Every state sets its own deadline — called the statute of limitations — for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Miss it, and you generally lose the right to sue entirely, no matter how strong your case is. Search or browse your state below to find your deadline and get the full details.
| State | Personal Injury Statute of Limitations |
|---|
How These Deadlines Work
The statute of limitations clock generally starts running on the date of injury, though most states apply a “discovery rule” that can delay the start date if an injury wasn’t immediately apparent (common in medical malpractice or toxic exposure cases). Many states also pause (“toll”) the clock while an injured person is a minor, and claims against government entities (a city, county, or state agency) almost always carry much shorter notice deadlines — often 90 to 180 days — regardless of the general statute of limitations shown above.
These are general civil statutes of limitations for personal injury claims. Wrongful death, medical malpractice, and product liability claims sometimes follow different deadlines within the same state. This page is for general information only and is not legal advice — deadlines and exceptions are complex and case-specific. Speak with a licensed attorney in your state as soon as possible after an injury to confirm your exact filing deadline.