How long you have to file a personal injury claim in every US state. Missing the deadline means losing your right to compensation permanently.
Legal notice: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state — always consult a licensed attorney before making any legal decisions.
⏰ Critical: Once the statute of limitations deadline passes, no attorney can help you — regardless of how strong your case is. Do not risk your right to compensation by waiting.
Note: Deadlines for general personal injury claims. Government entity claims have much shorter deadlines. Always verify with an attorney.
The clock may not start until you discovered or reasonably should have discovered the injury or its cause. Most common in toxic exposure or defective product cases.
When the injured person is a minor, the statute typically does not begin until they turn 18. A 10-year-old injured in a 2-year statute state may have until age 20 to file.
Claims against a government vehicle, employee, or property typically require a formal notice of claim within 90-180 days — before you can even file a lawsuit. This is one of the most commonly missed deadlines.
If the injured person was mentally incapacitated at the time of injury, the statute may be tolled until they regain capacity.
Your claim is permanently barred. No attorney can help you recover compensation after the deadline passes. The court will dismiss your case regardless of how strong it is or how serious your injuries are.
The statute of limitations applies to lawsuits, not insurance claims. However you should report accidents to insurance promptly — most policies require timely reporting. The critical deadline to track is the lawsuit filing deadline.
As of 2023, Florida reduced its personal injury statute of limitations from 4 years to 2 years for negligence claims including car accidents. Contact a Florida PI attorney immediately to confirm the current deadline for your situation.
Yes, in certain circumstances called tolling — including injury to a minor, mental incapacity, the discovery rule, or defendant being out of state. Never assume tolling applies to your situation without consulting an attorney.
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Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on InjuryCorner is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Nothing on this site should be construed as creating an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ — the content on this page may not apply to your specific situation. InjuryCorner makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of any information on this site. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. Always consult a licensed personal injury attorney in your jurisdiction before making any legal decisions.