Connecticut Personal Injury Laws: Deadlines to Sue, Fault Rules and Damage Caps
Connecticut injury rules: deadline to sue, medical malpractice and wrongful death time limits, comparative fault, damage caps, dog bites and auto insurance minimums.
Quick answers for Connecticut
- Deadline to sue for an injury
- A lawsuit for personal injury caused by negligence or by reckless or wanton misconduct must be filed within two years from the date the injury is first sustained or discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered), and no more than three years from the date of the act or omission. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 52-584, 52-577
- Fault rule (comparative negligence)
- Modified comparative negligence (51% bar). In negligence cases, an injured person can recover if his or her negligence was not greater than the combined negligence of the defendants (including settled or released parties). Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-572h
- Wrongful death deadline
- A wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of death, and no more than five years from the act or omission that caused it. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-555
- Minimum car insurance
- Auto liability policies must provide at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25). Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 38a-335(a), 14-112(a)
Last verified: 2026-10-27
Deadlines to file
| Deadline to sue for an injury | A lawsuit for personal injury caused by negligence or by reckless or wanton misconduct must be filed within two years from the date the injury is first sustained or discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered), and no more than three years from the date of the act or omission. Other tort claims not covered by that rule (for example, many intentional torts) have three years from the act or omission. |
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| Deadline to sue for property damage | A lawsuit for damage to real or personal property caused by negligence or reckless or wanton misconduct has the same deadline as personal injury: two years from when the damage is sustained or discovered, and no more than three years from the act or omission. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 |
| Medical malpractice deadline | Malpractice claims against a physician, surgeon, dentist, podiatrist, chiropractor, advanced practice registered nurse, hospital or sanatorium must be filed within two years from when the injury is first sustained or discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered), and never more than three years after the act or omission. A separate law allows an automatic 90-day extension to make a reasonable pre-suit inquiry. |
| Wrongful death deadline | A wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of death, and no more than five years from the act or omission that caused it. There is no deadline if the person at fault was convicted of (or found not guilty by reason of mental disease of) murder, capital or arson murder, or first-degree manslaughter for that death. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-555 |
| Suing the government | Claims against the State generally must be filed with the Office of the Claims Commissioner within one year after they accrue (when the injury is sustained or discovered), and no more than three years after the event; the notice must describe the claim and the amount requested and may ask for permission to sue the State. Cities and towns are liable for negligent acts of their employees within the scope of employment, with exceptions such as discretionary acts and wilful misconduct, and immunity does not apply to negligent operation of a town-owned vehicle. Injuries from a defective road or bridge must be claimed under a separate statute: written notice to the town, city or borough within 90 days, and suit within two years. No general damages cap for these claims was identified in the sections reviewed. |
Fault and damages
| Fault rule (comparative negligence) | Modified comparative negligence (51% bar). In negligence cases, an injured person can recover if his or her negligence was not greater than the combined negligence of the defendants (including settled or released parties). Damages are reduced by the injured person's percentage of negligence. Each defendant is generally liable only for its proportionate share of damages. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-572h |
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Wrongful death
| Who can sue for wrongful death | The executor or administrator of the deceased person's estate brings the action and may recover just damages plus reasonably necessary medical, hospital and nursing costs and funeral expenses. Distribution of wrongful death damages is addressed in Conn. Gen. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-555(a) |
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| Wrongful death deadline | A wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of death, and no more than five years from the act or omission that caused it. There is no deadline if the person at fault was convicted of (or found not guilty by reason of mental disease of) murder, capital or arson murder, or first-degree manslaughter for that death. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-555 |
Car accidents and dog bites
| Reporting a crash to police | A driver knowingly involved in a crash that causes death, injury, or property damage must give their name, address, license number and registration number to the injured person, property owner, an officer, or a witness. If the driver cannot do so for any reason, they must immediately report the crash to a police officer, constable, state police officer, or motor vehicle inspector, or at the nearest police station, stating the location and circumstances and their identifying information. No separate general rule requiring drivers to call police based on a dollar threshold was found in the sections reviewed. The investigating officer completes a uniform accident report and sends it to the Commissioner of Transportation within 5 days after completing the investigation for crashes with death, injury, or damage over $1,000 to any one person's property (§ 14-108a). Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-224(a)-(b) |
