Georgia
Georgia Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 18, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 18, 2026. How we verify our legal content
Georgia civil filing deadlines range from 1 to 6 years depending on the claim type. Personal injury and wrongful death claims carry a 2-year limit under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, written contracts allow 6 years, and fraud actions must be filed within 4 years of discovery.
Hurt in Georgia? If you are still within the deadline above, you can estimate what your injury claim may be worth with our free Georgia personal injury settlement calculator. It gives an instant range based on your medical costs and Georgia's fault rule (general information, not legal advice).
What Is a Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum amount of time a person has to file a lawsuit or begin criminal prosecution after an event occurs. Once this deadline passes, the claim or charge is typically barred forever. In Georgia, these deadlines vary based on the type of case, the severity of the offense, and the specific circumstances involved.
Understanding these time limits is critical. If you miss a filing deadline in a civil case, the court will almost certainly dismiss your claim. In criminal cases, prosecutors lose the ability to bring charges once the clock runs out.
Georgia's statutes of limitations are found primarily in Title 9, Chapter 3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) for civil matters and Title 17, Chapter 3 for criminal matters.
Georgia Civil Statute of Limitations
Georgia's civil statute of limitations sets deadlines for filing lawsuits and other civil actions. These limits range from one to six years depending on the type of case. The clock typically starts on the date the injury or breach occurs, or in some cases, on the date the harm is discovered.
If you fail to file your civil claim before the deadline, the opposing party can raise the statute of limitations as a defense. The court will then dismiss the case, and your legal claim will be lost permanently.
Personal Injury
Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, actions for injuries to the person must be filed within 2 years after the right of action accrues. This applies to car accidents, slip and falls, assault, and most other personal injury claims.
The clock generally starts on the date the injury occurs. Georgia courts apply a "discovery rule" in limited circumstances, meaning the deadline may start when the injured person knew or should have known about the injury.
Wrongful Death
Georgia allows 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2 and § 9-3-33. If the deceased person's estate does not yet have an appointed administrator, the statute may be tolled (paused) for up to 5 years before the 2-year clock begins.
Medical Malpractice
Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-71, medical malpractice claims must be filed within 2 years of the date the negligent act occurred. Georgia also imposes a 5-year statute of repose, meaning no medical malpractice action can be filed more than 5 years after the act, regardless of when the patient discovers the injury.
There is one exception: if a surgeon leaves a foreign object inside a patient's body, the patient has 1 year from the date of discovery to file suit.
Product Liability
Product liability lawsuits in Georgia must be filed within 2 years of the date the injury occurs. The statute of repose begins running from the date the product was first sold, not from the date of manufacture.
Libel and Slander (Defamation)
Claims for injury to reputation must be filed within 1 year under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. This is the shortest civil statute of limitations in Georgia.
Loss of Consortium
If a spouse suffers harm due to injuries inflicted on their partner, they have 4 years to file a loss of consortium claim under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
Fraud
Actions for fraud must be filed within 4 years of the date the fraud is discovered or should have been discovered under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-96.
Property Damage
Georgia provides 4 years to file claims for damage to personal property under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32. This covers vehicle damage, damage to personal belongings, and destruction or conversion of property.
Trespass on Real Property
All actions for trespass or damage to real estate must be filed within 4 years under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-30.
Contracts
Georgia distinguishes between written and oral contracts:
- Written contracts: 6 years under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-24
- Oral contracts: 4 years under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-26
The UCC sale-of-goods exception applies. Contract actions governed by Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code have a separate 4-year limitation period under O.C.G.A. § 11-2-725.
Debt Collection
Actions to collect a debt on an open account must be filed within 4 years under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-25.
Judgments
A foreign judgment (one obtained in another state) must be enforced within 5 years under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-20. Domestic Georgia judgments can be renewed and remain enforceable for 7 years.
Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation claims must be filed within 1 year of the injury under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-82. If the employer provided weekly benefits or medical treatment, the deadline extends to 1 year after the last treatment or 2 years after the last weekly payment, whichever is later.
Childhood Sexual Abuse
Georgia provides extended deadlines for civil claims involving childhood sexual abuse under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.1:
- For abuse on or after July 1, 2015: the victim must file by age 23, or within 2 years of discovering the abuse caused injury (supported by medical or psychological evidence), whichever is later.
