What is the statute of limitations for indemnity and contribution claims?

• A. Three years from date of injury
• B. Six years from the payment of judgment by the defendant
• C. One year from discovery
• D. Ten years from judgment

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is when indemnity and contribution claims start to run and how long the period lasts. Indemnity and contribution claims accrue not at the time of the underlying injury or fault, but when the party who is on the hook actually pays the judgment. Once that payment occurs, the paying party can seek reimbursement or shift the burden to others, and the statute of limitations for that claim begins then. In this scenario, the limitations period is six years from the date the defendant pays the judgment, which is why that option is the correct one.

The other timeframes don’t fit this rule. Three years from the date of injury would apply to the underlying tort in some cases, not to the separate indemnity or contribution action. One year from discovery corresponds to discovery-rule situations for specific claims like certain professional malpractice, but not the general rule for indemnity/contribution. Ten years from judgment isn’t the standard framework for these claims.