Are there exceptions to the Illinois wrongful termination statute of limitations?

Yes — Retaliatory discharge tort. Consult a Illinois attorney for case-specific tolling questions.

Illinois · Wrongful Termination

Illinois Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Termination

Q: What is the statute of limitations for wrongful termination in Illinois?

5 years. Five years for retaliatory-discharge wrongful-termination tort claims under Illinois law. Source: 735 ILCS 5/13-205.

5 years to file a lawsuit

⚠ Retaliatory discharge tort

Quick answer

The Illinois statute of limitations for wrongful termination is 5 years from the date of the underlying event — Retaliatory discharge tort. Controlling statute: 735 ILCS 5/13-205. Talk to a Illinois attorney for case-specific tolling, notice-of-claim, or discovery-rule questions.

What this deadline means

Five years for retaliatory-discharge wrongful-termination tort claims under Illinois law.

Source: 735 ILCS 5/13-205 ↗ Reviewed Jun 2026

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Date of the underlying event (injury, breach, fraud discovery, etc.)

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About wrongful termination claims

Claims for unlawful firing — discrimination, retaliation, public-policy, or contract-based. Period depends on the underlying legal theory.

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Talk to a verified Illinois wrongful termination attorney for free. Most accept contingency cases — no fee unless you recover.

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Important: Statutes of limitations have many exceptions — discovery rules, tolling for minors, ongoing-treatment doctrines, notice requirements for government defendants, and contractual modifications. This page is general legal information, not legal advice. Talk to a licensed Illinois attorney before relying on any deadline.