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

Federal Section 1983 claims filed in Texas borrow Texas's two-year personal-injury limitations period. Federal law controls accrual, so the clock may start when the plaintiff knows or should know of the constitutional injury.

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

Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003(a)

"Personal-injury actions must be brought not later than two years after accrual."

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 Texas?: 2 years from the date the cause of action accrues. Authority: Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003(a).

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

California 2 years Illinois 2 years New York 3 years Pennsylvania 2 years

Other Texas statutes of limitations

Personal Injury 2 years Medical Malpractice 2 years Wrongful Death 2 years Breach of Written Contract 4 years Breach of Oral Contract 4 years Fraud 4 years Premises Liability 2 years Product Liability 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.