Understanding your state’s deadline to file a personal injury claim is essential. Missing your statute of limitations can permanently bar your right to recover damages. Below is a comprehensive table listing personal injury filing deadlines, tolling for minors, and key notes or exceptions for all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
Disclaimer: Laws can change. Always verify deadlines with an attorney before taking legal action.
U.S. Personal Injury Statute of Limitations Table
| State | Time Limit to File (Personal Injury) | Tolling for Minors | Notes & Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2 years | Yes | Shorter deadlines for claims against the government. |
| Alaska | 2 years | Yes | Clock begins when injury is discovered or should have been. |
| Arizona | 2 years | Yes | Claims against public entities require notice within 180 days. |
| Arkansas | 3 years | Yes | Two-year statute for medical malpractice cases. |
| California | 2 years | Yes | Government claims require notice within 6 months. |
| Colorado | 2 years | Yes | Auto accidents limited to 3 years. |
| Connecticut | 2 years | Yes | Absolute cutoff at 3 years from the date of accident. |
| Delaware | 2 years | Yes | Strict discovery rule applies for latent injuries. |
| Florida | 2 years | Yes (limited to 7 years) | Special notice rules for government defendants. |
| Georgia | 2 years | Yes | Shorter deadlines for wrongful death or med-mal. |
| Hawaii | 2 years | Yes | Discovery rule applies for delayed injury awareness. |
| Idaho | 2 years | Limited | Caps exist for tolling; shorter period for malpractice. |
| Illinois | 2 years | Yes | Minors’ cases tolled up to age 18 or 8 years max for med-mal. |
| Indiana | 2 years | Yes | Medical malpractice has 2-year limit regardless of age. |
| Iowa | 2 years | Yes | Special notice deadlines apply for municipal defendants. |
| Kansas | 2 years | Limited (8-year cap) | All claims barred after 8 years regardless of minority. |
| Kentucky | 1 year | Yes | Strict 1-year limit; motor vehicle cases: 2 years. |
| Louisiana | 2 year | Limited | No general tolling for minors; very short “prescription” period. |
| Maine | 6 years | Yes | One of the longest deadlines; discovery rule applies. |
| Maryland | 3 years | Yes | Medical malpractice limited to 5 years after injury. |
| Massachusetts | 3 years | Yes | Discovery rule applies; capped for certain torts. |
| Michigan | 3 years | Yes | Minors may extend deadline up to 1 year after turning 18. |
| Minnesota | 2 years | Yes | Medical malpractice cases: 4 years max. |
| Mississippi | 3 years | Yes | 1-year limit for claims against government agencies. |
| Missouri | 5 years | Yes | 2 years for med-mal; discovery rule limited. |
| Montana | 3 years | Yes | Special discovery rule for medical cases. |
| Nebraska | 4 years | Yes | 2-year limit for malpractice; tolling limited. |
| Nevada | 2 years | Yes | Discovery rule applies; 6-year cap for malpractice. |
| New Hampshire | 3 years | Yes | Discovery rule applies. |
| New Jersey | 2 years | Yes | Minor tolling except for birth-related injury claims. |
| New Mexico | 3 years | Yes | Government claims limited to 90-day notice. |
| New York | 3 years | Yes | Government defendants require notice of claim within 90 days. |
| North Carolina | 3 years | Yes | Medical malpractice: 4 years statute of repose. |
| North Dakota | 6 years | Yes | Discovery rule applies; exceptions for malpractice. |
| Ohio | 2 years | Limited | Tolling restricted; some claims capped by statute of repose. |
| Oklahoma | 2 years | Yes | Government claims require advance notice. |
| Oregon | 2 years | Yes | 5-year statute of repose for malpractice. |
| Pennsylvania | 2 years | Yes | Discovery rule applies for hidden injuries. |
| Rhode Island | 3 years | Yes | Longer for government liability claims. |
| South Carolina | 3 years | Yes | Medical malpractice: 6 years maximum. |
| South Dakota | 3 years | Yes | 2 years for malpractice; discovery rule limited. |
| Tennessee | 1 year | Limited | No general tolling for minors beyond certain caps. |
| Texas | 2 years | Yes | Discovery rule limited; 10-year statute of repose. |
| Utah | 4 years | Yes | Medical malpractice limited to 2 years. |
| Vermont | 3 years | Yes | Discovery rule applies for malpractice and latent injuries. |
| Virginia | 2 years | Yes | Discovery rule limited; wrongful death: 2 years. |
| Washington | 3 years | Yes | 8-year statute of repose for malpractice claims. |
| West Virginia | 2 years | Yes | Minor tolling applies; discovery rule recognized. |
| Wisconsin | 3 years | Yes | 5-year statute of repose for malpractice claims. |
| Wyoming | 4 years | Yes | 2-year rule for med-mal; discovery exceptions apply. |
| District of Columbia | 3 years | Yes | Applies same discovery and minor tolling as most states. |
Quick Summary: The majority of states require filing within 2–3 years. Maine and North Dakota offer 6 years; Kentucky, Louisiana, and Tennessee provide only 1 year. States with limited or no tolling for minors include Connecticut, Louisiana, Kansas, Tennessee, Idaho, and Ohio.
For a free legal consultation with a Personal Injury lawyer serving Connecticut, call 203-437-6190
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