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| Crash report to the DMV | Connecticut's former driver accident report statute (§ 14-108) has been repealed. Crash reports are now completed by the investigating police officer or agency on the uniform investigation of accident report and forwarded to the Commissioner of Transportation within 5 days after the investigation, for any crash with death, injury, or damage over $1,000 to any one person's property (including the driver's). Reports involving a school bus are forwarded to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. The DMV commissioner may investigate any reported accident (§ 14-108a(a)(2)). |
| Leaving the scene (hit and run) | A driver knowingly involved in a crash causing death, injury, or damage to property must stop at once, give any assistance needed, and give name, address, operator's license number and registration number to the injured person or property owner or to an officer or witness (or report immediately to police if unable). On a limited-access highway, in a property-damage-only crash, the driver must move the vehicle off the traveled lanes if it can be done safely. Evading responsibility after a crash causing death or serious physical injury is a class B felony; after physical injury, a class D felony; after property damage, a class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a class D felony for a later offense. The law applies on private property as well as public roads, according to the case notes on the official page. License suspension rules are in § 14-111. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-224 |
| Minimum car insurance | Auto liability policies must provide at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25). |
| Dog bites | Strict liability. If a dog damages the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper (or both) is liable for the damage, unless the injured person was trespassing or committing another tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog. If the owner or keeper is a minor, the parent or guardian is liable. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22-357 |
Slip, trip and fall injuries
| Falls on snow and ice | Snow and ice: Connecticut statutes address snow and ice mainly on public ways. A town or city may adopt an ordinance under which it is not liable for injuries caused by ice or snow on a public sidewalk (unless it owns or controls the abutting land, or for its own affirmative acts); the owner or person in control of the abutting land then has the same duty of care for snow and ice on that stretch of sidewalk that the municipality had, and a suit against that owner must be brought within two years. Separately, a political subdivision is not liable for the temporary condition of a road or bridge resulting from weather unless it received notice and had a reasonable opportunity to make the condition safe. Weather conditions: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_925.htm#sec_52-557n . No statute on snow and ice on private property was read; that is court-made law. |
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| Sidewalk falls: who is responsible | Defective roads and sidewalks: a person injured by a defective road or bridge may recover damages from the party bound to keep it in repair, which for local roads is the town or city; written notice describing the injury, its cause, and the time and place must be given to a selectman or the town, city or borough clerk within 90 days, and suit must be brought within two years. A political subdivision may be sued for a defective road or bridge only under this statute. If a municipality adopts an ordinance under the sidewalk snow-and-ice statute, liability for ice and snow on a public sidewalk shifts to the owner or person in control of the abutting land. Annotations to § 13a-149 on the official site note it applies to pedestrians and that the town's obligation covers sidewalks; those annotations are case summaries, not statute text. |
| Claims against a city or county | Claims against a town, city or borough: a fall or other injury caused by a defective road, bridge or sidewalk requires written notice of the injury, its cause, and the time and place within 90 days, given to a selectman or the town, city or borough clerk, and suit within two years. Other negligence claims against a political subdivision are allowed for negligent acts of its employees, but not for discretionary acts, the condition of natural land or unimproved property, temporary weather conditions on roads without notice, and other listed situations. The sections read set no damage cap. Governmental liability: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_925.htm#sec_52-557n . |
| Injuries on land used for recreation | Landowners who open land for free recreation: an owner who makes land available to the public for recreation without charge, rent, fee or other commercial service owes no duty to keep it safe or to warn of dangerous conditions, does not give users invitee or licensee status, and is not liable for injuries caused by the owner's acts or omissions. The protection does not apply to willful or malicious failure to guard or warn against a dangerous condition, use, structure or activity, or where the owner charges for recreational use (lease payments from the state or a subdivision do not count as a charge). |
Motorcycle, pedestrian, bicycle, Uber/Lyft and truck crashes
| Motorcycle helmet law | Motorcycle helmets: in Connecticut, riders under 18, whether operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, must wear protective headgear meeting federal standard 49 CFR 571.218; a violation is an infraction with a fine of at least $90. Riders 18 and older are not required to wear a helmet. The section does not address damages. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-289g |
