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What is the statute of limitations in Michigan?

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

Michigan civil limitations are codified in the Revised Judicature Act, MCL 600.5801 et seq.

1. Personal Injury — 3 Years

MCL 600.5805(2): The period of limitations is 3 years after the time of the death or injury for all actions to recover damages for the death of a person or for injury to a person or property.

2. Written Contract — 6 Years

MCL 600.5807(9): Actions to recover damages or sums due for breach of contract — 6 years.

3. Oral Contract — 6 Years

Michigan applies the same 6-year period under MCL 600.5807(9) for both written and oral contracts.

4. Property Damage — 3 Years

MCL 600.5805(10): For property damage from negligence or other wrongful conduct — 3 years (covered by general 3-year personal injury / property period).

5. Fraud — 6 Years

MCL 600.5813: All other personal actions — 6 years (residual). Michigan applies the discovery rule sparingly; specifically, 2 years from discovery for some claims under MCL 600.5855 (fraudulent concealment) extends the period.

6. Medical Malpractice — 2 Years / 6-Month Discovery

MCL 600.5805(8) and MCL 600.5838a: A medical malpractice claim accrues at the time of the act or omission. The action must be commenced within 2 years of accrual OR within 6 months after the plaintiff discovers or should have discovered the existence of the claim, whichever is later, but in no event more than 6 years after the act (with exceptions for fraudulent concealment and minors). Notice of intent: required 182 days before filing (MCL 600.2912b).

7. Wrongful Death — 3 Years

MCL 600.5852: A wrongful death action survives for the personal representative for the period of the underlying tort statute (typically 3 years), with a savings provision that allows filing within 2 years after letters of authority are issued.

8. Other Notable Periods

  • Defamation: 1 year (MCL 600.5805(11)).
  • Judgments: 10 years, renewable (MCL 600.5809).
  • UCC sale of goods: 4 years (MCL 440.2725).
  • Notice of claim against state: 1 year (MCL 600.6431).
  • No-fault auto: 1 year for PIP benefits from incurrence (MCL 500.3145).

    • 9. Tolling

    MCL 600.5851 tolls for minors (under 18) and insanity, with a 1-year savings clause after disability removed (capped for med-mal).

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • You have a no-fault auto claim approaching 1 year
    • Your medical malpractice claim requires 182-day notice of intent
    • You are estate fiduciary unsure whether the savings clause applies
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • MCL 600.5805
    • MCL 600.5807
    • MCL 600.5813
    • MCL 600.5838a
    • MCL 600.5852
    • MCL 600.2912b
    • MCL 500.3145

    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.