- For abuse before July 1, 2015: the victim must file by age 23.
Complete Civil Statute of Limitations Table
| Case Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, § 51-4-2 |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 years (5-year repose) | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-71 |
| Product Liability | 2 years | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 |
| Libel/Slander | 1 year | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 |
| Loss of Consortium | 4 years | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 |
| Fraud | 4 years | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-96 |
| Personal Property Damage | 4 years | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32 |
| Trespass (Real Property) | 4 years | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-30 |
| Written Contracts | 6 years | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-24 |
| Oral Contracts | 4 years | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-26 |
| Debt on Account | 4 years | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-25 |
| Foreign Judgments | 5 years | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-20 |
| Workers' Compensation | 1 year | O.C.G.A. § 34-9-82 |
| Childhood Sexual Abuse | Until age 23 (or 2 yrs. from discovery) | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.1 |
Georgia Criminal Statute of Limitations
Georgia's criminal statute of limitations sets time limits for prosecutors to file criminal charges. These deadlines protect individuals from facing prosecution for alleged crimes that occurred in the distant past, when evidence may have deteriorated and witnesses' memories may have faded.
The primary statute governing criminal limitations is O.C.G.A. § 17-3-1.
Murder
There is no statute of limitations for murder in Georgia. Prosecutors can bring murder charges at any time, regardless of how many years have passed since the killing.
Felonies Punishable by Death or Life Imprisonment
For crimes other than murder that carry a potential sentence of death or life in prison, Georgia sets a 7-year statute of limitations. The notable exception is forcible rape, which carries a 15-year deadline.
Felonies Against Children Under 18
Felonies committed against victims who were under 18 at the time of the offense carry a 7-year statute of limitations, rather than the standard 4-year period for other felonies.
Sexual Offenses Against Victims Under 16
Under O.C.G.A. § 17-3-2.1, for victims under 16 years of age at the time of certain sexual offenses (including rape, sodomy, incest, and child molestation), the statute of limitations does not begin running until the victim turns 16 or the violation is reported to law enforcement, whichever happens first.
DNA Evidence Exception
Under O.C.G.A. § 17-3-1(d), prosecution may be commenced at any time when DNA evidence establishes the identity of the accused for these offenses:
- Armed robbery (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-41)
- Kidnapping (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-40)
- Rape (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-1)
- Aggravated child molestation (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-4)
- Aggravated sodomy (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-2)
- Aggravated sexual battery (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-22.2)
This provision means that cold cases involving these serious crimes can be prosecuted decades later if DNA analysis identifies the suspect.
Other Felonies
All felonies not specifically listed above carry a 4-year statute of limitations.
Misdemeanors
All misdemeanor offenses must be prosecuted within 2 years of the crime.
Crimes Against Victims 65 and Older
Under O.C.G.A. § 17-3-2.2, for crimes against victims who are 65 or older, the statute of limitations does not begin running until the crime is reported to or discovered by law enforcement. However, except for crimes with a limitations period longer than 15 years, prosecution cannot begin more than 15 years after the offense.
Complete Criminal Statute of Limitations Table
| Offense | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Murder | No limit | O.C.G.A. § 17-3-1(a) |
| Forcible Rape | 15 years | O.C.G.A. § 17-3-1(b) |
| Felonies Punishable by Death/Life | 7 years | O.C.G.A. § 17-3-1(b) |
| Felonies Against Victims Under 18 | 7 years | O.C.G.A. § 17-3-1(c) |
| DNA-Identified Crimes (Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Rape, etc.) | No limit | O.C.G.A. § 17-3-1(d) |
| Sexual Offenses Against Victims Under 16 | Tolled until victim turns 16 or report is made | O.C.G.A. § 17-3-2.1 |
| All Other Felonies | 4 years | O.C.G.A. § 17-3-1(c) |
| Misdemeanors | 2 years | O.C.G.A. § 17-3-1(e) |
| Crimes Against Victims 65+ | Tolled until reported (15-year max) | O.C.G.A. § 17-3-2.2 |
When the Clock Stops: Tolling Provisions
Georgia law includes several situations where the statute of limitations is paused, or "tolled." During a tolling period, the countdown stops and does not resume until the tolling condition ends.