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| Lane splitting | Lane splitting is illegal in Connecticut: a motorcyclist may not operate between lanes of traffic or pass, in the same lane, any motor vehicle other than a motorcycle. Motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane, and no more than two may ride abreast in one lane. Police officers on duty are exempt; a violation is an infraction. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-289b |
| Pedestrian right-of-way | Pedestrian right of way: at a marked or unmarked crosswalk not controlled by police or signals, drivers must grant the right of way (slowing or stopping) to a pedestrian crossing in the crosswalk, which includes a pedestrian who steps to the curb and signals intent by raising a hand and arm toward traffic, or who moves any part of the body or an extension (such as a cane, stroller or leashed dog) into the crosswalk; drivers may not pass a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk. Where signals or police control traffic, pedestrians must obey them and may not cross except at a crosswalk, and a pedestrian who has started crossing has the right of way until reaching the other side. Pedestrians may not suddenly step into the path of a vehicle too close to stop. Drivers who violate the crosswalk law can be fined up to $500, but violations are not negligence per se in a civil case. |
| Bicycle laws | Bicycles: a person riding a bicycle, e-bike or electric foot scooter on a highway has the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, subject to local regulation. A driver passing a bicyclist must leave a safe distance of not less than three feet. Children 15 and under must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet when riding a bicycle on a highway or in a park, although failing to do so is not a violation or offense. Passing: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_248.htm#sec_14-232 ; helmet: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_248.htm#sec_14-286d |
| Uber and Lyft insurance | Uber/Lyft insurance: while a transportation network company (TNC) driver is logged on and available but not on a ride, primary liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury or death and $25,000 for property damage is required, plus uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage under the state's UM statute. While providing a prearranged ride, primary liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 per accident is required, plus uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. The coverage may come from the driver, the TNC or both; if the driver's policy lapses or does not cover the claim, the TNC's policy must pay from the first dollar. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 13b-120 |
| Truck safety and insurance rules | Commercial trucks: Connecticut's Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may adopt regulations incorporating the federal motor carrier safety regulations (49 CFR Parts 382 to 397, which include hours of service and inspection and maintenance) and apply them to intrastate carriers with vehicles of 18,001 pounds or more, interstate carriers with vehicles of 10,001 pounds or more, certain passenger vehicles and placarded hazmat vehicles. Federal hours-of-service rules do not apply to utility service vehicle drivers. Federal minimum insurance for interstate carriers is in 49 C.F.R. 387.9. |
Construction accidents
| Construction site injuries | Construction injuries: under Connecticut's workers' comp law, an employer that has secured comp coverage is not liable in a damages action for an employee's work injury, and a co-worker can be sued only for willful or malicious wrongs or negligent operation of a motor vehicle. The injured worker may still sue any other person (such as another contractor or an equipment maker) legally liable for the injury, subject to the employer's reimbursement claim. No scaffold-law statute was searched for or reviewed. |
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Personal Injury & Wrongful Death FAQ
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Connecticut?
A lawsuit for personal injury caused by negligence or by reckless or wanton misconduct must be filed within two years from the date the injury is first sustained or discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered), and no more than three years from the date of the act or omission. Other tort claims not covered by that rule (for example, many intentional torts) have three years from the act or omission.
How long do you have to sue for property damage in Connecticut?
A lawsuit for damage to real or personal property caused by negligence or reckless or wanton misconduct has the same deadline as personal injury: two years from when the damage is sustained or discovered, and no more than three years from the act or omission.
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Connecticut?
Malpractice claims against a physician, surgeon, dentist, podiatrist, chiropractor, advanced practice registered nurse, hospital or sanatorium must be filed within two years from when the injury is first sustained or discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered), and never more than three years after the act or omission. A separate law allows an automatic 90-day extension to make a reasonable pre-suit inquiry.
How long do you have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Connecticut?
A wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of death, and no more than five years from the act or omission that caused it. There is no deadline if the person at fault was convicted of (or found not guilty by reason of mental disease of) murder, capital or arson murder, or first-degree manslaughter for that death.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Connecticut?
The executor or administrator of the deceased person's estate brings the action and may recover just damages plus reasonably necessary medical, hospital and nursing costs and funeral expenses.
Can you recover damages if you were partly at fault in Connecticut?
