How Long to Sue
R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14 — three years for an injury, one year for words spoken, and ten years for most other claims
| Claim | Filed within |
|---|---|
| ClaimInjuries to the person | Filed withinThree years after the claim accrues |
| ClaimWords spoken | Filed withinOne year after the words |
| ClaimMost other civil actions | Filed withinTen years after the claim accrues |
Ten years is the general rule for civil actions, except where a statute provides otherwise, and many do.
Malpractice, claims against the government and claims over child sexual abuse have their own periods. A particular claim is a question for a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13 — Limitation of actions generally; Product liability
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14 — Limitation of actions for words spoken or personal injuries
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Rhode Island attorney.