Colorado Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type (2026 Guide)

A comprehensive guide to Colorado's statute of limitations for civil claims. Find out how long you have to file a lawsuit for personal injury, breach of contract, medical malpractice, debt collection, property damage, and other claims under Colorado law.

Written by Daniel L. Simmons, J.D. · Last updated January 15, 2026

Fact-checked by the CourtDateCalculator.online legal editorial team. Reviewed for accuracy against Colorado Revised Statutes.

Table of Contents

  1. Overview of Colorado Deadlines
  2. Civil Statute of Limitations by Case Type
  3. Personal Injury Claims
  4. Contract Disputes
  5. Medical Malpractice
  6. Property Damage
  7. Debt Collection
  8. Wrongful Death
  9. Claims Against Government Entities
  10. Criminal Statute of Limitations
  11. Tolling and Exceptions
  12. Legal References
  13. Frequently Asked Questions

Overview of Colorado Statute of Limitations

Colorado's statute of limitations sets strict deadlines for filing lawsuits in both civil and criminal cases. These deadlines are codified primarily in the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.), Title 13, Article 80, and vary depending on the type of claim. Missing a deadline can result in your case being dismissed, regardless of how strong your claim may be.

Colorado generally has shorter statute of limitations periods compared to many other states. The time limits for most civil claims range from 1 year for defamation to 3 years for fraud and certain contract claims. Personal injury claims must be filed within 2 years, and medical malpractice claims are subject to a 2-year limit with a 3-year statute of repose.

Key point: The statute of limitations clock typically starts on the date the injury occurred or the date the injury was discovered (or should have been discovered). Always verify the applicable deadline with a qualified Colorado attorney before relying on any general information.

Civil Statute of Limitations by Case Type

The following table summarizes the most common civil statute of limitations deadlines in Colorado. These are general time limits and special rules may apply depending on the specific facts of your case.

Case Type Statute of Limitations Colorado Code
Personal Injury 2 years C.R.S. § 13-80-102
Wrongful Death 2 years C.R.S. § 13-80-102
Breach of Written Contract 3 years C.R.S. § 13-80-101
Breach of Oral Contract 2 years C.R.S. § 13-80-102
Property Damage 2–3 years C.R.S. § 13-80-102 / 13-80-101
Medical Malpractice 2 years (3-year repose) C.R.S. § 13-64-302
Legal Malpractice 2 years C.R.S. § 13-80-102
Fraud 3 years C.R.S. § 13-80-101
Defamation (Libel/Slander) 1 year C.R.S. § 13-80-103
Product Liability 2 years C.R.S. § 13-80-102
Debt Collection (Written Contract) 3 years C.R.S. § 13-80-101
Debt Collection (Oral Contract) 2 years C.R.S. § 13-80-102
Claims Against Government 180 days (notice required) C.R.S. § 24-10-109
Childhood Sexual Abuse No limit (for claims arising on/after 5/29/2021) C.R.S. § 13-80-102
Workers' Compensation Claim 2 years from injury / last benefit C.R.S. § 8-43-107

Important: This table provides general time limits for common civil claims in Colorado. Special rules may apply for claims involving minors, government entities, medical malpractice, and other specific situations. Always consult with a qualified Colorado attorney for advice on your particular case.

Personal Injury Claims in Colorado

Under C.R.S. § 13-80-102(1)(a), Colorado's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date the injury occurred. This applies to a wide range of cases, including:

  • Car accidents and motor vehicle collisions
  • Slip and fall / premises liability cases
  • Assault and battery
  • Dog bites and animal attacks
  • Workplace injuries (outside of workers' compensation)
  • Product liability injuries

Discovery Rule

Colorado courts apply the "discovery rule" in certain cases where the injury is not immediately apparent. Under this doctrine, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the plaintiff discovered, or through reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury and its cause. This is commonly applied in toxic exposure cases, occupational diseases, and cases involving latent injuries. Colorado follows the "discovery of the injury" standard, meaning the clock starts when the plaintiff knows or should know both the injury and its cause.

Minors

If the injured person is under 18 at the time of the injury, the statute of limitations is generally tolled under C.R.S. § 13-81-101 until they reach the age of majority. Once the minor turns 18, the standard limitations period begins. However, there is an important exception: for medical malpractice claims involving minors under 6 years of age, special rules apply (see the Medical Malpractice section below).

