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Statute of limitations refers to the time allowed under the law to file a lawsuit. Lawsuits filed after the statute of limitations date is barred from prosecution/proceeding, even if the facts support the claims made in the petition. However, once a lawsuit is timely filed, the statute of limitations stops running and the claim can be tried or not or settled anytime thereafter even past the end of the statute of limitations date.

In Texas, different causes of actions have different statute of limitations. Here are a few of the common types of lawsuits and their corresponding statute of limitations:

One Year Statute of Limitations

Libel
Slander
Malicious Prosecution

Two Year Statute of Limitations

Negligence (Personal injury actions such as car accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability, products liability, wrongful death)
Deceptive Trade Practices Actions
Injuries to Property
Wrongful holding of property

Four Year Statute of Limitations

Contract Actions
Suit on sworn account
Fraud
Breach of fiduciary duty
Breach of warranty, express or implied
Suits to collect a debt

These statutes of limitations refer to civil actions. There are also statute of limitations for criminal actions, real estate transactions, and Tax Code violations with varying time periods. Although most time periods for filing suits are pretty straight forward, there are complicated exceptions which relate to the stopping and starting of time periods for statute of limitation purposes. If you do not understand the laws or are even hesitant about when to pursue a legal action, it is best to contact a competent lawyer experienced in the area of law that pertains to your case. You may contact our office as follows: