Procedural
What is Statute of Repose?
An absolute outer time limit for bringing a lawsuit, regardless of when the injury was discovered.
Definition
Unlike a statute of limitations, which can be tolled or extended by the discovery rule, a statute of repose creates a hard ceiling. After the repose period passes (typically measured from the act or omission, not from injury), no claim can be brought even if the injury was undiscoverable until later.
How it applies in personal injury cases
Most relevant in medical malpractice. Pennsylvania has a 7-year statute of repose for med-mal (with exceptions for minors and foreign objects). Florida is 4 years. Illinois is 4 years. Texas is 10 years. Knowing both the SOL and the SOR is essential — a case might be timely under one and barred under the other.
Related terms
This entry is a plain-English reference for personal injury practice. It is not legal advice — consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for the law applicable to your case.
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