Free Tool
Statute of Limitations Calculator
Calculate filing deadlines for personal injury claims in all 50 states. Includes discovery rules, tolling exceptions, and government claim deadlines.
Calculate Deadline
Select a state and enter an incident date to calculate the filing deadline.
Learn
What is a statute of limitations?
The statute of limitations (SOL) is the deadline by wh ich a lawsuit must be filed. If you miss this deadline, you lose the right to bring your claim — no matter how strong your case is.
In personal injury cases, the SOL typically runs from the date of the incident. However, many states have a discovery rule that starts the clock when the injury is discovered (or should have been discovered), which can be critical for delayed injuries.
Tolling can pause or extend the SOL in certain situations — such as when the plaintiff is a minor, incapacitated, or on active military duty.
How to use this calculator
- Select your state — every state has different SOL periods and rules.
- Enter the incident date — the date the injury occurred.
- Optional: enter plaintiff age — if the plaintiff was a minor at the time of injury, tolling may apply.
- Optional: check government claim — claims against government entities often have shorter deadlines.
- Review results — the calculator shows the filing deadline, discovery rule, and any tolling that applies.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury?
It varies by state. The shortest is 1 year (Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee). The longest is 6 years (Maine, North Dakota). Most states are 2-3 years.
What is the discovery rule?
The discovery rule delays when the SOL clock starts running until the plaintiff discovers (or should have discovered) the injury. This is critical for injuries that aren't immediately apparent.
Can the SOL be paused (tolled)?
Yes. Common tolling situations include: the plaintiff is a minor, the plaintiff is incapacitated, the defendant is out of state, or the plaintiff is on active military duty.
What happens if I miss the SOL?
If you file after the SOL expires, the defendant can have your case dismissed. There are very few exceptions. Always file before the deadline.
Does this apply to all PI cases?
This calculator covers general personal injury SOLs. Medical malpractice, product liability, and wrongful death may have different deadlines. Consult with an attorney for your specific case.
Is this legal advice?
No. This tool provides general information about SOL periods. It is not legal advice. Always consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
Go Further
Know your deadline — now build your case.
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