Government claims exception: If your personal injury claim is against a government entity (state, county, city, or public agency), different and much shorter deadlines apply. Colorado's Governmental Immunity Act requires notice within 180 days, and you should consult an attorney immediately if your claim involves a government defendant.

Contract Disputes in Colorado

Colorado law distinguishes between different types of contracts, with varying statute of limitations periods for each. Colorado's deadlines are generally shorter than those in many other states.

Written Contracts

Under C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(a), the statute of limitations for breach of a written contract is 3 years from the date of the breach. This applies to employment agreements, lease agreements, business contracts, promissory notes, and other written agreements. The clock starts on the date the breach occurred. Colorado's 3-year period is notably shorter than many states, which typically allow 4 to 6 years for written contract claims.

Oral Contracts

Under C.R.S. § 13-80-102(1)(a), the statute of limitations for breach of an oral contract is 2 years from the date of the breach. Oral contracts are enforceable in Colorado for most purposes, but the shorter deadline reflects the difficulty of proving the terms of an unwritten agreement after a long period of time.

Contracts Under Seal

For contracts executed under seal, C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(a) provides a 6-year statute of limitations. While the use of seals is uncommon in modern practice, certain formal documents may still qualify for this extended period.

UCC Sales of Goods

For contracts involving the sale of goods, Colorado's version of the Uniform Commercial Code (C.R.S. § 4-2-725) sets a 4-year statute of limitations. The parties may reduce this to not less than 1 year, but may not extend it beyond 4 years.

Note: The statute of limitations for contract claims generally begins on the date of the breach, not the date the breach was discovered. However, there are limited exceptions for fraud in the inducement and other special circumstances. Colorado courts have held that the discovery rule may apply in certain contract cases where the breach was not readily apparent.

Medical Malpractice in Colorado

Colorado's medical malpractice statute of limitations is governed by C.R.S. § 13-64-302. The rules are specific and have important nuances:

  • 2 years from the date of the alleged act of medical negligence, or 2 years from the date the injury was discovered (or should have been discovered)
  • A 3-year statute of repose bars all claims filed more than 3 years after the date of the negligent act, regardless of when the injury was discovered
  • For minors under 6 years of age, the action must be filed within 3 years of the act or before the child's 8th birthday, whichever provides more time

This means that unlike ordinary personal injury claims (which have a 2-year window from the date of injury), medical malpractice claims have the additional constraint of the 3-year statute of repose, which serves as an absolute deadline.

Certificate of Review

Colorado requires that a certificate of review be filed within 60 days after service of the complaint in any medical malpractice action. This certificate must state that the plaintiff's attorney has consulted with a person who has expertise in the same medical field as the defendant and that the claims are not frivolous. Failure to file the certificate of review can result in dismissal of the case.

Exceptions

There are limited exceptions to the standard medical malpractice deadlines:

  • Foreign object: If a foreign object (such as a surgical instrument or sponge) was left in the patient's body, the claim may be filed within 2 years of the date the plaintiff discovered or should have discovered the injury
  • Fraudulent concealment: If the healthcare provider fraudulently concealed the negligent act, the statute of limitations may be tolled until the plaintiff discovered or should have discovered the facts
  • Minors under 6: Special rules extend the deadline for young children, as described above

Statute of Repose

Colorado imposes a 3-year statute of repose for medical malpractice claims. This means that regardless of when the injury was discovered, no medical malpractice action may be filed more than 3 years after the date of the alleged negligent act. This is an absolute bar to claims, with very limited exceptions.

Warning: Medical malpractice cases in Colorado have strict and complex deadlines. The 2-year statute of limitations and the 3-year statute of repose work together to create narrow filing windows. Additionally, the certificate of review requirement adds a procedural hurdle. Do not delay in consulting with a Colorado medical malpractice attorney if you believe you have a claim.

Property Damage Claims in Colorado

Under C.R.S. § 13-80-102 and C.R.S. § 13-80-101, the statute of limitations for property damage claims in Colorado is generally 2 years for tort-based claims (trespass, negligence) and 3 years for contract-based claims. This applies to:

  • Damage to real property (land, buildings, structures)
  • Damage to personal property (vehicles, equipment, belongings)
  • Trespass to real property
  • Conversion (theft or unauthorized use of personal property)
  • Vandalism and intentional property damage
  • Negligent damage to property

The clock generally starts on the date the damage occurred. For latent damage that is not immediately discoverable (such as construction defects or environmental contamination), the discovery rule may apply, delaying the start of the limitations period until the damage was discovered or should have been discovered.

