The statute of limitations is the legal deadline, set by state law, to file a personal injury lawsuit. For most personal injury claims it is 2 years from the date of the injury — ranging from 1 year (Kentucky, Tennessee) to 6 years (Maine, North Dakota) — and once it passes, the court will refuse to hear the case no matter how strong it is.
Why it exists. The statute of limitations forces claims to be brought while evidence is still fresh and witnesses remember what happened. It protects defendants from open-ended liability and pushes injured people to act in a reasonable time.
When the clock starts. It usually starts on the date of the injury. Under the discovery rule, it can start later — when you knew, or reasonably should have known, that you were injured and that someone else caused it.
What happens if you miss it. The defendant points out that the deadline passed, and the court dismisses the case permanently — regardless of how serious the injury or how clear the fault. A few narrow exceptions (minors, incapacity, fraudulent concealment) can extend it, but they are hard to rely on.
See also: How long do I have to file a personal injury claim? (deadline by state)
A free, no-obligation review confirms your real deadline and whether your claim is worth pursuing. It costs nothing to ask.
The statute of limitations for personal injury is set by each state civil code (for example, most states 2 years; Kentucky Rev. Stat. § 413.140 and Tennessee Code § 28-3-104 at 1 year; Maine Rev. Stat. tit. 14 § 752 at 6 years). Deadlines change and carry exceptions; confirm yours with a licensed attorney.