Time limits for filing a claim Before filing your case, be sure that the time limit for doing so has not expired (statute of limitations). You cannot file your case after the statute of limitations have expired. The time limit begins for a contract case when the contract is breached (or broken) and for a personal injury or property damage case when the injury or damage occurs. Listed below are the most common statutes of limitations for different kinds of cases. 2 years - personal injury; damage to personal property. 4 years - contract for the sale of goods (whether written or oral). 6 years - accounts; oral contracts other than the sale of goods; rent and landlord-tenant disputes; damage to real estate; promissory notes and written contracts for payment of money.