Every civil lawsuit deadline in Illinois for 2026 — personal injury, medical malpractice, debt, contracts, and more.
| Case Type | Time Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🤕 Personal Injury | 2 years | Car accidents, slip and fall, assault, and other injuries. |
| 🏥 Medical Malpractice | 2 years | 2 years from discovery. Max 4 years from act. |
| 📄 Written Contract | 10 years | 10 years — one of the longest. |
| 🗣️ Oral Contract | 5 years | Breach of a verbal agreement — handshake deals and spoken promises. |
| 💳 Debt Collection | 5 years | How long creditors can sue you for unpaid debts. |
| 🏠 Property Damage | 5 years | Damage to your car, home, or personal property by others. |
| ⚖️ Wrongful Death | 2 years | Lawsuit by surviving family when negligence causes death. |
| 📰 Defamation (Libel & Slander) | 1 year — URGENT | 1 year from publication. |
| 🎭 Fraud & Misrepresentation | 5 years | Intentional deception causing financial harm. |
| 👷 Workers' Compensation | 3 years | Deadline to file a workers' comp claim after workplace injury. |
| 🛡️ Sexual Assault (Civil) | 20 years | 20 years from age 18 for childhood abuse. |
| 💼 Employment Claims | 2 years | Wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, unpaid wages. |
⚠️ Always verify with a licensed Illinois attorney before filing. Laws change and exceptions may apply to your specific situation.