Defendant Leaves the State
Under O.C.G.A. § 17-3-2 (criminal) and O.C.G.A. § 9-3-94 (civil), if the defendant leaves Georgia, the time spent out of state does not count toward the limitations period. The clock pauses when the defendant departs and resumes when they return.
Minors
Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-90, individuals who are under 18 when a cause of action accrues receive the full statutory period to file suit after they turn 18. For example, a 10-year-old injured in a car accident would have until age 20 to file a personal injury lawsuit (turning 18 plus the standard 2-year period).
Mental Incapacity
Individuals who are legally incompetent due to intellectual disability or mental illness when the cause of action accrues also receive the full statutory period after the disability is removed under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-90.
Fraud by the Defendant
Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-96, if the defendant committed fraud that prevented the plaintiff from discovering the cause of action, the limitations period does not begin until the plaintiff discovers the fraud.
Pending Criminal Prosecution
Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-99, the statute of limitations for a civil tort claim is tolled while a criminal prosecution arising from the same conduct is pending.
How the Clock Starts in Georgia
For most civil claims, the statute of limitations begins on the date the injury or breach occurs. Georgia follows the "occurrence rule" as the default. This means the clock starts when the harmful act happens, not when the victim discovers the harm.
However, Georgia does recognize a limited discovery rule in certain cases, particularly fraud claims. Under the discovery rule, the limitations period begins when the plaintiff knew or should have known about the injury through reasonable diligence.
Medical malpractice follows the occurrence rule strictly. The 2-year clock starts on the date the negligent act happened, not when the patient learns about it. The 5-year statute of repose provides an absolute outer boundary.
For criminal cases, the limitations period generally begins on the date the crime is committed.
More Georgia Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Georgia?
Georgia allows 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. This applies to car accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, and most other injury claims.
Is there a statute of limitations on murder in Georgia?
No. Georgia has no statute of limitations for murder. Prosecutors can file murder charges at any time, no matter how many years have passed since the killing.
Can the statute of limitations be extended in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia law provides tolling (pausing) of the statute of limitations in several situations. The clock stops if the defendant leaves the state, if the victim is a minor or mentally incapacitated, or if the defendant committed fraud that concealed the cause of action.
What is the deadline for filing a breach of contract lawsuit in Georgia?
For written contracts, you have 6 years to file suit under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-24. For oral contracts, the deadline is 4 years under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-26. UCC sale-of-goods contracts have a separate 4-year limit.
What happens if I miss the statute of limitations deadline in Georgia?
If you file a civil lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the defendant can file a motion to dismiss based on the expired deadline. The court will almost always grant the motion, and your claim will be permanently barred. You will lose the right to seek damages for that incident.
Updates
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes
Corrected 2 statute-attribution/legal-fact errors verified against primary sources.
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Reviewed and approved by an editor
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Official Code of Georgia Annotated
§ 9-3-33Injuries to the person; injuries to reputation; loss of consortium; exception.In forcecited in 9 of our articles
Except as otherwise provided in this article, actions for injuries to the person shall be brought within two years after the right of action accrues, except for injuries to the reputation, which shall be brought within one year after the right of action accrues, and except for actions for injuries…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-08-17 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 729 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
In the courts (editorial summary, independently checked):Georgia courts apply section 9-3-33 by the nature of the injury, not the legal theory: Daniel v. American Optical Corp. (1983) held its two-year personal injury period covers strict liability claims, and Miles v. Ashland Chemical Co. (1991) declined to extend the discovery rule to wrongful death, which accrues at death.
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Shessel v. Stroup (Supreme Court of Georgia 1984, 253 Ga. 56)✓A failed sterilization caused no injury until the patient became pregnant over two years later. Reading OCGA 9-3-33 to run only from when injury accrues, the court used that contrast to hold the separate medical malpractice limit unconstitutional as applied.
- Daniel v. American Optical Corp. (Supreme Court of Georgia 1983, 251 Ga. 166)✓Hot metal flew over a worker's safety glasses into his eye and he sued the manufacturer in strict liability three years later. The court held OCGA 9-3-33's two-year personal injury period turns on the nature of the injury, not the legal theory, so the claim was untimely.
