Georgia

Georgia Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type

Independently fact-checked Editor-reviewed Law current as of August 18, 2026By Recording Law Editorial TeamPublished September 9, 2020Reviewed September 14, 202611 min read

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 Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type

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.

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.

Glass hourglass with most of its sand run down, beside a closed plain folder on a wooden desk

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.

Being a minor generally does not extend these deadlines. Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-73(b), minors who have reached age 5 are subject to the same medical malpractice limitation periods as adults. See the tolling section below for the narrow exceptions that do apply.

Product Liability

Product liability lawsuits in Georgia must be filed within 2 years of the date the injury occurs under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.

A separate statute of repose sets an outer limit. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11(b)(2), no product liability action may be commenced more than 10 years after the date of the product's first sale for use or consumption, no matter when the injury happened. That 10-year clock runs from first sale, not from the date of manufacture.

The repose period does not bar a negligence claim arising out of conduct that shows a willful, reckless, or wanton disregard for life or property under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11(c). The Georgia Supreme Court confirmed in Ford Motor Co. v. Cosper (2023) that reckless conduct is a standalone exception to the 10-year repose.

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 under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-31, which sets a four-year deadline for actions for injuries to personalty. The Georgia Supreme Court stated in Coe v. Proskauer Rose LLP (2022) that the limitation period for fraud claims is found in § 9-3-31.

A separate statute, O.C.G.A. § 9-3-96, can push back the date that clock starts, but it is a tolling rule rather than a deadline of its own. It applies only where the defendant's fraud actually debarred or deterred the plaintiff from bringing the action, in which case the period runs from the plaintiff's discovery of the fraud. It does not give every fraud claim an automatic discovery date. If the fraud was a consumer scam, reporting it and any claim under the Fair Business Practices Act are separate tracks with their own rules, both covered in our guide to Georgia scam and fraud laws.

Property Damage

Georgia provides 4 years to file claims involving personal property, but two different statutes supply that deadline. O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32 governs actions to recover personal property and actions for damages for its conversion or destruction. Ordinary damage that stops short of destruction or conversion, such as a dented vehicle, is an injury to personalty governed by O.C.G.A. § 9-3-31. Both carry the same 4-year deadline.

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. That statute expressly excepts judgments for child support or spousal support, which are not subject to the 5-year limit.

Georgia's own judgments work differently. Under O.C.G.A. § 9-12-60, a Georgia judgment becomes dormant when 7 years pass without an execution being issued and entered on the general execution docket, and each qualifying docket entry starts a new 7-year period. Once a judgment goes dormant, O.C.G.A. § 9-12-61 allows it to be renewed or revived within 3 years. Georgia courts describe the two statutes as operating in tandem as a 10-year limit on enforcing a Georgia judgment.

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, § 9-3-73
Product Liability	2 years (10-year repose from first sale)	O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, § 51-1-11(b)(2)
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. § 9-3-31
Personal Property Damage	4 years	O.C.G.A. § 9-3-31, § 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 (child/spousal support judgments excepted)	O.C.G.A. § 9-3-20
Georgia Judgments	Dormant at 7 years; renewable within 3 more	O.C.G.A. § 9-12-60, § 9-12-61
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(b), individuals who are under 18 when a cause of action accrues generally 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).

Medical malpractice is the major exception, and it catches families off guard. Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-73(b), all minors who have reached age 5 are subject to the ordinary medical malpractice limitation periods, so turning 18 does not restart anything. A child injured by malpractice at age 12 does not have until age 20 to sue; the 2-year malpractice deadline runs from the date of the negligent act. A minor who was under age 5 when the claim arose has 2 years from their fifth birthday.

O.C.G.A. § 9-3-73(c)(2) adds an absolute repose for malpractice claims by minors: no action after the minor's 10th birthday if the act occurred before age 5, or more than 5 years after the act if the minor was 5 or older. Claims for childhood sexual abuse are governed instead by O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.1.

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 limitations period for a crime victim's civil tort claim is tolled from the date of the alleged crime until the prosecution of that crime becomes final or otherwise terminates.

This tolling is capped. The statute provides that the tolled time may not exceed 6 years, except as otherwise provided in O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.1 for childhood sexual abuse claims. If a prosecution remains pending longer than 6 years, the civil clock resumes even though the criminal case is still open.

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.

Georgia does recognize narrower exceptions. Where a defendant's own fraud debarred or deterred the plaintiff from bringing the action, O.C.G.A. § 9-3-96 delays the start of the limitations period until the plaintiff discovers the fraud. That is a targeted tolling rule tied to the defendant's conduct, not a general discovery rule that applies to every claim.

