Illinois Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type

Actions for damages for an injury to the person, or for false imprisonment, or malicious prosecution, or for a statutory penalty, or for abduction, or for seduction, or for criminal conversation that may proceed pursuant to subsection (a) of Section 7.1 of the Criminal Conversation Abolition Act, except damages resulting from first degree murder or the commission of a Class X felony and the perpetrator thereof is convicted of such crime, shall be commenced within 2 years next after the cause of action accrued but such an action against a defendant arising from a crime committed by the defendant in whose name an escrow account was established under the "Criminal Victims' Escrow Account Act" shall be commenced within 2 years after the establishment of such account. If the compelling of a confession or information by imminent bodily harm or threat of imminent bodily harm results in whole or in part in a criminal prosecution of the plaintiff, the 2-year period set out in this Section shall be tolled during the time in which the plaintiff is incarcerated, or until criminal prosecution has been finally adjudicated in favor of the above referred plaintiff, whichever is later.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-08 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

Also relied on in: Illinois Dog Bite Laws: Liability and Victim Rights, Illinois Hit and Run Laws: Penalties and What to Do, Illinois Car Accident Laws: Fault, Insurance, and Your Claim

Except as provided in Section 2-725 of the "Uniform Commercial Code", approved July 31, 1961, as amended, and Section 11-13 of "The Illinois Public Aid Code", approved April 11, 1967, as amended, actions on unwritten contracts, expressed or implied, or on awards of arbitration, or to recover damages for an injury done to property, real or personal, or to recover the possession of personal property or damages for the detention or conversion thereof, and all civil actions not otherwise provided for, shall be commenced within 5 years next after the cause of action accrued.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

Also relied on in: BIPA Explained: Illinois Biometric Privacy Act (740 ILCS 14), BIPA Statute of Limitations: The 5-Year Deadline (2026), Illinois Debt Collection Laws: The 15% Wage Cap, 2026 Exemption Increases, and Debt Deadlines

Except as provided in Section 2-725 of the "Uniform Commercial Code", actions on bonds, promissory notes, bills of exchange, written leases, written contracts, or other evidences of indebtedness in writing and actions brought under the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act shall be commenced within 10 years next after the cause of action accrued; but if any payment or new promise to pay has been made, in writing, on any bond, note, bill, lease, contract, or other written evidence of indebtedness, within or after the period of 10 years, then an action may be commenced thereon at any time within 10 years after the time of such payment or promise to pay. For purposes of this Section, with regard to promissory notes dated on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1997, a cause of action on a promissory note payable at a definite date accrues on the due date or date stated in the promissory note or the date upon which the promissory note is accelerated.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

(a) Except as provided in Section 13-215 or 13-215.1 of this Act, no action for damages for injury or death against any physician, dentist, registered nurse or hospital duly licensed under the laws of this State, whether based upon tort, or breach of contract, or otherwise, arising out of patient care shall be brought more than 2 years after the date on which the claimant knew, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have known, or received notice in writing of the existence of the injury or death for which damages are sought in the action, whichever of such date occurs first, but in no event shall such action be brought more than 4 years after the date on which occurred the act or omission or occurrence alleged in such action to have been the cause of such injury or death.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

Also relied on in: Medical Malpractice Laws in Illinois (2026): Deadlines & Caps, Illinois Medical Records Retention Laws (2026 Guide)

(a) If the person entitled to bring an action, specified in Sections 13-201 through 13-210 of this Code, at the time the cause of action accrued, is under the age of 18 years or is under a legal disability, then he or she may bring the action within 2 years after the person attains the age of 18 years, or the disability is removed. (b) If the person entitled to bring an action specified under Sections 13-201 through 13-210 of this Code is not under a legal disability at the time the cause of action accrues, but becomes under a legal disability before the period of limitations otherwise runs, the period of limitations is stayed until the disability is removed. This subsection (b) does not invalidate any statute of repose provisions contained in Sections 13-201, 13-202, 13-202.1, 13-202.2, 13-202.3, 13-203, 13-203.1, 13-204, 13-207, 13-208, 13-209, and 13-210 of this Code. In no event shall the period of limitations for a cause of action under Section 13-205 or 13-206 of this Code be stayed in excess of 10 years from the date of the adjudication of legal disability.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

