Parker Waichman Alonso, LLP - www.statutes-of-limitations.com

RHODE ISLAND

Negligence / Personal Injury

3 Years 3 years with Discovery Rule

Products Liability

3 Years 3 years with Discovery Rule

Wrongful Death

3 Years 3 years from injury or death with Discovery Rule

Municipalities

3 Years 3 years. If arising out of maintenance of streets, highways, or bridges, 60 day notice of claim requirement.

Intentional Torts

3 Years 3 years except 1 year for libel and slander.

Fraud

Fraudulent concealment by actual misrepresentation of a cause of action tolls running of period of limitation and such cause of action is deemed to accrue at time its existence is first discovered.

Discovery Rule

Standard rule applies in RI.

Disabilities

For infants (18th birthday), incompetents, and insane persons, SOL applies after disability removed.  Does not apply in wrongful death cases.  Medical malpractice and legal malpractice cases must be brought within 3 years from removal of disabilities.

Comparative Negligence

Applies.

Charitable Immunity

Abolished.

Sovereign Immunity

Abrogated by statute with $100,000 limit except by special act.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be awarded in torts involving malice, wantonness, or willfulness, false imprisonment, assault, libel, or slander.

Consumer Fraud Complaint

Rhode Island Department of Attorney General, Consumer Protection
(401)274-4400

Legal Malpractice

3 Years 3 years with Discovery Rule.

Medical Malpractice

3 Years 3 years with Discovery Rule.