Statute of Limitations for Intentional/Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress in Michigan

Overview

Run this scenario in DocketMath using the Statute Of Limitations calculator.

In Michigan, the default statute of limitations (SOL) for claims that fit within intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress is 6 years, under MCL § 767.24(1).

DocketMath uses that general/default period because no claim-type-specific sub-rule was identified in the provided jurisdiction data for emotional-distress theories.

This matters because an SOL sets a hard deadline for filing in court. If the deadline is missed, a case may be dismissed—even if the facts are strong.

Limitation period

Michigan’s general rule provides plaintiffs 6 years to bring covered actions:

• General SOL Period (default): 6 years
• **General Statute: MCL § 767.24(1)

What counts as “the clock”

Most SOL analysis turns on the accrual date—the date the legal claim “arises,” or the time the injury becomes actionable (often tied to when the harm occurred and/or when it was discovered, depending on the claim’s accrual framework).

For emotional-distress allegations, accrual can be fact-intensive, so DocketMath is designed to help you apply the time period you’re given—while you choose the operative date inputs that match your situation and methodology.

How DocketMath helps you apply the SOL

When you use DocketMath’s statute-of-limitations calculator, your output depends on what you enter as the operative date:

• If you input an incident date (e.g., the day the conduct occurred), the calculator will add 6 years from that date.
• If you input a discovery/accrual date (e.g., when the claim became actionable under your chosen methodology), the end date shifts accordingly.

In plain terms:

• Earlier date entered → earlier SOL deadline
• Later date entered → later SOL deadline

Because you can change the input date, the deadline can move by months or years.

Key exceptions

Michigan has multiple SOL-related doctrines that can change the practical deadline. Even when the default period is 6 years, the clock can start later, pause, or be otherwise affected by specific circumstances.

The jurisdiction data provided here flags only the default period—so the baseline is still 6 years under MCL § 767.24(1). Exceptions typically affect how you apply that baseline to your facts (for example, accrual timing or tolling), rather than eliminating the statute.

Common SOL concepts that can affect timing

In evaluating timing for emotional-distress allegations, check whether any of the following issues could matter:

• Accrual complexity: The “trigger” date (incident vs. discovery vs. when the claim became actionable) can change when the SOL begins.
• Tolling events: Certain legal circumstances can pause the SOL clock.
• Continuing conduct: If the alleged distress is tied to ongoing behavior, you may need careful mapping to which acts are actionable and when accrual occurs.

What this does not change

This content is anchored to your jurisdiction data: no claim-type-specific sub-rule was found for intentional/negligent infliction of emotional distress. That means the starting period remains:

• **6 years under MCL § 767.24(1)

Exceptions generally adjust the application (start date, pauses, etc.), not the existence of an SOL.

Statute citation

The default SOL period referenced for this timeframe is:

• MCL § 767.24(1) — 6 years (general/default period)

This statute is the anchor for DocketMath’s “statute-of-limitations” calculation for Michigan in the provided dataset. The Michigan Department of the Attorney General’s official state site is commonly used to locate statutory text (Michigan.gov is reflected as the source in the jurisdiction data).

Use the calculator

Use DocketMath’s statute-of-limitations calculator here: /tools/statute-of-limitations.

Inputs to consider

Depending on the calculator’s fields, you’ll typically provide one or more dates, such as:

• Date of incident/conduct (often a common starting point)
• Date of discovery / when the claim became actionable (if you’re using an accrual/discovery approach)
• Jurisdiction (US-MI) (Michigan)

If you’re comparing outcomes, run it twice using different operative dates:

• Scenario A: Use the incident date → SOL end date = incident date + 6 years
• Scenario B: Use a discovery/accrual date → SOL end date = discovery date + 6 years

How the output changes

Because the default term is fixed at 6 years under MCL § 767.24(1), variations in the result usually come from changing the date input:

• Later operative dates produce later SOL deadlines.
• Earlier operative dates produce earlier SOL deadlines.

Practical checklist before you rely on the computed date

Before using a computed deadline for planning, verify:

Sources and references

Start with the primary authority for Michigan and confirm the effective date before relying on any output. If the rule has been amended, update the inputs and rerun the calculation.

• MCL § 600.5807

Related reading

• Choosing the right statute of limitations tool for Vermont — How to choose the right calculator
• Statute of limitations in Singapore: how to estimate the deadline — Full how-to guide with jurisdiction-specific rules
• Choosing the right statute of limitations tool for Connecticut — How to choose the right calculator