- Miles v. Ashland Chemical Co. (Supreme Court of Georgia 1991, 261 Ga. 726)✓Relatives of three workers who died of cancer sued over methylene chloride warnings more than two years after the deaths, saying they learned of the link later. The court refused to extend the discovery rule to wrongful death; OCGA 9-3-33's two years runs from the date of death.
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Georgia Dog Bite Laws: Liability and Victim Rights, Georgia Car Accident Laws: Fault, Insurance, and Your Claim, Defamation Laws by State: Libel and Slander (2026)
§ 17-3-1Generally.In force
(a) A prosecution for murder may be commenced at any time. (b) Except as otherwise provided in Code Section 17-3-2.1, prosecution for other crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment shall be commenced within seven years after the commission of the crime except as provided by subsection (d)…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-05-06 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 244 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Jenkins v. State (Supreme Court of Georgia 2004, 278 Ga. 598)“…Murder, of course, has no statute of limitations. OCGA§ 17-3-1 (a). 3 See OCGA§ 1…”
- Miller v. State (Supreme Court of Georgia 2002, 275 Ga. 730)“…274 Ga. 287, 288 , 553 S.E.2d 612 (2001). [9] See OCGA § 17-3-1(a) (a "murder" prosecution has no statu…”
- Miles v. Ashland Chemical Co. (Supreme Court of Georgia 1991, 261 Ga. 726)“…g. "A prosecution for murder may be commenced at any time." OCGA § 17-3-1(a). "Prosecution for other crimes punis…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 9-3-71General limitation.In forcecited in 3 of our articles
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this article, an action for medical malpractice shall be brought within two years after the date on which an injury or death arising from a negligent or wrongful act or omission occurred. (b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Code section, in no event may…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-08-17 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 270 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Wright v. Robinson (Supreme Court of Georgia 1993, 262 Ga. 844)“…month renewal period when the statute of ultimate repose in OCGA § 9-3-71 (b) has *845 run. Appellants also con…”
- Clark v. Singer (Supreme Court of Georgia 1983, 250 Ga. 470)“…Ann. § 3-1101) is applicable to actions for wrongful death. OCGA § 9-3-71 (Code Ann. § 3-1102) provides that, exc…”
- Shessel v. Stroup (Supreme Court of Georgia 1984, 253 Ga. 56)“…s I understand them, come squarely within the provisions of OCGA § 9-3-71. I am authorized to state that Presid…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Georgia Medical Records Retention Laws (2026 Guide), Medical Malpractice Laws in Georgia (2026): Deadlines & Caps
§ 51-4-2Persons entitled to bring action for wrongful death of spouse or parent; survival of action; release of wrongdoer; disposition of recovery; exemption from liability for decedent's debts; recovery not barred when child born out of wedlock.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) The surviving spouse or, if there is no surviving spouse, a child or children, either minor or sui juris, may recover for the homicide of the spouse or parent the full value of the life of the decedent, as shown by the evidence. (b)(1) If an action for wrongful death is brought by a survivi
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-06 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.ga.gov
Cited in 114 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Williams v. Department of Human Resources (Supreme Court of Georgia 2000, 272 Ga. 624)“…S.E.2d 112 . [13] OCGA § 50-21-22(1), (3). [14] See OCGA §§ 51-4-2, 51-4-5; Lovett v. Garvin, 232 Ga.…”
- Miles v. Ashland Chemical Co. (Supreme Court of Georgia 1991, 261 Ga. 726)“…child or children may recover for the homicide of a parent, OCGA § 51-4-2(a), (b); a parent may recover for the h…”
- Brown v. Liberty Oil & Refining Corp. (Supreme Court of Georgia 1991, 261 Ga. 214)“…e. This case involves the Georgia wrongful death statute, OCGA § 51-4-2 (a), which provides: The surviving sp…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Georgia Wrongful Death Laws (2026): Deadlines & Who Can Sue
§ 9-3-24Actions on simple written contracts; exceptions.In forcecited in 3 of our articles
