Statute of limitations for product liability in California

California product-liability injury claims generally follow the two-year personal-injury period. Discovery issues can matter when the product injury or causal connection was not reasonably knowable at the time of exposure or use.

SoL period

2 years

From the date the cause of action accrues

Compute your deadline

Filing deadline

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Where this rule comes from

Statute

Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1

"Within two years: injury to, or death of, an individual caused by wrongful act or neglect."

Read the full statute Last verified May 7, 2026 by Juryvine Editorial

What can extend or pause this clock

Discovery rule. The discovery rule can delay accrual where the injury and its negligent cause were not reasonably knowable.

Frequently asked

What is the statute of limitations for product liability in California?: 2 years from the date the cause of action accrues. Authority: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1.
What if the injury wasn't immediately apparent?: The discovery rule can delay accrual where the injury and its negligent cause were not reasonably knowable.

Product Liability statute by state

Florida 4 years Illinois 2 years New York 3 years Pennsylvania 2 years Texas 2 years

Other California statutes of limitations

Personal Injury 2 years Medical Malpractice 1 year Wrongful Death 2 years Breach of Written Contract 4 years Breach of Oral Contract 2 years Fraud 3 years Wrongful Termination 2 years Civil Rights — 42 U.S.C. § 1983 2 years

Not legal advice. Statutes of limitations are governed by complex doctrine with many exceptions. Use this page as a starting point and verify with an attorney before relying on any deadline. Juryvine is not a law firm and does not represent clients.