Legal rules differ a lot from state to state. Here are the numbers that matter most for everyday problems in Illinois, with the statutes behind them.
Illinois at a glance
| Topic | Illinois | Source or note |
|---|---|---|
| Small claims limit | $10,000 | Largest claim most individuals can bring in small claims court. |
| Personal injury deadline | 2 years | Ill. Comp. Stat. 735, Art. 5, § 13-202 |
| Written contract deadline | 10 years | Statute of limitations for breach of a written contract. |
| Oral contract deadline | 5 years | Statute of limitations for breach of an oral agreement. |
How we built this table. Figures come from published 50-state surveys of state statutes and court rules, retrieved 2026-10-20. A number is shown only when at least two surveys agree; otherwise we leave it out. Laws change, so confirm with the statute cited or your state court before you rely on a figure. This is general information, not legal advice.
Small claims court in Illinois
Illinois lets individuals bring claims of up to $10,000 in small claims court. That is the same as the national middle of about $10,000.
- Filing fee: Varies by county. Fees vary by county, and fee waivers exist for people with low income.
- Lawyers: Allowed; required for corporations suing or counterclaiming.
- Appeals: 30 days.
Learn the steps in our guide to how small claims court works.
Deadlines to file a lawsuit in Illinois
The deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois is generally 2 years, which is the same as the most common period of 2 years across the country (Ill. Comp. Stat. 735, Art. 5, § 13-202). For a written contract the period is 10 years and for an oral contract 5 years.
Worth knowing: Minors’ cases tolled up to age 18 or 8 years max for med-mal.
Deadlines can start later or pause in some situations, and claims against government bodies often have much shorter notice periods. See what a statute of limitations is and what to do after a car accident.
Security deposits in Illinois
We could not confirm a single statutory deadline for returning security deposits in Illinois from our sources, so we do not state one here. Check the state landlord-tenant statute or your state attorney general's tenant guide, and read our general guide to security deposits.
Where to get legal help in Illinois
- Legal Services Corporation: find a legal aid office, a directory of free civil legal help for people with low incomes.
- LawHelp.org, free legal information and referrals, where you can choose Illinois.
- National Center for State Courts directory of state court websites, many with self-help forms.
Not sure whether you need an attorney? Read Do I need a lawyer? and how to find free or low-cost legal help.
Browse other states: Idaho and Indiana. Or see the full 50-state comparison.