Statutes of Limitations

• Author: Jennifer Duncan-Brice
• Pages: 109-180

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Chapter 3

STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS

QUICK VIEW

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

forever.

Scope of Chapter: How to calculate the limitations period; how a claim accrues; satisfying the statute by

commencing suit; limitations periods for particular actions; modifying a limitations period by agreement; tolls.

Times within which specific proceedings must be brought before administrative bodies are beyond the scope of

this chapter.

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

start suit well in advance of it. If a claim appears time-barred, consider pleading it as a different cause of action to

get a longer limitations period or a later accrual date. Consider also whether the claim can be saved by estoppel,

a tolling rule, or the relation back doctrine.

Statutes and Rules: 735 ILCS 5/2-402; 735 ILCS 5/2-615; 735 ILCS 5/2-616(b); 735 ILCS 5/2-619(5); 735

ILCS 5/2-1005; 735 ILCS 5/2-1601; 735 ILCS 5/13-101 ff.; 735 ILCS 5/13-201 ff.; 735 ILCS 5/13-214.2(b); 810

ILCS 5/2-725.

Related Topics: Service of Process, Ch 9; Pleadings, Ch 13; Default Judgment, Dismissal for Want of Prosecution,

Ch 31; Summary Judgment, Ch 30.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Overview

A. General Points

§3:01 Definition

§3:02 Purposes

§3:03 Attorney’s Responsibility

§3:04 Categories of Statutes of Limitation

§3:05 No Rationale for Particular Periods

§3:06 Legislature May Not Revive Barred Action

§3:07 Raising Statute of Limitations

§3:08 Failure to Raise Defense—Not Jurisdictional

§3:09 When Time Limit Is Jurisdictional

§3:10 Actions Without Limitations

§3:11 Handling Conflicting Statutes

§3:12 Effect of Statutory Amendments

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§3:13 When Statute Not Readily Apparent

§3:14 Conflicts of Law

§3:15 No Statute of Limitations for Defenses

B. Sources of Law

§3:20 Code of Civil Procedure

§3:21 Other Sources

§3:22 Choice of Law: Illinois Limitations Laws Apply in Illinois Courts

§3:23 Exception: Foreign Limitations Laws Under Borrowing Statute

§3:24 Exception: Cause of Action Not Recognized at Common Law

C. Conditions Precedent Distinguished

§3:30 What Is a Condition Precedent?

§3:31 No Waiver or Tolling

D. Laches Distinguished

§3:40 Laches Defined

§3:41 Can Be Raised in Claim at Law

§3:42 Requirements

§3:43 Repose vs. Limitation

II. Calculating Limitations Period

A. General Points

§3:50 Is Claim Timely?

B. When Limitation Period Begins: Accrual

1. GENERAL POINTS

§3:60 Statute Runs From Accrual of Cause

§3:61 Tort Claim Accrues When Plaintiff Suffers Injury

§3:62 Contract Claim Accrues on Breach

§3:63 Contract for Installment Payments

§3:64 When Plaintiff “Commences” Suit

§3:65 Obtaining Later Accrual Date or Longer Limitations Period

§3:66 Effect of More Than One Remedy

§3:67 Installment Payments

§3:68 Accrual as to Insurance Agents

2. CONTINUING TORTS

§3:80 Definition

§3:81 Torts That Are Continuing

3. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OR PROMISE TO PAY

§3:90 Effect of Part Payment or New Promise

§3:91 Requirements

§3:92 Account Stated

C. When Period Expires: Filing Suit

1. GENERAL POINTS

§3:100 Filing Suit Stops Statute

§3:101 When Complaint Is Deemed Filed

§3:102 Calculating Expired Time

§3:103 Last Day on Weekend or Holiday

§3:104 Effect of Subsequent Dismissal

2. COUNTERCLAIMS, AMENDED PLEADINGS, NEW DEFENDANTS

§3:110 Counterclaim or Set-Off

§3:111 Amended Pleading and Relation-Back Doctrine

§3:112 New Defendant

§3:113 Mistaken Identity

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§3:114 Section 13-207 Relationship With Other Statutes

D. Discovery Rule: Delays Accrual

§3:120 Definition and Purpose

§3:121 Torts to Which Discovery Rule Applies

§3:122 Burden of Pleading and Proof

§3:123 Knowledge of Extent of Injuries

§3:124 Knowledge of Identity of Defendant

§3:125 Discovery Is Question of Fact

§3:126 Contract Claims

§3:127 Relationship to Statutes of Repose

III. Determining Applicable Limitations Period

A. Real Actions

1. OVERVIEW

§3:140 Definition

§3:141 Limitations Period

§3:142 Computation

§3:143 Accrual of Actions

2. ADVERSE POSSESSION

§3:150 Requirements

§3:151 Accrual

3. BREACH OF CONDITION SUBSEQUENT

§3:160 Definition

§3:161 Limitations Period

§3:162 Mortgage or Lease

4. TERMINATION OF ESTATE UPON LIMITATION

§3:170 Definition

§3:171 Limitations Period

§3:172 Mortgage or Lease

5. TAX MATTERS OR ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS

§3:180 Limitations Period

§3:181 Payment of Taxes With Color of Title

§3:182 Refunds Under Property Tax Code

6. MORTGAGES

§3:190 Limitations Period

§3:191 Tolling

7. 40-YEAR STATUTE

§3:200 Catch-All Provision

§3:201 Exceptions

§3:202 Wrongful Demolition by a Municipality

B. Personal Actions

1. OVERVIEW

§3:210 Definition

2. DEFAMATION

§3:220 Limitations Period

§3:221 Accrual

§3:222 Discovery Rule

§3:223 Action Does Not Survive Death

3. PERSONAL INJURY

§3:230 Limitations Period

§3:231 Exceptions

§3:232 Accrual