Civil Statutes of Limitations

Civil Statute of Limitations for United States Federal Courts

The federal statute of limitations for civil cases varies depending on the type of case. For example, the statute of limitations for contract disputes is usually six years, while the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is usually two years. The statute of limitations for some federal civil rights violations is four years. However, some federal civil claims may have a longer or shorter statute of limitations or none at all, and it's always best to consult with an attorney to determine the specific statute of limitations for a particular case.

There are many types of civil cases that can be brought in federal court, but some of the most common include:

  1. Contract Disputes: These cases involve disputes over the terms of a contract, such as a breach of contract or a failure to perform under the terms of a contract.

  2. Intellectual Property: This type of case involves disputes over patents, trademarks, and copyrights.

  3. Employment Discrimination: Federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin, age, and disability. These cases are often brought under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other federal laws.

  4. Personal Injury: These cases involve injuries caused by the negligence or wrongful conduct of another party.

  5. Securities Fraud: These cases involve allegations of fraud or deceit in the sale of securities.

  6. Civil Rights: These cases involve allegations of violation of individual rights protected by federal law, such as freedom of speech and due process, to name a few.

  7. Immigration: These cases involve disputes over immigration status and deportation proceedings.

  8. Environmental: These cases involve disputes over compliance with federal environmental laws and regulations.

  9. Bankruptcy: This type of case involves disputes arising from bankruptcy proceedings.

  10. Class Action Lawsuits: These cases involve a group of people who have a common legal claim against a defendant and are brought together as a single lawsuit.

This is not an exhaustive list and there are many other types of cases that can be brought in federal court.