New Hampshire's Statute of Limitations

Preliminary Note: Statutes of limitations restrict the time period that a person can file a lawsuit. These statutes not only vary by state, but they also vary by cause of action. The following guide provides limitations periods for each state, but only for particular causes of action; specifically, those related to personal injury, medical malpractice, and products liability claims. The sections discussing special rules for minors only apply to the causes of action listed for that particular state.

Wrongful Death

A wrongful death action must be filed within three years of the date of death.

Personal Injury Actions

Personal Injury Actions must be brought within three years of the date of the injury.

Medical Malpractice Actions

Actions against health-care providers must be filed within two years of the date that the act giving rise to the injury occurred. This limitations period applies to minors who are eight and older. A minor under eight has until his or her 10th birthday to file a medical malpractice action.

Medical Malpractice Actions Based on Insertion of Foreign Objects

In these cases, suit must be filed within two years of insertion of the foreign object or within two years of discovering the foreign object, whichever is earlier. This rule applies to minors.

Products Liability Actions

Products liability actions must be brought within three years after the plaintiff suffers the injury or within three years of discovering the injury. In no event may a products liability action be brought more than 12 years after the product was manufactured and sold.

Special Rules for Minors

Except in cases of medical malpractice or wrongful death, minors have two years from their 18th birthday to file suit.