After how many years does an action for breach of a simple contract become statute-barred, if it does not involve personal injuries?

The correct answer is based on the limitation period established by law for bringing forward claims related to breach of a simple contract. In general, for civil claims involving simple contracts in most jurisdictions, the statute of limitations is set at six years. This means that a party has six years from the date of the breach or from when they were aware of the breach to initiate legal proceedings.

This period allows for a reasonable time in which parties can resolve disputes without being perpetually at risk of litigation. It balances the interests of both the claimant and the defendant, ensuring that claims are brought while evidence is still fresh and relevant, while also providing clarity and finality to contractual relationships.

It’s important to note that specific rules can vary by jurisdiction, but the six-year limitation is a common standard that applies in many legal systems, particularly in English law.