Medical Malpractice Statute Of Limitations in California

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Published July 14, 2026 • By DocketMath Team

Verified · 67 primary sources

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Quoted from the source law itself. Not legal advice; confirm how it applies to your matter.

Current verified answer

California statute-of-limitations: period is 3; period is 3.

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Authority and key facts

Citation: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1

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Verified April 23, 2026

  • Period: 3
  • Period: 3
  • Statute Of Limitations Years: 2
  • Government Notice Period Days: 180

This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Medical Malpractice Statute Of Limitations in California

California’s statute of limitations for medical malpractice actions is governed by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1, which establishes a two-year filing deadline. This provision applies to claims for personal injury arising from professional negligence by a healthcare provider. The two-year period generally begins to run from the date of the alleged negligent act or omission. The statute sets out certain accrual rules and possible exceptions, though their precise application depends on the specific facts of each case. The worked example below demonstrates how this two-year limitation is calculated under the rule. To estimate the deadline for a particular claim, the reader may use the DocketMath calculator, referencing the official statutory text for complete detail.

Governing authority

In California, the statute of limitations rule is set by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1. The verified packet cites Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&sectionNum=335.1).

Deadline example

For a California medical malpractice limitations check, use the verified limitations period from the current rule packet: 2 years. The authority packet cites Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&sectionNum=335.1).

Example inputs:

  • Accrual date: 2024-04-25
  • Filing date checked: 2026-04-25

Calculation:

  • Start with the accrual date.
  • Add 2 years.
  • The example deadline is 2026-04-25.

This example is generated from the verified facts packet rather than freeform prose. Confirm tolling, discovery rules, and claim-specific exceptions before relying on the date.

Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the medical malpractice statute of limitations calculator to estimate your specific figure.

This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.