(a) As used in this Section, the term: (1) "Alteration, modification or change" or "altered, modified, or changed" means an alteration, modification or change that was made in the original makeup characteristics, function or design of a product or in the original recommendations, instructions and warnings given with respect to a product including the failure properly to maintain and care for a product. (2) "Product" means any tangible object or goods distributed in commerce, including any service provided in connection with the product. Where the term "product unit" is used, it refers to a single item or unit of a product.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

As used in this Section, "person" means any individual, any business or legal entity, or any body politic. (a) Actions based upon tort, contract or otherwise against any person for an act or omission of such person in the design, planning, supervision, observation or management of construction, or construction of an improvement to real property shall be commenced within 4 years from the time the person bringing an action, or his or her privity, knew or should reasonably have known of such act or omission. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, contract actions against a surety on a payment or performance bond shall be commenced, if at all, within the same time limitation applicable to the bond principal. (b) No action based upon tort, contract or otherwise may be brought against any person for an act or omission of such person in the design, planning, supervision, observation or management of construction, or construction of an improvement to real property after 10 years have elapsed from the time of such act or omission.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

(a) In this Section: "attorney" includes (i) an individual attorney, together with his or her employees who are attorneys, (ii) a professional partnership of attorneys, together with its employees, partners, and members who are attorneys, and (iii) a professional service corporation of attorneys, together with its employees, officers, and shareholders who are attorneys; and "non-attorney employee" means a person who is not an attorney but is employed by an attorney. (b) An action for damages based on tort, contract, or otherwise (i) against an attorney arising out of an act or omission in the performance of professional services or (ii) against a non-attorney employee arising out of an act or omission in the course of his or her employment by an attorney to assist the attorney in performing professional services must be commenced within 2 years from the time the person bringing the action knew or reasonably should have known of the injury for which damages are sought. (c) Except as provided in subsection (d), an action described in subsection (b) may not be commenced in any event more than 6 years after the date on which the act or omission occurred.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

If a person liable to an action fraudulently conceals the cause of such action from the knowledge of the person entitled thereto, the action may be commenced at any time within 5 years after the person entitled to bring the same discovers that he or she has such cause of action, and not afterwards.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

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

Actions for slander, libel or for publication of matter violating the right of privacy, shall be commenced within one year next after the cause of action accrued.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

Also relied on in: Illinois Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)

A petition to revive a judgment, as provided by Section 2-1601 of this Code, may be filed no later than 20 years next after the date of entry of such judgment. The provisions of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly are declarative of existing law. This Section does not apply to consumer debt judgments that are subject to the standards and procedures set forth in subsection (a-10) of 2-1602.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

Actions under Sections 10 to 14, both inclusive, of "An Act to revise the law in relation to frauds and perjuries", approved February 16, 1874, as amended, shall be commenced within 2 years after the death of the person who makes a fraudulent legacy as provided in that Act, or who dies intestate and leaves real estate to his or her heirs to descend according to the laws of this State, unless letters of office are applied for on his or her estate within 2 years after his or her death and the representative has complied with the provisions of Section 18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, as amended, in regard to the giving of notice to creditors, in which case the action shall be commenced within and not after the time for presenting claims against estates of deceased persons as provided in the Probate Act of 1975, as amended.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

(a) A prosecution for: (1) first degree murder, attempt to commit first degree murder, second degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, a violation of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (1) of subsection (d) of Section 11-501 of the Illinois Vehicle Code for the offense of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, or intoxicating compound or compounds, or any combination thereof when the violation was a proximate cause of a death, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving death or personal injuries under Section 11-401 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, failing to give information and render aid under Section 11-403 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, concealment of homicidal death, treason, arson, residential arson, aggravated arson, forgery, child sexual abuse material or child pornography under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Section 11-20.1, or aggravated child pornography under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Section 11-20.1B, or (2) any offense involving sexual conduct or sexual penetration, as defined by Section 11-0.1 of this Code may be commenced at any time.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

The period within which a prosecution must be commenced under the provisions of Section 3-5 or other applicable statute is extended under the following conditions: (a) A prosecution for theft involving a breach of a fiduciary obligation to the aggrieved person may be commenced as follows: (1) If the aggrieved person is a minor or a person under legal disability, then during the minority or legal disability or within one year after the termination thereof. (2) In any other instance, within one year after the discovery of the offense by an aggrieved person, or by a person who has legal capacity to represent an aggrieved person or has a legal duty to report the offense, and is not himself or herself a party to the offense; or in the absence of such discovery, within one year after the proper prosecuting officer becomes aware of the offense. However, in no such case is the period of limitation so extended more than 3 years beyond the expiration of the period otherwise applicable.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

