Slip and Fall Statute of Limitations in New Hampshire
Last verified 2026-07 · Source: N.H. Rev. Stat. § 508:4 ✓ verified · 3 sources
The deadline
3 years
from When plaintiff discovers, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury, under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 508:4.
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The deadline to file a slip and fall lawsuit in New Hampshire is 3 years, set by N.H. Rev. Stat. § 508:4. It starts running on When plaintiff discovers, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury. This page covers the exceptions, the government-claim trap, and the steps to take before time runs out.
New Hampshire Deadlines for Related Claims
| Claim type | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Slip and Fall | 3 years | N.H. Rev. Stat. § 508:4 |
| Car Accident | 3 yrs | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 508:4, I |
| Credit Card Debt | 3 yrs | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 508:4 |
| Medical Malpractice | 3 yrs | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 508:4 |
| Wrongful Death | 3 yrs | RSA 556:11; RSA 556:12 |
| Personal Injury | 3 yrs | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 508:4 |
| Dog Bite | 3 yrs | RSA 508:4 |
| Defamation | 3 yrs | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 508:4 |
| Breach of Contract | 3 yrs | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 508:4 |
| Medical Debt | 3 yrs | RSA 508:4 |
When the Clock Starts
In New Hampshire, the limitations period for slip and fall injury claims generally begins on When plaintiff discovers, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury. New Hampshire recognizes a discovery rule for this claim type: Discovery rule is codified directly in RSA 508:4
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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: Claims against governmental units governed by RSA 507-B; RSA 507-B:7 sets 3-year limit; no separate shorter pre-suit notice requirement
- Damage caps: RSA 507-B:4 caps damages against governmental units at $275,000 per claimant for bodily injury
Discovery rule built into 3-year SOL.
Source: N.H. Rev. Stat. § 508:4, official New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire Compares to Nearby States
| State | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 3 years | N.H. Rev. Stat. § 508:4 |
| Maine | 6 yrs | 14 M.R.S. § 752 |
| Massachusetts | 3 yrs | M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A |
| Vermont | 3 yrs | Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 12, § 512(4) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in New Hampshire?
You have 3 years from When plaintiff discovers, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury, under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 508:4.
Can I still sue after 3 years in New Hampshire?
Usually no — courts dismiss claims filed after the statute of limitations expires. Narrow exceptions (the discovery rule, tolling for minors, fraudulent concealment) can extend the deadline; whether one applies depends on your facts.
Does the discovery rule apply to slip and fall injury claims in New Hampshire?
Yes. Discovery rule is codified directly in RSA 508:4
What if the victim was a minor?
New Hampshire 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?
Claims against governmental units governed by RSA 507-B; RSA 507-B:7 sets 3-year limit; no separate shorter pre-suit notice requirement
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Sources
- Official RSA 508:4 Personal Actions – New Hampshire General Court
- Corroborating New Hampshire Personal Injury Laws – Nolo
- Corroborating RSA Chapter 507-B – Justia
- 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 New Hampshire attorney.