When it comes to filing a lawsuit or pursuing justice through the legal system, timing is everything. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, are the victim of medical malpractice, or want to file a breach of contract claim, there’s a legal deadline you need to be aware of—the statute of limitations.

A statute of limitations is a state law that limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. If you miss that window, you may lose your right to seek compensation or justice, even if your claim is valid. In Missouri, these deadlines vary by case type and circumstance. Understanding how the statute of limitations applies to your situation can help you act in time and avoid costly legal setbacks — a St. Louis personal injury lawyer will be able to fight for the compensation that you deserve.

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Civil Claims in Missouri

The Missouri Revised Statutes lay out time limits for a variety of civil claims. These laws are primarily found in Chapter 516, which deals with limitations of actions.

For most personal injury cases—such as car accidents, slips and falls, or dog bites—Missouri allows five years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. This also applies to property damage and other torts. These deadlines are codified in Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120, which covers several categories of civil claims, including injury to person or property, fraud, and breach of oral contract.

If your claim involves a written contract, Missouri provides a longer window—ten years from the date the contract was breached, according to RSMo § 516.110. For oral contracts, the five-year limit in § 516.120 still applies.

Wrongful death cases are treated differently. If a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence or intentional act, Missouri law gives surviving family members three years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. This statute can be found under RSMo § 537.100.

Medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years from the date of the negligent act or from when the injury was discovered—or should reasonably have been discovered. However, no malpractice case can be filed more than ten years after the date of the alleged negligence, regardless of when the harm was discovered. This is outlined in RSMo § 516.105.

For defamation cases (libel or slander), Missouri has a relatively short statute of limitations—just two years from the date of the statement. These cases fall under RSMo § 516.140.

Criminal Statutes of Limitations in Missouri

In the criminal context, Missouri imposes different time limits based on the severity of the crime. These laws are described in Chapter 556 of the Revised Statutes, specifically RSMo § 556.036.

  • No time limit exists for Class A felonies, including murder and certain sex crimes involving minors. Prosecutors can file charges at any time.

  • Three years is the statute of limitations for most other felonies.

  • One year is the limit for filing charges in misdemeanor cases.

In some cases, the statute of limitations may not begin until the crime is discovered or reported, especially in cases involving fraud, child abuse, or public corruption.

Tolling and Special Exceptions

Missouri law also accounts for certain circumstances that may pause or “toll” the statute of limitations. For example, if the injured party is a minor under the age of 21, mentally incapacitated, or imprisoned at the time of the incident, the statute of limitations does not begin until the legal disability is removed. This is explained in RSMo § 516.170.

Additionally, if the defendant leaves the state, hides their identity, or takes other actions to avoid legal accountability, the statute may also be paused. This gives plaintiffs more time to file when the defendant has tried to dodge responsibility.

Why It Matters

Missing the statute of limitations can have serious consequences. Courts are very strict about these deadlines, and they rarely make exceptions. Even if your claim has merit, you will likely be barred from pursuing it once the deadline has passed. This can mean forfeiting the chance to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or property loss.

On the criminal side, expired statutes can prevent the prosecution of offenders, leaving victims without closure or justice.

Don’t Miss Your Window To File

Whether you’re seeking compensation for a car crash, thinking about filing a wrongful death claim, or considering legal action over a breached contract, understanding Missouri’s statute of limitations is essential. These laws are in place to encourage prompt resolution of disputes, preserve evidence, and protect defendants from being pursued indefinitely.