All actions upon simple contracts in writing shall be brought within six years after the same become due and payable. However, this Code section shall not apply to actions for the breach of contracts for the sale of goods under Article 2 of Title 11 or to negotiable instruments under Article 3 of…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-08-17 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 207 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Hamburger v. PFM Capital Management, Inc. (Court of Appeals of Georgia 2007, 286 Ga. App. 382)“…that her breach of contract claims were time-barred. Under OCGA § 9-3-24, an action for breach of a written cont…”
- Lumbermen's Mutual Casualty Co. v. Pattillo Construction Co. (Supreme Court of Georgia 1985, 254 Ga. 461)“…f limitations for actions arising under a written contract, OCGA § 9-3-24, and the Court *462 of Appeals affirm…”
- Thornton v. Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance (Supreme Court of Georgia 2010, 287 Ga. 379)“…statute of limitation for contract claims is six years, see OCGA § 9-3-24, but the courts have nevertheless enfor…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Debt Collection Laws by State: Garnishment, SOL, and Repossession Rules, Georgia Debt Collection Laws: Garnishment Caps, the 10-Day Repo Notice, and Debt Time Limits
§ 9-3-26Other actions on contracts; exception.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
All other actions upon contracts express or implied not otherwise provided for shall be brought within four years from the accrual of the right of action. However, this Code section shall not apply to actions for the breach of contracts for the sale of goods under Article 2 of Title 11. (Ga. L.…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-08-17 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 27 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Lor, Inc. v. Glen W. Rollins (Court of Appeals of Georgia 2018, 815 S.E.2d 169)“…ed”). 17 and OCGA § 9-3-26, respectively.10 Furthermore, in Georgi…”
- Glen W. Rollins v. Lor, Inc. (Court of Appeals of Georgia 2018)“…ed”). 17 and OCGA § 9-3-26, respectively.10 Furthermore, in Georgi…”
- Engram v. Engram (Supreme Court of Georgia 1995, 265 Ga. 804)“…y, begins to run upon the accrual of a right of action. Cf. OCGA § 9-3-26. As this Court has held, the date of ac…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 11-2-725Statute of limitations in contracts for sale.In force
(1) An action for breach of any contract for sale must be commenced within four years after the cause of action has accrued. By the original agreement the parties may reduce the period of limitation to not less than one year but may not extend it. (2) A cause of action accrues when the breach…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-08-17 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 39 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Versico, Inc. v. Engineered Fabrics Corp. (Court of Appeals of Georgia 1999, 238 Ga. App. 837)“…the applicable statute of limitation was four years, under OCGA § 11-2-725 (1), and that the limitation period did…”
- Southern Tank & Equipment Co. v. Zartic, Inc. (Court of Appeals of Georgia 1996, 221 Ga. App. 503)“…determined that suit was filed after the time limitation in OCGA § 11-2-725 had passed. Southern quoted a pr…”
- All Tech Co. v. Laimer Unicon, LLC (Court of Appeals of Georgia 2006, 281 Ga. App. 579)“…e statute of *580 limitation as set forth in OCGA § 11-2-725. Additionally, Laimer’s brief in suppor…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 9-3-25Open accounts; breach of certain contracts; implied promise; exception.In forcecited in 3 of our articles
All actions upon open account, or for the breach of any contract not under the hand of the party sought to be charged, or upon any implied promise or undertaking shall be brought within four years after the right of action accrues.…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-08-17 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 121 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Kicklighter v. Kicklighter (Supreme Court of Georgia 1996, 267 Ga. 157)“…n 1980 was barred by the four-year statute of limitation in OCGA § 9-3-25; and (2) the will classified the timber…”
- Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue v. American Envirecycle, Inc. (Court of Appeals of Georgia 1995, 217 Ga. App. 80)“…ement, is subject to the four-year statute of limitation in OCGA § 9-3-25. (Cits.)’ [Cits.] ‘ “In Georgia legal m…”
- DOUGLAS COE v. PROSKAUER ROSE LLP (Supreme Court of Georgia 2022, 314 Ga. 519)“…e of limitation for legal malpractice claims is set out in OCGA § 9-3-25. 13 See Armstrong v. Cuffie, 311 Ga. 79…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 9-3-32Accrual of actions for recovery of personal property or loss of timber; damages for conversion or destruction.In force
