Vermont 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 cause of action for wrongful death accrues on the date of death and must be filed within two years of that date.

Personal Injury Actions

These actions must be brought within three years of the date that the injury occurred.

Personal Injury Actions Based on Skiing Accidents

Claims for injuries suffered while skiing must be brought within one year.

Medical Malpractice Actions

Actions against health-care providers must be filed within three years of the date that the act giving rise to the injury occurred or within two years of the date that the injury was, or should have been, discovered. In no event may suit be filed more than seven years from the date that the act giving rise to the injury occurred.

Medical Malpractice Actions Based on Insertion of Foreign Object

If a foreign object is not discovered within the three-year medical malpractice statute of limitations, the plaintiff may file suit within two years of the date that the object was, or should have been, discovered.

Products Liability Actions

Products liability actions must be brought within three years after the plaintiff suffers the injury.

Special Rules for Minors

Except in cases of wrongful death, the statute of limitations begins to run on the minor's 18th birthday.