Debt Collection in Colorado

The statute of limitations for debt collection in Colorado depends on the type of debt. Colorado has relatively short deadlines compared to many other states:

Type of Debt Statute of Limitations Legal Basis
Written contract (loans, promissory notes) 3 years C.R.S. § 13-80-101
Oral contract 2 years C.R.S. § 13-80-102
Open-ended account (credit cards) 3 years C.R.S. § 13-80-101
Auto loan deficiency 3 years C.R.S. § 13-80-101
Court judgments 20 years (renewable) C.R.S. § 13-52-102
State tax liability 5 years C.R.S. § 39-21-107

When Does the Clock Start?

For most debts, the statute of limitations starts from the date of default or the date of last payment, whichever is later. In Colorado, making a partial payment or written acknowledgment of the debt may restart the statute of limitations clock.

Credit Card Debt

The statute of limitations for credit card debt in Colorado is generally 3 years under the written contract provision. Credit card agreements are typically treated as written contracts, even though the cardholder may not have signed a traditional paper agreement. The 3-year period starts from the date of the last payment or the date of default.

Important: After the statute of limitations expires, debt collectors can still attempt to collect the debt, but they cannot successfully sue you. However, making a partial payment or acknowledging the debt in writing may restart the clock. Do not make any payment or written acknowledgment on an old debt without first consulting an attorney.

Wrongful Death Claims in Colorado

Under C.R.S. § 13-80-102(1)(e), the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Colorado is 2 years from the date of the decedent's death. This applies when a person's death is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another.

Who Can File

Colorado law has unique rules about who may file a wrongful death claim, which depend on the timing:

  • First year after death: Only the surviving spouse may file a wrongful death claim, unless the decedent left no surviving spouse
  • After the first year: The surviving spouse, surviving children, and the decedent's parents may all file claims
  • If there is no surviving spouse, children, or parents, the personal representative of the estate may file on behalf of designated beneficiaries

Common Wrongful Death Scenarios

  • Fatal car or truck accidents
  • Medical malpractice resulting in death
  • Workplace fatalities
  • Defective products causing death
  • Intentional acts of violence
  • Nursing home neglect or abuse

If the wrongful death claim is against a government entity, the 180-day notice requirement under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act applies, and you should act immediately.

Claims Against Government Entities in Colorado

Colorado's Governmental Immunity Act (CGIA), codified at C.R.S. § 24-10-101 et seq., imposes special rules and significantly shorter deadlines for claims against government entities.

Notice Requirements

Under Colorado law, you must file a written notice of claim with the relevant government entity within 180 days of the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered. The notice must include:

  • The name and address of the claimant and their attorney
  • The date, time, and location of the incident
  • A brief description of the circumstances and the injury
  • The amount of damages claimed (if known)

Applicable Entities

The notice requirements apply to claims against:

  • The State of Colorado
  • Cities and municipalities
  • Counties
  • Public school districts and universities
  • Public hospitals and transit authorities
  • Any other state or local government entity

Statute of Limitations

After filing the required notice of claim, the government entity has a period to investigate and respond. If the claim is denied, the claimant may then file a lawsuit. The general statute of limitations for government claims in Colorado is subject to the underlying claim's limitations period, but the 180-day notice requirement is an absolute prerequisite that must be met regardless.

Critical: Missing the 180-day notice deadline for a government claim can permanently bar your claim. Unlike private lawsuits, there is very little room for late filings or exceptions. If you believe you have a claim against a government entity in Colorado, act immediately and consult with an attorney.

Criminal Statute of Limitations in Colorado

Colorado's criminal statute of limitations is governed by C.R.S. § 16-5-401. The deadlines vary based on the severity of the offense:

Crimes with No Statute of Limitations

Colorado law permits prosecution at any time for the following offenses:

  • Murder (first-degree, second-degree, felony murder)
  • Voluntary manslaughter
  • Kidnapping
  • Treason
  • Forgery
  • Aggravated incest
  • Certain felony sexual offenses against children (when reported within 10 years and DNA identifies defendant)
  • Sexual offenses against children in general (no time limit)

Statute of Limitations by Offense Level

Offense Type Statute of Limitations Legal Basis
Vehicular homicide (alone) 5 years C.R.S. § 16-5-401
Leaving scene of accident resulting in death (alone) 5 years C.R.S. § 16-5-401
Both vehicular homicide AND leaving scene in same episode 10 years C.R.S. § 16-5-401
All other felonies (general) 3 years C.R.S. § 16-5-401
Misdemeanors (general) 18 months C.R.S. § 16-5-401
Misdemeanor traffic offenses 1 year C.R.S. § 16-5-401
Petty offenses 6 months C.R.S. § 16-5-401

Crimes Against Children (Extended Limits)

Colorado provides extended time limits for crimes against child victims:

  • Sexual offenses in general: No time limit
  • Misdemeanor sexual assault: 5 years
  • Other specific sexual violations: 10 years
  • Sexual exploitation: 7 years (extension beyond 3-year limit)
  • Misdemeanor unlawful sexual contact: 3 years and 6 months

When Does Criminal Prosecution Officially Begin?

