Statutes of Limitations

• Author: Robert F. Kane/Donald G. Rez
• Pages: 255-396

Chapter 3

Statutes of Limitations

QUICK VIEW

Definition: The statute of limitations is the time period within which an action must be commenced, or it is

barred forever.

Scope of Chapter: How to calculate the limitations period; satisfying the statute by commencing suit; limitations

periods for particular actions; accrual and extension rules; tolls.

Strategies and Tactics: Conservatively estimate the last day for bringing a claim. Calendar that date and try

to commence suit well in advance of it. If a claim appears time-barred, consider whether it can be saved by the

discovery rule, fraudulent concealment, a tolling rule, or the relation-back doctrine.

Statutes and Rules: CCP §§312-349 3/4, 350-366.2.

Related Topics: Taking the Case, Ch 1; Presuit Activities, Ch 2; Pleadings, Ch 13.

Form in Digital Access: See digital access for the following form:

• Form 3:10 Tolling Agreement

California Pretrial Practice & Forms 3-2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. OVERVIEW

A. GENERAL POINTS

§3:01 Introduction

§3:02 Application

§3:03 Purposes

§3:04 Period Runs From Accrual to Filing

§3:05 Is Claim Timely?

§3:06 Statutes of Repose

§3:07 Pleading Compliance

§3:08 Raising Limitations as a Defense

§3:09 Neither Favored Nor Disfavored

§3:10 Raising by Demurrer or Motion to Strike

§3:11 Raising by Answer

§3:12 Waiver of Defects

§3:13 Actions by Pubic Entities

B. SOURCES OF LAW

§3:19 Introduction

§3:20 Code of Civil Procedure

§3:21 Other California Sources

§3:22 Choice of Law

§3:23 Foreign Limitations Laws Under the Borrowing Statute

§3:24 Federal Law

§3:25 Federal Preemption

C. CONSTITUTIONALITY OF STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS

§3:30 Overview

§3:31 Amendments to Statute of Limitations

§3:32 Revival of Barred Claims

D. CONTRACTUAL MODIFICATIONS

§3:40 Right to Modify

§3:41 Shortening of Statute of Limitations

§3:42 Waiver or Extension of Statute of Limitations

§3:43 Choice of Foreign Statute of Limitations

E. PRESUIT REQUIREMENTS

§3:50 Notice of Claim

§3:51 Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies

F. LACHES

§3:60 Overview

§3:61 When No Statute of Limitations

§3:62 Only to Shorten Statute of Limitations

§3:63 Elements to Establish Laches

§3:64 Laches Is a Question of Fact

§3:65 Defenses to Laches

§3:66 Laches Generally Must Be Pleaded as a Defense

II. WHEN LIMITATIONS PERIOD BEGINS

A. OVERVIEW

§3:80 Statute Runs From Accrual

§3:81 When Claim Accrues

§3:82 Effect of Condition Precedent on Accrual

§3:83 Date of Accrual Is Question of Fact

3-3 Statutes of Limitations

B. CONTRACT CLAIMS

§3:90 Contract Claim Accrues on Breach

§3:91 Time for Performance Determines Breach

§3:92 Contract for Installment Payments

§3:93 Contractual Severability

§3:94 Election of Remedy

§3:95 Discovery of Breach

§3:96 Reformation

C. TORT CLAIMS

§3:100 Tort Claim Generally Accrues When Wrongful Act Causes Damages

§3:101 Actual Damages Require Appreciable Harm

§3:102 Complications After Original Personal Injury

§3:103 Continuing Course of Conduct

§3:104 Progressive Disease and Damage

§3:105 Continuing Nuisance and Trespass

§3:106 Intentional Torts

D. STATUTORY VIOLATIONS

§3:120 When Statutory Violations Accrue

§3:121 Exceptions

E. DISCOVERY RULE

1. Effect

§3:130 Deferred Accrual

§3:131 Burden On Claimant to Plead and Prove

2. Application

§3:140 Protects Ignorant Plaintiff

§3:141 What Constitutes Discovery

§3:142 Time of Discovery Is Question of Fact

§3:143 Discovery of Related Claim Not Controlling

III. DETERMINING APPLICABLE PERIOD

A. OVERVIEW

§3:150 Determining Cause of Action

§3:151 Various Limitations Periods

§3:152 Multiple Causes of Action

§3:153 Which Period Applies

§3:154 Preemption

B. CONTRACTUAL ACTIONS

1. Breach of Contract Actions

§3:160 Overview

§3:161 Four Years for Written Contracts

§3:162 Two Years for Oral Contracts and Quasi Contractual Obligations

§3:163 Exception: Negotiable Instruments

§3:164 Common Counts

§3:165 Leases

2. Equitable Contract Remedies

§3:170 Rescission

§3:171 Reformation

§3:172 Specific Performance

§3:173 Foreclosure of Personal Property Liens

3. Actions Involving Sureties or Guarantors

§3:180 General Rule

§3:181 Bonds