 Years (Discovery Rule)

I.C. § 34-11-2-7(4): Actions for relief against frauds — 6 years. Indiana applies discovery rule (Wehling v. Citizens Nat'l Bank, 586 N.E.2d 840 (Ind. 1992)).

6. Medical Malpractice — 2 Years (Limited Discovery)

I.C. § 34-18-7-1: A claim for medical malpractice must be filed within 2 years from the date of the alleged act, omission, or neglect, with very limited discovery exceptions (Booth v. Wiley (Ind. 2007)). Minors under 6: until age 8. Medical Review Panel: required pre-suit process for claims over $15,000 (I.C. § 34-18-8-4).

7. Wrongful Death — 2 Years

I.C. § 34-23-1-1: An action for wrongful death must be commenced within 2 years after the death of the person.

8. Other Notable Periods

  • Defamation: 2 years (I.C. § 34-11-2-4).
  • Judgments: 20 years (I.C. § 34-11-2-12).
  • UCC sale of goods: 4 years (I.C. § 26-1-2-725).
  • Tort Claims Act: 180-day notice for political subdivisions; 270-day notice for state (I.C. § 34-13-3-8).
  • Construction defect: 10-year repose (I.C. § 32-30-1-5).

    • 9. Tolling

    I.C. § 34-11-6-1 tolls for minority (under 18) and unsound mind.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • You have a claim against an Indiana governmental entity (180/270-day notice)
    • Your medical malpractice claim must go through Medical Review Panel
    • You discovered an injury more than 2 years after a procedure
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • I.C. § 34-11-2-4
    • I.C. § 34-11-2-7
    • I.C. § 34-11-2-9
    • I.C. § 34-18-7-1
    • I.C. § 34-23-1-1
    • I.C. § 34-13-3-8

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.