Statutory limitation periods refer to the fixed periods of time during which legal proceedings can be brought. Once the time limit has passed, it is no longer possible to lodge a claim, as this will be deemed out of time or 'statute barred'. The categories include the following:
- Contract claims (including debt) - 6 years
- Deeds - 12 years
- Tort (ie a 'civil wrong') - 6 years
- Personal injury - 3 years
- Negligence - 3-6 years
- Fraud - 6 years
- Defamation - 1 year