Under Colorado law, a criminal prosecution is considered officially commenced when the state files one of the following:

  • Indictment — A formal charge issued by a grand jury
  • Information — A formal charge filed by the prosecutor without a grand jury
  • Complaint — A sworn statement alleging criminal conduct

Mere investigation or police questioning does not start the prosecution. The formal charging document must be filed with the court before the statute of limitations expires.

Challenging Expired Criminal Charges

If you believe the statute of limitations has expired on criminal charges filed against you, your defense attorney can file a motion to dismiss under Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure. The court will examine the date the alleged offense occurred, the date the charging document was filed, and whether any tolling provisions applied.

Note: Colorado has eliminated the statute of limitations for serious sex offenses against children. Additionally, if an offense is concealed by fraud or is difficult to detect, the limitation period may be extended until discovered or for an additional 3 years. Bribery and corrupt practices involving public officials have a 3-year extension beyond the standard limit.

Tolling and Exceptions in Colorado

Under certain circumstances, Colorado law allows the statute of limitations to be "tolled" (paused or extended). Common tolling doctrines include:

Minority (Under Age of Majority)

If the plaintiff is under the age of 18 at the time the cause of action accrues, the statute of limitations is tolled under C.R.S. § 13-81-101. The clock starts once the minor reaches the age of 18. However, for medical malpractice claims involving minors under 6, special rules apply as described in the Medical Malpractice section.

Mental Incapacity

If the plaintiff lacks the legal capacity to manage their own affairs at the time the cause of action accrues, the statute of limitations may be tolled under C.R.S. § 13-81-101. The tolling continues while the incapacity exists.

Defendant's Absence from the State

Under C.R.S. § 13-80-108, if the defendant is absent from the state at the time the cause of action accrues, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the defendant returns. If the defendant leaves after the cause of action accrues, the time of absence is not counted toward the limitations period.

Discovery Rule

Colorado courts recognize the discovery rule in many types of cases. Under this doctrine, the statute of limitations does not begin until the plaintiff discovered, or through reasonable diligence should have discovered, the facts giving rise to the claim. This is particularly relevant in:

  • Toxic exposure and environmental contamination
  • Fraud and misrepresentation
  • Professional malpractice (legal, accounting)
  • Occupational diseases
  • Latent construction defects

Note: The discovery rule is generally not applied to medical malpractice claims beyond the 3-year statute of repose in Colorado.

Fraudulent Concealment

If the defendant fraudulently concealed the facts giving rise to the claim, the statute of limitations is tolled until the plaintiff discovered or should have discovered the claim. This doctrine applies across multiple claim types in Colorado.

Absence from State (Criminal — 5 Year Maximum)

Under C.R.S. § 16-5-401, if a suspect is absent from Colorado after committing a crime, the statute of limitations is tolled for up to 5 years maximum. This prevents criminals from avoiding prosecution by simply leaving the state.

Offenses Concealed by Fraud or Difficult to Detect (Criminal)

Under Colorado law, if a criminal offense is concealed by fraud or is difficult to detect, the statute of limitations may be extended until the offense is discovered or for an additional 3 years beyond the standard limit, whichever is applicable. This applies to crimes such as financial fraud, identity theft, and other schemes designed to evade detection.

Bribery and Corrupt Practices (Criminal)

Bribery and other corrupt practices involving public officials or directed toward the government have an extension of 3 years beyond the standard statute of limitations. This allows prosecutors additional time to investigate complex public corruption cases.

Warning: Tolling doctrines are complex and fact-specific. Do not assume the statute of limitations has been extended in your case without consulting a Colorado attorney. Courts apply these doctrines narrowly, and the burden of proving tolling is on the plaintiff.

