InjuryCaseTimeline

Filing deadlines by state

How long you generally have to file a lawsuit in each US state and DC. Deadlines can start later, pause or be shortened depending on the facts, so open your state for details and the official law.

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Missing a deadline can end a claim. If a deadline may be close, speak with a lawyer licensed in your state now.

StatePersonal injuryWrongful deathProperty damage
Alabama2 years2 years from death2 years Under review
Alaska2 years2 years from death2 years
Arizona2 years2 years2 years
Arkansas3 years3 years3 years
California2 years2 years3 years
Colorado2 years2 years2 years
Connecticut2 years2 years2 years
Delaware2 years2 years2 years
District of Columbia3 years2 years3 years
Florida2 years2 years2 years if based on negligence; 4 years for other property claims Under review
Georgia2 years2 years4 years
Hawaii2 years2 years2 years
Idaho2 years2 years3 years
Illinois2 years2 years5 years
Indiana2 years2 years2 years
Iowa2 years2 years5 years
Kansas2 years2 years2 years
Kentucky1 year1 year2 years Under review
Louisiana2 years (incidents on or after July 1, 2024)1 year from death or 2 years from the injury, whichever is longer2 years (incidents on or after July 1, 2024)
Maine6 years3 years6 years
Maryland3 years3 years from death3 years
Massachusetts3 years3 years from death or discovery3 years
Michigan3 years3 years (saving period under § 600.5852)3 years
Minnesota6 years (negligence) / 2 years (intentional torts)3 years from death; max 6 years from act6 years
Mississippi3 years3 years (or applicable underlying tort SOL) Under review3 years
Missouri5 years3 years5 years
Montana3 years3 years2 years Under review
Nebraska4 years2 years from death4 years
Nevada2 years2 years from death3 years
New Hampshire3 yearsGenerally 3 years Under review3 years
New Jersey2 years2 years from death6 years
New Mexico3 years3 years from death4 years
New York3 years2 years from death3 years
North Carolina3 years2 years from death3 years
North Dakota6 years2 years from death6 years
Ohio2 years2 years from death2 years
Oklahoma2 years2 years from death2 years
Oregon2 years3 years from injury discovery6 years
Pennsylvania2 years2 years from death2 years
Rhode Island3 years3 years from death10 years Under review
South Carolina3 years3 years3 years
South Dakota3 years3 years6 years Under review
Tennessee1 year1 year3 years
Texas2 years2 years2 years
Utah4 years2 years3 years Under review
Vermont3 years2 years3 years
Virginia2 years2 years5 years
Washington3 years3 years3 years
West Virginia2 years2 years2 years
Wisconsin3 years3 years6 years
Wyoming4 years2 years4 years

How we check these deadlines

Each period was compared across three independent 50-state surveys of state law. Where they disagreed, we checked the state's official code and corrected the figure. Every entry links to the official statute so you can read it yourself. Last checked: November 12, 2026.

Cross-checked sources agree   Checked on official code confirmed directly on the state's code site   Under review the rule depends on the type of claim or is being re-checked; read the linked statute.