Statute ofLimitations by State
Looking for an Arabic personal injury lawyer near you? Know your deadline to file. Missing the statute of limitations means losing your right to compensation forever. Trusted by Iraqi, Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian & Yemeni families.
with filing deadlines
2 Years
Most Common
Personal injury
1 Year
Shortest SOL
KY, LA, TN
6 Years
Longest SOL
ME, ND
30-180 Days
Govt Claims
Notice required
Critical: These are general guidelines. Your deadline may differ based on your specific circumstances, the type of claim, and the defendant. Claims against government entities often have much shorter notice requirements (30-180 days). Consult an attorney immediately to verify your deadline.
Find your deadline
State-by-state filing deadlines
Find your state to see the statute of limitations for personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice claims.
| State | Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Medical Malpractice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Alaska | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Arizona | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Arkansas | 3 years | 3 years | 2 years |
| California | 2 years | 2 years | 3 years |
| Colorado | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Connecticut | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Delaware | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Florida | 4 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Georgia | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Hawaii | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Idaho | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Illinois | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Indiana | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Iowa | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Kansas | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Kentucky | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Louisiana | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Maine | 6 years | 2 years | 3 years |
| Maryland | 3 years | 3 years | 5 years |
| Massachusetts | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| Michigan | 3 years | 3 years | 2 years |
| Minnesota | 2 years | 3 years | 4 years |
| Mississippi | 3 years | 3 years | 2 years |
| Missouri | 5 years | 3 years | 2 years |
| Montana | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| Nebraska | 4 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Nevada | 2 years | 2 years | 3 years |
| New Hampshire | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| New Jersey | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| New Mexico | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| New York | 3 years | 2 years | 2.5 years |
| North Carolina | 3 years | 2 years | 3 years |
| North Dakota | 6 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Ohio | 2 years | 2 years | 1 year |
| Oklahoma | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Oregon | 2 years | 3 years | 2 years |
| Pennsylvania | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Rhode Island | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| South Carolina | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| South Dakota | 3 years | 3 years | 2 years |
| Tennessee | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Texas | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Utah | 4 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Vermont | 3 years | 2 years | 3 years |
| Virginia | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Washington | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| West Virginia | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Wisconsin | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| Wyoming | 4 years | 2 years | 2 years |
Important concepts
Understanding statute of limitations
Key legal concepts you should know about filing deadlines.
Why deadlines exist
Statutes of limitations ensure cases are filed while evidence is fresh and witnesses can still remember events. They provide finality for potential defendants.
The discovery rule
In some cases, the clock doesn't start until you discover the injury. This is common in medical malpractice or toxic exposure cases where harm isn't immediately apparent.
Tolling exceptions
The deadline may be "tolled" (paused) for minors, mentally incapacitated victims, or if the defendant leaves the state. An attorney can identify if any exceptions apply.
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Deadlines pass. The sooner you consult an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
Evidence deteriorates
Security footage gets deleted, accident scenes change, documents get lost
Witnesses forget
Memories fade quickly - witness statements are most reliable early
Insurance tactics
Insurers may delay hoping you'll miss your deadline
Frequently asked questions about filing deadlines
Need legal help Now?
Don't risk missing your deadline. Speak with an Arabic-speaking personal injury lawyer today for a free case evaluation.
Important Disclaimer: Statute of limitations information on this page is provided for general reference only. Laws change, and your specific deadline may differ based on your case type, the date of injury, the identity of the defendant, and other factors including tolling provisions and the discovery rule. Claims against government entities often have much shorter notice requirements (as little as 30-180 days). This information does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon to determine your specific filing deadline. Consult with a personal injury attorney immediately to verify the deadline applicable to your case.