Statute of limitations for civil rights — 42 u.s.c. § 1983 in New York

Federal Section 1983 claims filed in New York borrow New York's three-year personal-injury period. Federal accrual rules still determine when the constitutional claim starts running.

SoL period

3 years

From the date the cause of action accrues

Compute your deadline

Filing deadline

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Where this rule comes from

Statute

N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5)

"Personal-injury damages actions must be commenced within three years."

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

Frequently asked

What is the statute of limitations for civil rights — 42 u.s.c. § 1983 in New York?: 3 years from the date the cause of action accrues. Authority: N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5).

Civil Rights — 42 U.S.C. § 1983 statute by state

California 2 years Illinois 2 years Pennsylvania 2 years Texas 2 years

Other New York statutes of limitations

Personal Injury 3 years Medical Malpractice 2 years 6 months Wrongful Death 2 years Breach of Written Contract 6 years Breach of Oral Contract 6 years Fraud 6 years Premises Liability 3 years Product Liability 3 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.