Contract Glossary
Statute of Repose
Definition
A hard deadline — measured from a specific event like project completion or product delivery — after which no legal claim can be brought, regardless of when the injury or defect was discovered. Unlike a statute of limitations (which starts when you discover the harm), a statute of repose starts when the triggering event occurs, even if the harm hasn't happened yet.
In Practice
An architect designs a commercial building that is completed in 2020. In 2032, a structural defect causes part of the building to collapse. The building owner wants to sue the architect, but the state has a 10-year statute of repose for construction defects. Even though the owner just discovered the defect, the claim is barred — the 10-year window from completion has closed. This is why architects and contractors carry tail coverage on their professional liability insurance.
Common in these contract types
Related contract clauses
Related articles
How to Draft a Services Agreement for Retainer Clients
Create a retainer services agreement that covers billing, scope, rollover, and termination. Start with a free template.
Retainer vs Project-Based Agreement
Compare retainer vs project-based service agreements — billing, scope, and termination differences. Create the right contract for your work.
Service Agreement vs Scope of Work Explained
Service agreement vs scope of work — key differences, what each document covers, and when you need both for complete legal protection.
Frequently asked questions about statute of repose
When the clock starts. A statute of limitations begins when you discover (or should have discovered) the injury — the 'discovery rule.' A statute of repose begins at a fixed event (completion of construction, sale of a product, delivery of services) regardless of when the injury occurs or is discovered. A statute of repose is an absolute bar; a statute of limitations can be extended by late discovery. Both can apply to the same claim — you must meet whichever deadline comes first.
Create a contract with proper statute of repose clauses
Generate a professional contract in minutes with all the essential clauses — no legal expertise needed.
Create your contractThis content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For contracts with significant financial or legal implications, review by a qualified attorney is recommended.