Actions for the recovery of personal property, or for damages for the conversion or destruction of the same, shall be brought within four years after the right of action accrues, and actions involving the unauthorized cutting or cutting and carrying away of timber from the property of another shall…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-08-17 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 46 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Tilley v. Page (Court of Appeals of Georgia 1986, 181 Ga. App. 98)“…3. The appellee's contention that the action was barred by OCGA § 9-3-32 because it was not brought within two y…”
- Lor, Inc. v. Glen W. Rollins (Court of Appeals of Georgia 2018, 815 S.E.2d 169)“…richment are subject to a four-year limitation period under OCGA § 9-3-32 8 Id. at 357-58 (…”
- Logan v. Tucker (Court of Appeals of Georgia 1997, 224 Ga. App. 404)“…property without any averment of resulting personal injury. OCGA § 9-3-32 provides as follows: “Actions for the r…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 9-3-30Trespass or damage to realty.In force
(a) All actions for trespass upon or damage to realty shall be brought within four years after the right of action accrues. (b)(1) The causes of action specified in Code Section 51-1-11 and subsection (a) of Code Section 9-3-51 for recovery of damages to a dwelling due to the manufacture of or the…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-08-17 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 142 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Corporation of Mercer University v. National Gypsum Co. (Supreme Court of Georgia 1988, 258 Ga. 365)“…lved. The applicable statute of limitations in this case is OCGA § 9-3-30 which provides that the action must be…”
- Hanna v. McWilliams (Court of Appeals of Georgia 1994, 213 Ga. App. 648)“…rought within four years after the right of action accrues (OCGA § 9-3-30); likewise, actions for injuries to per…”
- Lumbermen's Mutual Casualty Co. v. Pattillo Construction Co. (Supreme Court of Georgia 1985, 254 Ga. 461)“…e trial court nor the Court of Appeals expressly considered OCGA § 9-3-30, which provides that "All actions for .…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 9-3-20Actions on foreign judgments.In force
All actions upon judgments obtained outside this state, except judgments for child support or spousal support, or both, shall be brought within five years after such judgments have been obtained. (Laws 1805, Cobb's 1851 Digest, p. 564; Ga. L. 1855-56, p. 233, § 7; Code 1863, § 2854;…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-08-17 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 13 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Department of Human Resources v. Deason (Court of Appeals of Georgia 1999, 238 Ga. App. 853)“…a statute of limitation, Ga. L. 1997, pp. 1613, 1616, § 1 (OCGA § 9-3-20); (2) judgments or orders for child sup…”
- Wright v. Trust Co. Bank (Court of Appeals of Georgia 1995, 219 Ga. App. 551)“…action is barred by the five-year statute of limitation in OCGA § 9-3-20, in that the judgment was filed in Geor…”
- Corzo Trucking Corp. v. West (Court of Appeals of Georgia 2006, 281 Ga. App. 361)“…specifically applicable to actions on foreign judgments is OCGA § 9-3-20, which generally requires all actions u…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 34-9-82Limitation period and procedure for filing claims.In force
(a) The right to compensation shall be barred unless a claim therefor is filed within one year after injury, except that if payment of weekly benefits has been made or remedial treatment has been furnished by the employer on account of the injury the claim may be filed within one year after the…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-08-17 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 43 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2023
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Wier v. Skyline Messenger Service (Court of Appeals of Georgia 1992, 203 Ga. App. 673)“…application to appeal of employee Wier to consider whether OCGA § 34-9-82 applies to “medical only” claims when v…”
- Robinson v. J. Smith Lanier & Co. (Court of Appeals of Georgia 1996, 220 Ga. App. 737)“…ince more than two years have passed from the last payment. OCGA § 34-9-82 would permit the filing of a claim with…”
- Harper v. L & M GRANITE CO. (Court of Appeals of Georgia 1990, 197 Ga. App. 157)“…st L & M was barred by the one-year limitation contained in OCGA § 34-9-82. Held: 1. Appellant as…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 9-3-90Individuals under disability or imprisoned when cause of action accrues.In force
