Personal Injury Statute of Limitations: A General Overview
Every state sets its own deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Missing it typically means losing your right to sue entirely — which is why understanding the general concept matters, even before you know your exact deadline.
What a statute of limitations does
A statute of limitations is a legal deadline for filing a lawsuit after an injury occurs. Once it passes, courts will generally refuse to hear the case at all, regardless of how strong the underlying claim might have been.
Why the clock's start date matters
In most cases, the clock starts on the date of the injury. But some states apply a "discovery rule" that starts the clock when the injury was — or reasonably should have been — discovered, which matters for injuries that aren't immediately obvious.
Exceptions that can pause the clock
Certain circumstances — such as the injured person being a minor, or the defendant being a government entity with special notice requirements — can shorten, extend, or otherwise change the standard deadline. These exceptions vary widely by state.
Not sure where your deadline stands? Request a free case review to get pointed in the right direction.
This article is general legal information, not legal advice. We are not a law firm. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time — confirm details with a licensed attorney in your state.