Can you sue someone after 2 years Ontario?

Asked by: Mabelle Wehner DDS  |  Last update: May 16, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (23 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 can you wait to sue someone in Ontario?

Limitation periods for starting a lawsuit

In Ontario, for most matters, the claimant has two years to begin the lawsuit, either from the date the injury occurred or from the date notice was given (whichever is applicable).

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 I sue for something 10 years ago?

In some cases, ten years would be too long to bring a lawsuit. In others, such as medical issues that don't appear immediately, you might still be able to sue. An attorney is the best person to help you understand your case and the time limits.

How long do you have to file a claim in Ontario?

That said, the Province of Ontario follows a statute of limitations of two years for all personal injury claims, including premises liability claims. This means that you may have two years from the date you slip and fell to file your claim.

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

35 related questions found

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.

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 sue after 7 years?

This period varies by state and type of debt — and it typically ranges from three to six years, though some states allow up to 15 years for certain types of debt. Once this time limit expires, the debt becomes "time-barred," meaning debt collectors can't successfully sue you to collect.

Can you sue for something that happened in the past?

Yes - as long as you are still within the statute. That will depend on your Country/state. In most cases, you have at least one year from the date of harm to file a lawsuit for personal injury or other claims, regardless of your state or the type of claim. However, statutes of limitations vary by state and claim type.

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 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 crimes have no statute of limitations in Canada?

Canada. Summary conviction offences have a limitation period of 12 months. Indictable (serious) offences such as fraud, serious theft, murder, kidnapping, arson, bribery, perjury, do not have a limitation period. A defendant can be charged at any future date.

Can you sue someone after 2 years in Ontario?

Start a claim. Before you file a claim, it's important to know: a claim can't be filed more than two years after the incident in most cases. To learn more, see the Limitations Act, 2002.

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 two year limitation period 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.

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.

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.

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.

Can you sue someone who owes you money without a contract?

Yes, if you lent someone money and they never paid you back you can sue for the money they owe you. Additionally, you do not need a contract to sue someone for money owed, however, if there is a contract or some type of written agreement or evidence of an agreement this will be useful in court.

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.

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.

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 long does someone have to sue you in Ontario?

The basic limitation period established by the Limitations Act is a period of two years from the date of the loss. This time period applies to all personal injury claims, whether it be a dog bite, slip and fall, car accident, or medical malpractice.