Colorado Statute of Limitations: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date the injury occurred under C.R.S. Section 13-80-102(1)(a). This applies to car accidents, slip and fall cases, assault, dog bites, and other injury claims. If the injury was not immediately discovered, the discovery rule may delay the start of the clock in certain circumstances. However, if your claim is against a government entity, you must provide notice within 180 days under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act.
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Colorado?
Under C.R.S. Section 13-64-302, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Colorado is 2 years from the date of the alleged negligent act or from the date the injury was discovered (or should have been discovered). There is also a 3-year statute of repose that bars all claims filed more than 3 years after the negligent act, regardless of when the injury was discovered. For minors under 6, the deadline is extended to 3 years from the act or before the child's 8th birthday, whichever is later. A certificate of review must also be filed within 60 days of the complaint.
What is the statute of limitations for breach of contract in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for breach of a written contract is 3 years under C.R.S. Section 13-80-101(1)(a). For breach of an oral contract, the limit is 2 years under C.R.S. Section 13-80-102(1)(a). Contracts under seal have a 6-year limitations period. Colorado's 3-year written contract deadline is notably shorter than many other states, which typically allow 4 to 6 years. The clock generally starts on the date the breach occurred.
What is the statute of limitations for debt collection in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for debt collection depends on the type of debt. Written contracts have a 3-year limit under C.R.S. Section 13-80-101. Oral contracts have a 2-year limit under C.R.S. Section 13-80-102. Credit card debt is generally treated as a written contract with a 3-year limit. The clock typically starts from the date of default or last payment. Making a partial payment or acknowledging the debt in writing may restart the clock. Colorado's debt collection deadlines are among the shorter ones in the country.
What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Colorado?
Under C.R.S. Section 13-80-102(1)(e), the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Colorado is 2 years from the date of the decedent's death. Colorado has unique standing rules: during the first year after death, only the surviving spouse may file (unless there is no surviving spouse). After the first year, the surviving spouse, children, and parents may all file. If the claim is against a government entity, the 180-day notice requirement under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act applies.
Can the statute of limitations be extended in Colorado?
Yes, under certain circumstances. The statute of limitations can be tolled (paused) if the plaintiff is a minor, lacks mental capacity, if the defendant has left the state, or if the discovery rule applies. Colorado also recognizes fraudulent concealment as a basis for tolling. However, these doctrines are applied narrowly by courts, and the burden of proving tolling is on the plaintiff. Always consult with a Colorado attorney to determine if tolling applies to your case.
What is the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse in Colorado?
Colorado has significantly strengthened its laws regarding childhood sexual abuse. For claims arising on or after May 29, 2021, there is no statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims. Colorado also created a lookback window allowing survivors of older claims to file lawsuits. The law applies to both individual perpetrators and institutions that may have enabled or covered up the abuse. Survivors should consult with a Colorado attorney to understand their rights and the applicable deadlines.
What is the notice requirement for government claims in Colorado?
Under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (C.R.S. Section 24-10-101 et seq.), you must file a written notice of claim with the relevant government entity within 180 days of the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered. The notice must include your name and address, the date and location of the incident, a description of the injury, and the amount of damages claimed. Missing this 180-day deadline will permanently bar your claim. This is a strict requirement with very few exceptions.
What is the criminal statute of limitations in Colorado?
In Colorado, the criminal statute of limitations varies by offense severity under C.R.S. Section 16-5-401. Murder, kidnapping, treason, forgery, aggravated incest, and certain sexual offenses against children have no time limit. Vehicular homicide or leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death has a 5-year limit (10 years if both occur in the same episode). All other felonies have a 3-year limit. Misdemeanors have an 18-month limit, misdemeanor traffic offenses have a 1-year limit, and petty offenses have a 6-month limit.
What happens if I miss the statute of limitations deadline in Colorado?
If you miss the statute of limitations deadline in Colorado, the defendant can file a motion to dismiss the case, and the court will almost certainly dismiss it with prejudice, meaning you cannot refile. This applies to both civil and criminal cases. In civil cases, your claim is permanently barred. In criminal cases, the defendant can challenge the charges as time-barred. There are very limited exceptions, such as tolling for minority, mental incapacity, or the discovery rule, but these are applied narrowly by Colorado courts.

Statute of Limitations in Other States

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Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statute of limitations laws are subject to change and may be affected by recent legislation, court decisions, or the specific facts of your case. Special rules may apply for claims against government entities, medical malpractice, cases involving minors, and other specific situations. Always consult with a qualified Colorado attorney for advice on your particular situation. CourtDateCalculator.online is not a law firm and is not engaged in the practice of law.