How long is the statute of limitations in the United Kingdom?

The statute of limitations in the United Kingdom varies based on the nature of the event; however, the typical range is six to 12 years. The Limitation Act of 1980, set forth by the British House of Parliament, defines the time frames and is susceptible to further changes.

Furthermore, the Limitation Act does not apply to the entirety of the United Kingdom, but rather to England and Wales. Scotland follows its own statute of limitations set forth by the Prescription and Limitation Act of 1973, which follows a more consistent time span of five years for most events. Meanwhile, statute laws in Northern Ireland range from one year to 12 years as of 2015.