Tool
How long do I have to sue?
Pick a state and a type of claim. We will show you the time window in plain English, plus the caveat that matters most (discovery rule, statute of repose, foreign object exception). Covers all 50 states and DC.
What counts as a personal injury claim?
Injuries from car crashes, slip-and-fall, dog bites, defective products, assault, or any other case where someone caused you physical or emotional harm.
Why this matters
Once the statute of limitations runs, your right to sue is gone. A judge will dismiss the case at the defendant’s first request, no matter how strong your evidence is. That is why these deadlines are considered “jurisdictional” in most states.
A few exceptions can pause the clock: the harm was hidden (the “discovery rule”), the plaintiff was a minor or mentally incompetent, the defendant left the state, or fraud concealed the cause of action. These doctrines are powerful but narrow. Talk to a lawyer before assuming one applies to you.
Coverage
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Last reviewed: 2026-06-08. Statutes change. The figures here reflect the controlling statute as of that date. Confirm against your jurisdiction’s current code and consult a licensed attorney before acting.
See also: the full guide to deadlines, the demand-letter template, or small claims by state.