(a) Individuals who are legally incompetent because of intellectual disability or mental illness, who are such when the cause of action accrues, shall be entitled to the same time after their disability is removed to bring an action as is prescribed for other persons. (b) Except as otherwise…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-08-17 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 110 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Charter Peachford Behavioral Health System, Inc. v. Kohout. (Court of Appeals of Georgia 1998, 233 Ga. App. 452)“…etent because of mental retardation or mental illness”) and OCGA § 9-3-90 (a), when construed in pari materia, ha…”
- Howard v. State (Court of Appeals of Georgia 1997, 226 Ga. App. 543)“…rement until appellant reaches her majority. 5 OCGA § 9-3-90 (a); Price v. Dept. of Transp.,…”
- Martin v. Herrington Mill, LP (Court of Appeals of Georgia 2012, 316 Ga. App. 696)“…mind, we will now address Martin’s claims of error. Under OCGA § 9-3-90 (a), “persons who are legally incompete…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 9-3-96Tolling of limitations for fraud of defendant.In force
If the defendant or those under whom he claims are guilty of a fraud by which the plaintiff has been debarred or deterred from bringing an action, the period of limitation shall run only from the time of the plaintiff's discovery of the fraud. (Ga. L. 1855-56, p. 233, § 30; Code 1863, § 2872;…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-08-17 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 218 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Hunter, MacLean, Exley & Dunn, P.C. v. Frame (Supreme Court of Georgia 1998, 269 Ga. 844)“…that is consistent with both this Court’s precedent and OCGA § 9-3-96. 2. Applying these principles to…”
- Charter Peachford Behavioral Health System, Inc. v. Kohout. (Court of Appeals of Georgia 1998, 233 Ga. App. 452)“…149 Ga. App. 393, 394 ( 254 SE2d 509 ) (1979); see also OCGA § 9-3-96. Fraud under OCGA § 9-3-96 requires tha…”
- Canas v. Al-Jabi (Court of Appeals of Georgia 2006, 282 Ga. App. 764)“…e of ultimate repose cannot be tolled,” even by fraud under OCGA § 9-3-96, 11 “to permit actions to…”
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§ 9-3-99Tolling of limitations for tort actions while criminal prosecution is pending.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
The running of the period of limitations with respect to any cause of action in tort that may be brought by the victim of an alleged crime which arises out of the facts and circumstances relating to the commission of such alleged crime committed in this state shall be tolled from the date of the…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-08-17 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 58 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- HARRISON v. McAFEE Et Al. (Court of Appeals of Georgia 2016, 338 Ga. App. 393)“…y claims. Harrison argues that his lawsuit is timely under OCGA § 9-3-99, which tolls the limitations period for…”
- Valades v. Uslu (Court of Appeals of Georgia 2009, 301 Ga. App. 885)“…e Valadeses counter that the limitation period is tolled by OCGA § 9-3-99, which provides: The running of…”
- Department of Public Safety v. Ragsdale (Supreme Court of Georgia 2020, 308 Ga. 210)“…see OCGA § 50-21-26 (a) (1), is subject to tolling under OCGA § 9-3-99, when the tort at issue arises from a…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
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Sources and References
- O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 - Injuries to the Person; Injuries to Reputation; Loss of Consortium(law.justia.com)
- O.C.G.A. § 9-3-24 - Actions on Simple Written Contracts(law.justia.com)
- O.C.G.A. § 9-3-26 - Other Actions on Contracts(law.justia.com)
- O.C.G.A. § 9-3-71 - Medical Malpractice General Limitation(law.justia.com)
- O.C.G.A. § 17-3-1 - Criminal Statute of Limitations Generally(law.justia.com)
- O.C.G.A. § 17-3-2.1 - Exclusions for Offenses Involving Victims Under 16(law.justia.com)
- O.C.G.A. § 17-3-2.2 - Statute of Limitations for Victims 65 and Older(law.justia.com)
- O.C.G.A. § 9-3-90 - Tolling for Minors and Individuals Under Disability(law.justia.com)
- O.C.G.A. § 9-3-96 - Tolling of Limitations for Fraud of Defendant(law.justia.com)
- O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.1 - Actions for Childhood Sexual Abuse(law.justia.com)
- O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32 - Recovery of Personal Property; Damages for Conversion(law.justia.com)
- O.C.G.A. § 9-3-30 - Trespass or Damage to Realty(law.justia.com)
- O.C.G.A. § 34-9-82 - Workers Compensation Filing Deadline(law.justia.com)
- O.C.G.A. § 9-3-99 - Tolling During Pending Criminal Prosecution(law.justia.com)