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What is the statute of limitations in Massachusetts?

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

Massachusetts civil limitations are found in M.G.L. Chapter 260.

1. Personal Injury — 3 Years

M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A: Except as otherwise provided, actions of tort, actions of contract to recover for personal injuries, and actions of replevin shall be commenced only within 3 years next after the cause of action accrues.

2. Written Contract — 6 Years

M.G.L. c. 260, § 2: Actions of contract, other than those to recover for personal injuries, founded upon contracts or liabilities, express or implied, except actions limited by section one or actions upon judgments or decrees of courts of record of the United States or of this or of any other state of the United States — 6 years. Contracts under seal: 20 years (§ 1).

3. Oral Contract — 6 Years

Same 6 years under c. 260, § 2.

4. Property Damage — 3 Years

M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A: tort actions for property damage — 3 years.

5. Fraud — 3 Years (Discovery Rule)

M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A. Massachusetts applies the discovery rule (Bowen v. Eli Lilly & Co., 408 Mass. 204 (1990)).

6. Medical Malpractice — 3 Years / 7-Year Repose

M.G.L. c. 260, § 4: Actions of tort for malpractice, error or mistake against physicians, surgeons, dentists, optometrists, hospitals and sanitaria — 3 years from accrual; in no event more than 7 years after the act or omission (foreign-object exception). Minors: until age 9 with limits.

7. Wrongful Death — 3 Years

M.G.L. c. 229, § 2: An action shall be commenced within 3 years from the date of death or within 3 years from the date when the deceased's executor or administrator knew, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence, should have known of the factual basis for a cause of action.

8. Other Notable Periods

  • Defamation: 3 years (M.G.L. c. 260, § 4).
  • Judgments: 20 years to enforce (M.G.L. c. 260, § 20).
  • UCC sale of goods: 4 years (M.G.L. c. 106, § 2-725).
  • Tort Claims Act (Mass. Tort Claims Act): 2-year notice to public entity (M.G.L. c. 258, § 4); suit within 3 years.
  • Consumer protection (93A): 4 years (M.G.L. c. 260, § 5A).

    • 9. Tolling

    M.G.L. c. 260, § 7 tolls for minority and incapacity.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • You have a claim against a Massachusetts public entity (2-year notice)
    • Your medical malpractice case is approaching the 7-year repose
    • You have a sealed contract (20-year period)
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • M.G.L. c. 260, § 2
    • M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A
    • M.G.L. c. 260, § 4
    • M.G.L. c. 229, § 2
    • M.G.L. c. 258, § 4
    • M.G.L. c. 260, § 7

    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.