(a) The period within which a prosecution must be commenced does not include any period in which: (1) the defendant is not usually and publicly resident within this State; or (2) the defendant is a public officer and the offense charged is theft of public funds while in public office; or (3) a prosecution is pending against the defendant for the same conduct, even if the indictment or information which commences the prosecution is quashed or the proceedings thereon are set aside, or are reversed on appeal; or (4) a proceeding or an appeal from a proceeding relating to the quashing or enforcement of a Grand Jury subpoena issued in connection with an investigation of a violation of a criminal law of this State is pending. However, the period within which a prosecution must be commenced includes any period in which the State brings a proceeding or an appeal from a proceeding specified in this paragraph (4); or (5) a material witness is placed on active military duty or leave.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

In this Article, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the following terms are defined as indicated: "Accused" means a person accused of an offense prohibited by Section 11-1.20, 11-1.30, 11-1.40, 11-1.50, or 11-1.60 of this Code or a person for whose conduct the accused is legally responsible under Article 5 of this Code. "Adult obscenity or child sexual abuse material Internet site". See Section 11-23. "Advance prostitution" means: (1) Soliciting for a prostitute by performing any of the following acts when acting other than as a prostitute or a patron of a prostitute: (A) Soliciting another for the purpose of prostitution. (B) Arranging or offering to arrange a meeting of persons for the purpose of prostitution. (C) Directing another to a place knowing the direction is for the purpose of prostitution. (2) Keeping a place of prostitution by controlling or exercising control over the use of any place that could offer seclusion or shelter for the practice of prostitution and performing any of the following acts when acting other than as a prostitute or a patron of a prostitute: (A) Knowingly granting or permitting the use of the place for the purpose of prostitution.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

(a) Recognizing the enormous negative societal impact that sexually explicit visual depictions of children engaged in sexual abuse activities have on the children who are abused, and the overarching broader impact these materials and imagery have at various levels to the public, especially when this material is disseminated, we are changing all references in Illinois statutes from "child pornography" to "child sexual abuse material". It is important that the statutes of the State of Illinois reflect the content and realities of these materials as the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. The word "pornography" implied legality involving "consent" of which this imagery is not, as children can never "consent" to sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. This name change is not a change in meaning, definitions, statutes or application of the laws of this State and all previous references to "child pornography" are now encapsulated in "child sexual abuse materials".

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

Also relied on in: Illinois Deepfake Laws: AI Images, Voice Cloning & Penalties (2026), Illinois Sexting Laws: Legal Consequences and Penalties, Illinois Pornography Laws (2026): Legality & No AV Law Yet

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

In every such action the jury may give such damages as they shall deem a fair and just compensation with reference to the pecuniary injuries resulting from such death, including damages for grief, sorrow, and mental suffering, and punitive damages when applicable, to the surviving spouse and next of kin of such deceased person. Nothing in this Section affects the applicability of Section 2-1115 of the Code of Civil Procedure or Section 2-102 or 2-213 of the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act. Punitive damages are not available in an action for healing art malpractice or legal malpractice or in an action against the State or unit of local government or an employee of the State or an employee of a unit of local government in his or her official capacity. The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly apply to actions filed on and after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

Also relied on in: Motorcycle Accident Laws in Illinois (2026): Deadlines & Helmets, Punitive Damages in Illinois: No General Cap, Rules (2026), Truck Accident Laws in Illinois (2026): Deadlines & Liability

(A) Charge. (1) Within 2 years after the date that a civil rights violation allegedly has been committed, a charge in writing under oath or affirmation may be filed with the Department by an aggrieved party or issued by the Department itself under the signature of the Director. (2) The charge shall be in such detail as to substantially apprise any party properly concerned as to the time, place, and facts surrounding the alleged civil rights violation. (3) Charges deemed filed with the Department pursuant to subsection (A-1) of this Section shall be deemed to be in compliance with this subsection. (A-1) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Charges. (1) If a charge is filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 300 calendar days after the date of the alleged civil rights violation, the charge shall be deemed filed with the Department on the date filed with the EEOC. If the EEOC is the governmental agency designated to investigate the charge first, the Department shall take no action until the EEOC makes a determination on the charge and after the complainant notifies the Department of the EEOC's determination.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ilga.gov

Also relied on in: Illinois Workplace Harassment Laws: Annual Training, 2-Year Deadline, Wrongful Termination in Illinois (2026): Laws, Deadlines, How to File