Defamation Statute of Limitations in Maryland

Last verified 2026-07 · Source: Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-105 ✓ verified · 3 sources

The deadline

1 year

from Date the cause of action accrues (date of publication of defamatory statement), under Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-105.

The deadline to file a defamation lawsuit in Maryland is 1 year, set by Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-105. It starts running on Date the cause of action accrues (date of publication of defamatory statement). This page covers the exceptions, the government-claim trap, and the steps to take before time runs out.

Maryland Deadlines for Related Claims

Claim type	Deadline	Statute
Defamation	1 year	Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-105
Car Accident	3 yrs	Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101
Credit Card Debt	3 yrs	Md. Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 5-101
Medical Malpractice	3 yrs	Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-109(a)
Wrongful Death	3 yrs	Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-901 through § 3-904
Personal Injury	3 yrs	Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101
Dog Bite	3 yrs	Md. Code Ann., Courts & Jud. Proc. § 3-1901
Slip and Fall	3 yrs	Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101
Breach of Contract	3 yrs	Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101
Medical Debt	3 yrs	Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101

When the Clock Starts

In Maryland, the limitations period for defamation and libel claims generally begins on Date the cause of action accrues (date of publication of defamatory statement). Maryland does not apply a general discovery rule to this claim type — the date of the event controls, which makes early action critical.

Exceptions That Can Extend the Deadline

Minors: the clock is generally paused while the injured person is under 18.
Fraudulent concealment: if the defendant actively hid the wrongdoing, the deadline may be extended until it was or should have been uncovered.
Defendant leaves the state: absence can pause the clock in many circumstances.
Government-claim trap: For local government claims, the Maryland Local Government Tort Claims Act (Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-304) requires notice within 1 year. For state government claims, notice within 1 year under Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 12-106.

Section 5-105 expressly covers 'assault, libel, or slander' — Maryland has one of the shortest defamation limitations periods in the US at 1 year. Under § 5-201, minority tolls the period but a cap applies.

Source: Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-105, official Maryland statute · verified 2026-07

What to Do Before the Deadline Runs

Pin down your accrual date — the day the clock started — and calendar the deadline conservatively.
Preserve evidence now: photos, records, witness contacts, bills. Evidence decays faster than deadlines.
Send preservation/notice letters where required (especially for Maryland government defendants).
If the deadline is inside 6 months, treat it as urgent — filing suit is the only reliable way to stop the clock.

How Maryland Compares to Nearby States

State	Deadline	Statute
Maryland	1 year	Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-105
Virginia	1 yr	Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-247.1
West Virginia	1 yr	W. Va. Code § 55-2-12
Pennsylvania	1 yr	42 Pa.C.S. § 5523(1)
Delaware	2 yrs	10 Del. C. § 8119
District of Columbia	1 yr	D.C. Code § 12-301(4)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a defamation lawsuit in Maryland?

You have 1 year from Date the cause of action accrues (date of publication of defamatory statement), under Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-105.

Can I still sue after 1 years in Maryland?

Usually no — courts dismiss claims filed after the statute of limitations expires. Narrow exceptions (tolling for minors, fraudulent concealment) can extend the deadline; whether one applies depends on your facts.

What if the victim was a minor?

Maryland generally pauses ("tolls") the deadline while the injured person is under 18, giving them time to file after reaching adulthood. Special limits can still apply, so check the statute.

Is the deadline different for claims against the government?

For local government claims, the Maryland Local Government Tort Claims Act (Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-304) requires notice within 1 year. For state government claims, notice within 1 year under Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 12-106.

Sources

Official Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5-105 - Assault, Libel, or Slander (Maryland General Assembly)
Corroborating Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5-105 - Justia US Law
Corroborating Maryland Law on the Statute of Limitations - Miller and Zois Attorneys
Verified 2026-07 under our 4-step process — every line checked against the sources above. How we verify

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Deadlines have exceptions that depend on your facts — confirm with a licensed Maryland attorney.