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

RHODE ISLAND

Negligence / Personal Injury

3 years with Discovery Rule

Wrongful Death

3 years from injury or death with Discovery Rule

Medical Malpractice

3 years with Discovery Rule.

Malpractice (Other Professions)

3 years for legal, veterinarian, accounting and real-estate malpractice.

Products Liability

3 years with Discovery Rule

Intentional Torts

1 or 3 depending on type of case. 7 year SOL for childhood sexual abuse.

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.

Municipal Liability/Sovereign Immunity

3 year SOL. If arising out of maintenance of streets, highways, or bridges, 60 day notice of claim requirement. Limited to $100,000 except by special act.

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. SOL does not run during absence or concealment of defendant.

Comparative Negligence

Applies.

Charitable Immunity

Abolished.

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
http://www.riag.state.ri.gov/civilcriminal/consumerprotection.php
(401)274-4400