Mesothelioma Statute of Limitations by State

Quick Answer

Mesothelioma statute of limitations varies by state from 1 year (California, Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee) to 10 years (Rhode Island). Most states have 2-3 year deadlines. The discovery rule applies in nearly all states — meaning the clock starts at diagnosis, not exposure.

**State-by-state statute of limitations summary** (all from diagnosis under discovery rule):

• 1 year (SHORTEST — call immediately): California (CCP § 340.2), Kentucky (KRS 413.140), Louisiana (La. C.C. art. 3492), Tennessee (T.C.A. § 28-3-104)
• 2 years: Most states — Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
• 3 years: Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York (CPLR 214-c discovery), North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming
• 4 years: Florida (Fla. Stat. § 95.11), Iowa, Nebraska
• 5 years: Missouri (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120)
• 6 years: Maine (14 M.R.S. § 752), North Dakota (N.D.C.C. § 28-01-16)
• 10 years (LONGEST): Rhode Island (R.I.G.L. § 9-1-13)

For wrongful-death claims, the clock typically starts at the date of death (separate from any pre-death claim). Most states give 2 years for wrongful-death — though Maine gives 6, RI gives 10, and CA/LA/TN/KY give just 1. **Do not delay after diagnosis or death — call immediately to preserve your claim.**