Can you sue someone after 2 years in Ontario?

Asked by: Janae Jacobson DDS  |  Last update: July 4, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (54 votes)

[1] There are some exceptions to this two-year rule, such as when a creditor wants to sue to take and realize on collateral for their loan, or when the claim is about sexual assault, but the general limitation period in Ontario is two years.

How long do you have to sue someone in Ontario?

As a starting point, in Ontario, there is a basic two-year limitation period which sets out that a lawsuit must be commenced within two years of the date on which the claim is said to have been discovered.

What is the 2-year limitation period in Ontario?

The Basic Limitation Period

Section 4 of the Limitations Act establishes 2-year limitation period for most claims. According to this provision, a claimant may not initiate a proceeding after the second anniversary of the day on which their claim is 'discovered.

Can you sue 20 years later?

You can't sue after the statute of limitations runs out, but there are situations where the statute of limitations begins late. For example, in a case of medical malpractice, the injury may have occurred weeks, months, or possibly years before the harm and cause of harm are discovered.

How much does it cost to sue someone in Ontario?

Typically in a civil lawsuit, it can cost $1,500-$5,000 to initiate an action and have a lawyer deliver a Statement of Claim. Responding to the opposing side's documents and conducting examinations for discovery will likely involve another $3,500-$5,000.

How fast should I act if I want to sue someone in Ontario? #law #legal #educational #learning

36 related questions found

Is it worth it to sue someone?

You need to answer three fundamental -- and fairly obvious -- questions as part of deciding whether it's worthwhile to bring a lawsuit to court: Do I have a good case? Am I comfortable with the idea of a compromise settlement or going to mediation? Assuming a lawsuit is my best or only option, can I collect if I win?

How much can you sue for emotional distress in Ontario?

Are there caps on damages for emotional distress claims in Ontario? No, there are no caps on damages for emotional distress claims in Ontario. However, the court will consider the nature and extent of the distress when determining damages.

What is the longest you can wait to sue someone?

Common statutes of limitations:
  • Personal injury: 2 years from the injury.
  • Breach of a written contract: 4 years from the date the contract was broken.
  • Breach of an oral contract: 2 years from the date the contract was broken.
  • Property damage: 3 years from the date the damage occurred.

Can you be sued after 15 years?

The statute of limitations is a law that limits how long debt collectors can legally sue consumers for unpaid debt. The statute of limitations on debt varies by state and type of debt, ranging from two years to 20 years. Once the statute of limitations has expired, the debt is said to be “time-barred.”

How long does it take to file a lawsuit against someone?

To initially file a lawsuit doesn't take much time at all. However, it can take a year or more to go through the court system once in progress. There is no set answer as several variables come into play, including: The level of compensation being sought.

What is the 2 year rule in Canada?

May 1, 2017 – Canada has abolished the family sponsorship immigration condition that required sponsored spouses and partners to live with their sponsor for two years to keep their Canada immigration status.

What is the negligence act in Ontario?

Ontario's Negligence Act, RSO 1990, c N. 1 provides a framework for determining liability in negligence cases, including cases where a defendant alleges contributory negligence and where multiple defendants are involved.

What is the limitation period for defamation in Ontario?

Defamation Limitation Period

The general limitation period is 2 years from the date of discovery however, in regard to claims for defamation a significantly shorter limitation period applies for a number of forms of publication.

What is the two year limitation period in Ontario?

The Basic Limitation Period is triggered two years from the date the claimant knew, or ought to have known, that the potential defendant did or failed to do something that caused the claimant harm. This is referred to as the Discoverability Principle.

What happens if you sue someone and they can't pay?

The California statute of limitations for filing a judgment is ten years. If the debtor cannot pay or complete payment within this time, you must renew the judgment. The judgment must continue to be renewed to ensure the debtor pays the full amount.

What is the maximum you can sue for in small claims court in Ontario?

About the Small Claims Court

The Small Claims Court hears civil claims for $35,000 or less. The streamlined procedures in the Rules of the Small Claims Court allow the Court to determine cases more quickly and at a lower cost than in the Superior Court of Justice.

Will a collection agency sue for $3000?

While smaller debts are less likely to result in legal action, there are no guarantees. In many cases, though, debt collectors will prioritize larger debts, as they offer a higher return on the time and legal fees associated with a lawsuit.

What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors?

The phrase in question is: “Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me, immediately.” These 11 words, when used correctly, can provide significant protection against aggressive debt collection practices.

Should I pay a debt that is 7 years old?

You're not obligated to pay, though, and in most cases, time-barred debts no longer appear on your credit report, as credit reporting agencies generally drop unpaid debts after seven years from the date of the original delinquency.

What is a 3 year statute of limitations?

Under 46 U.S. Code § 30106, "Except as otherwise provided by law, a civil action for damages for personal injury or death arising out of a maritime tort must be brought within 3 years after the cause of action arose." There are some exceptions to this, primarily with regard to Jones Act cases filed against the ...

Can I sue EDD for emotional distress?

In conclusion, it is not typically possible to sue unemployment for emotional distress as they are an administrative agency responsible for managing benefits.

How long do you have to file a federal lawsuit?

Within 90 days from the day you receive the agency's decision on your complaint, so long as no appeal has been filed.

What evidence do you need for emotional distress?

Medical records that attest to the victim's injuries or diagnosis of mental health conditions, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, are among the most important pieces of evidence that prove emotional distress in court.

What is the maximum pain and suffering in Ontario?

Caps and Considerations

Due to inflation, this cap has now increased to over $360,000. However, caps can vary based on the specifics of the case and precedent legal rulings. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer is crucial to navigate these limitations and set realistic expectations for your claim in Ontario.