Every personal injury claim has a strict filing deadline called the statute of limitations. Miss it, and your claim is gone — even if it's airtight. The exact number depends on your state, the type of claim, and a few important exceptions.
Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003 gives you 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wrongful death is also 2 years, measured from the date of death.
ARS §12-542 sets a 2-year deadline for most personal injury claims. Claims against the state, county, or city require a notice of claim within 180 days under ARS §12-821.01.
NRS 11.190 gives you 2 years to file most personal injury claims. Medical malpractice has a separate 1-year-from-discovery / 3-year-outside cap under NRS 41A.097.
NMSA §37-1-8 gives 3 years to file a personal injury suit — longer than its neighbors. But the New Mexico Tort Claims Act requires notice to government within 90 days.
Minors usually get the deadline tolled until age 18. Mental incapacity may toll the clock too. The "discovery rule" can extend deadlines for injuries that weren't immediately obvious (like delayed-onset conditions).
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