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 debarred or deterred the plaintiff from suing. Medical malpractice is a major exception: under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-73(b), minors who have reached age 5 are held to the ordinary malpractice deadlines, so being a minor does not extend them.

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

September 14, 2026

Corrected the statutes cited for fraud, product liability and property damage claims, added the 10-year product liability statute of repose, the 6-year cap on tolling during a criminal prosecution, the child and spousal support exception for foreign judgments, and a correction to the rule that being a minor does not extend most Georgia medical malpractice deadlines.

August 18, 2026

Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes

August 9, 2026

Corrected 2 statute-attribution/legal-fact errors verified against primary sources.

August 9, 2026

Governing law re-checked for recent changes

August 7, 2026

Governing law re-checked for recent changes

September 9, 2020

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: Medical Malpractice Laws in Georgia (2026): Deadlines & Caps, Georgia Medical Records Retention Laws (2026 Guide)

§ 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 3 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 Punitive Damages Laws: $250,000 Cap and Exceptions (2026), Georgia Wrongful Death Laws (2026): Deadlines & Who Can Sue

§ 9-3-33.1Actions for childhood sexual abuse.In force

(a)(1) As used in this subsection, the term "childhood sexual abuse" means any act committed by the defendant against the plaintiff which occurred when the plaintiff was under 18 years of age and which would be in violation of: (A) Rape, as prohibited in Code Section 16-6-1; (B) Sodomy or…

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-08-17 · Read the full text in our law library

Cited in 10 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

HARVEY v. MERCHAN (Supreme Court of Georgia 2021, 311 Ga. 811)“…N. PETERSON, Justice. For a brief time period, OCGA § 9-3-33.1 allowed time-barred civil claims for c…”
ALAN MCARTHUR v. BEECH HAVEN BAPTIST CHURCH OF ATHENS (Court of Appeals of Georgia 2023)“…ion in St. Joseph’s. (a) In McArthur I, we held that OCGA § 9-3-33.1 provides a statute of repose such that…”
Philip Doe v. Saint Joseph's Catholic Church (Court of Appeals of Georgia 2020)“…n their viability, we disagree. (a) Applicability of OCGA § 9-3-33.1. We begin by noting that the trial cour…”

Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.

§ 51-1-11When privity required to support action; product liability action and time limitation therefore; industry-wide liability theories rejected.In force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, no privity is necessary to support a tort action; but, if the tort results from the violation of a duty which is itself the consequence of a contract, the right of action is confined to the parties and those in privity to that contract, except…

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-08-17 · Read the full text in our law library

Cited in 251 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

Banks v. ICI Americas, Inc. (Supreme Court of Georgia 1994, 264 Ga. 732)“…when sold is the proximate cause of the injury sustained.” OCGA § 51-1-11 (b) (1). In order to demonstrate proxim…”
Chrysler Corp. v. Batten (Supreme Court of Georgia 1994, 264 Ga. 723)“…iffs' *724 complaint was barred by the statute of repose. OCGA § 51-1-11 (b) (2), (c). The Court of Appeals reve…”
MacK Trucks, Inc. v. Conkle (Supreme Court of Georgia 1993, 263 Ga. 539)“…limit a product liability action to the definition found in OCGA § 51-1-11 (b) which provides that a manufacturer…”

Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.

§ 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…

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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…”

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§ 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.…

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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…”

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§ 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…

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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…”

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§ 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…

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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 .…”

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§ 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;…

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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…”

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§ 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…

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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…”

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§ 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…

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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…”

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§ 9-3-96Tolling of limitations for fraud of defendant.In forcecited in 2 of our articles

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;…

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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…”

Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.

Also relied on in: Georgia Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)

§ 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…

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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…”

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§ 17-3-2.1Exclusions for certain offenses involving a victim under 16 years of age.In force

(a) For crimes committed during the period beginning on July 1, 1992, and ending on June 30, 2012, if the victim of a violation of: (1) Cruelty to children, as defined in Code Section 16-5-70; (2) Rape, as defined in Code Section 16-6-1; (3) Sodomy or aggravated sodomy, as defined in Code…

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-05-06 · Read the full text in our law library

Cited in 24 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

Berman v. State (Court of Appeals of Georgia 2006, 279 Ga. App. 867)“…s that the trial court also should have charged the jury on OCGA § 17-3-2.1, which provides that if a child molesta…”
Duke v. State (Court of Appeals of Georgia 2009, 298 Ga. App. 719)“…17-3-1, it also invoked the tolling provision set forth in OCGA § 17-3-2.1: the limitation period within which a p…”
Garrison v. State (Supreme Court of Georgia 2024, 319 Ga. 711)“…ion of property of the ward or beneficiary.” OCGA § 17-3-2. OCGA § 17-3-2.1 tolls the applicable time period only f…”

