If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence — in a car crash, slip and fall, dog bite, or medical mishap — you may be entitled to compensation. But there’s a clock ticking: every state enforces a statute of limitations, which limits the time you have to file a personal injury claim.
In most U.S. states, the statute of limitations is two to three years from the date of the injury. For example:
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California: 2 years
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New York: 3 years
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Texas: 2 years
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Florida: recently reduced to 2 years (as of 2023)
Miss the deadline and you lose your right to sue — even if your case is strong.
There are a few exceptions:
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Discovery rule: If you didn’t know right away you were injured (e.g., a hidden infection after surgery), the time may start from the discovery date.
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Minors: If the injured party is under 18, the clock usually starts on their 18th birthday.
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Government claims: If your injury involved a city, county, or state agency, you may need to file a notice of claim within 6 months.
Act quickly. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and insurance companies may delay to run out the clock.
Hiring a personal injury attorney early gives you the best chance of success. Don’t assume you have “plenty of time” — check your state laws now.
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