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§ 17-3-2.2Statute of limitations.In force

In addition to any periods excluded pursuant to Code Section 17-3-2, if the victim is a person who is 65 years of age or older, the applicable period within which a prosecution must be commenced under Code Section 17-3-1 or other applicable statute shall not begin to run until the violation is…

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-05-06 · Read the full text in our law library

Cited in 4 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

Harper v. State (Supreme Court of Georgia 2013, 292 Ga. 557)“…forth a potential claim covered by the tolling provision of OCGA § 17-3-2.2,1 must respectfully dissent from Divisi…”
State v. Mullins (Court of Appeals of Georgia 2013, 321 Ga. App. 671)“…trial court erred in applying OCGA § 17-3-1 (c) instead of OCGA § 17-3-2.2, which the State argues creates a 15-ye…”
State v. Jacqueline Mullins (Court of Appeals of Georgia 2013)“…rial court erred in applying OCGA § 17-3- 1 (c) instead of OCGA § 17-3-2.2, which the State argues creates a 15-ye…”

Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.

§ 9-3-31Injuries to personalty.In forcecited in 3 of our articles

Actions for injuries to personalty shall be brought within four years after the right of action accrues. (Laws 1767, Cobb's 1851 Digest, p. 562; Laws 1805, Cobb's 1851 Digest, p. 564; Ga. L. 1855-56, p. 233, § 4; Code 1863, § 2991; Code 1868, § 3004; Code 1873, § 3059; Code 1882, § 3059;…

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-08-17 · Read the full text in our law library

Cited in 136 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

Hardaway Co. v. Parsons, Brinckerhoff, Quade & Douglas, Inc. (Supreme Court of Georgia 1997, 267 Ga. 424)“…iod for actions claiming injury to personalty, set forth in OCGA § 9-3-31, is applicable to this matter. In light…”
Hanna v. McWilliams (Court of Appeals of Georgia 1994, 213 Ga. App. 648)“…rought within four years after the right of action accrues (OCGA § 9-3-31). OCGA §§ 9-3-30 and 9-3-31 are statute…”
Serchion v. Capstone Partners, Inc. (Court of Appeals of Georgia 2009, 298 Ga. App. 73)“…ial court granted summary judgment on the ground that under OCGA § 9-3-31, such claims must be brought *7…”

Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.

Also relied on in: Truck Accident Laws in Georgia (2026): Deadlines & Liability

§ 9-3-73Certain disabilities and exceptions applicable.In forcecited in 3 of our articles

(a) Except as provided in this Code section, the disabilities and exceptions prescribed in Article 5 of this chapter in limiting actions on contracts shall be allowed and held applicable to actions, whether in tort or contract, for medical malpractice. (b) Notwithstanding Article 5 of this…

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:

Charter Peachford Behavioral Health System, Inc. v. Kohout. (Court of Appeals of Georgia 1998, 233 Ga. App. 452)“…ville Orthopedic Clinic, supra at 281-282. (d) OCGA § 9-3-73 (b) (“persons who are legally incompete…”
Simmons v. Sonyika (Supreme Court of Georgia 2005, 279 Ga. 378)“…doctrine upon which it was based, and in pari materia with OCGA § 9-3-73 (d), (e), plainly preclude application…”
Zechmann v. Thigpen (Court of Appeals of Georgia 1993, 210 Ga. App. 726)“…d repose for medical malpractice actions involving a minor, OCGA § 9-3-73, is applicable and whether it is a bar…”

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)
Ford Motor Co. v. Cosper, Supreme Court of Georgia (2023) - ten-year product liability statute of repose under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11(b)(2) and its reckless-conduct exception(courtlistener.com)
Coe v. Proskauer Rose LLP, 314 Ga. 519 (2022) - statute of limitation for fraud claims is O.C.G.A. § 9-3-31; § 9-3-96 is a tolling provision(courtlistener.com)
Szymanski v. Truist Bank, Court of Appeals of Georgia (2024) - judgment dormancy under O.C.G.A. § 9-12-60 and renewal under § 9-12-61(courtlistener.com)
Golden v. Floyd Healthcare Management, Inc., 319 Ga. 496 (2024) - medical malpractice repose under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-73(c)(2)(A)(courtlistener.com)
Official Code of Georgia Annotated, Title 9 (Public.Resource.Org official code release) - O.C.G.A. §§ 9-3-20, 9-3-31, 9-3-32, 9-3-73, 9-3-90, 9-3-96, 9-3-99, 9-12-60, 9-12-61(archive.org)
Official Code of Georgia Annotated, Title 51 (Public.Resource.Org official code release) - O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11 product liability and ten-year statute of repose(archive.org)