Modified comparative negligence (51% bar). In negligence cases, an injured person can recover if his or her negligence was not greater than the combined negligence of the defendants (including settled or released parties). Damages are reduced by the injured person's percentage of negligence. Each defendant is generally liable only for its proportionate share of damages.
How do you file an injury claim against the government in Connecticut?
Claims against the State generally must be filed with the Office of the Claims Commissioner within one year after they accrue (when the injury is sustained or discovered), and no more than three years after the event; the notice must describe the claim and the amount requested and may ask for permission to sue the State. Cities and towns are liable for negligent acts of their employees within the scope of employment, with exceptions such as discretionary acts and wilful misconduct, and immunity does not apply to negligent operation of a town-owned vehicle. Injuries from a defective road or bridge must be claimed under a separate statute: written notice to the town, city or borough within 90 days, and suit within two years.
Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite in Connecticut?
Strict liability. If a dog damages the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper (or both) is liable for the damage, unless the injured person was trespassing or committing another tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog. If the owner or keeper is a minor, the parent or guardian is liable.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Connecticut?
Auto liability policies must provide at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25).
When do you have to report a car accident to the police in Connecticut?
A driver knowingly involved in a crash that causes death, injury, or property damage must give their name, address, license number and registration number to the injured person, property owner, an officer, or a witness. If the driver cannot do so for any reason, they must immediately report the crash to a police officer, constable, state police officer, or motor vehicle inspector, or at the nearest police station, stating the location and circumstances and their identifying information.
Do you have to report a car accident to the DMV in Connecticut?
Connecticut's former driver accident report statute (§ 14-108) has been repealed. Crash reports are now completed by the investigating police officer or agency on the uniform investigation of accident report and forwarded to the Commissioner of Transportation within 5 days after the investigation, for any crash with death, injury, or damage over $1,000 to any one person's property (including the driver's). Reports involving a school bus are forwarded to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.
What are your duties after a car accident in Connecticut?
A driver knowingly involved in a crash causing death, injury, or damage to property must stop at once, give any assistance needed, and give name, address, operator's license number and registration number to the injured person or property owner or to an officer or witness (or report immediately to police if unable). On a limited-access highway, in a property-damage-only crash, the driver must move the vehicle off the traveled lanes if it can be done safely. Evading responsibility after a crash causing death or serious physical injury is a class B felony; after physical injury, a class D felony; after property damage, a class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a class D felony for a later offense.
Can you sue for slipping on ice or snow in Connecticut?
Snow and ice: Connecticut statutes address snow and ice mainly on public ways. A town or city may adopt an ordinance under which it is not liable for injuries caused by ice or snow on a public sidewalk (unless it owns or controls the abutting land, or for its own affirmative acts); the owner or person in control of the abutting land then has the same duty of care for snow and ice on that stretch of sidewalk that the municipality had, and a suit against that owner must be brought within two years. Separately, a political subdivision is not liable for the temporary condition of a road or bridge resulting from weather unless it received notice and had a reasonable opportunity to make the condition safe.
Who is liable if you trip and fall on a sidewalk in Connecticut?
Defective roads and sidewalks: a person injured by a defective road or bridge may recover damages from the party bound to keep it in repair, which for local roads is the town or city; written notice describing the injury, its cause, and the time and place must be given to a selectman or the town, city or borough clerk within 90 days, and suit must be brought within two years. A political subdivision may be sued for a defective road or bridge only under this statute. If a municipality adopts an ordinance under the sidewalk snow-and-ice statute, liability for ice and snow on a public sidewalk shifts to the owner or person in control of the abutting land.
How long do you have to file a claim against a city or county in Connecticut?
Claims against a town, city or borough: a fall or other injury caused by a defective road, bridge or sidewalk requires written notice of the injury, its cause, and the time and place within 90 days, given to a selectman or the town, city or borough clerk, and suit within two years. Other negligence claims against a political subdivision are allowed for negligent acts of its employees, but not for discretionary acts, the condition of natural land or unimproved property, temporary weather conditions on roads without notice, and other listed situations. The sections read set no damage cap.
Is a landowner liable for injuries on land used for recreation in Connecticut?
Landowners who open land for free recreation: an owner who makes land available to the public for recreation without charge, rent, fee or other commercial service owes no duty to keep it safe or to warn of dangerous conditions, does not give users invitee or licensee status, and is not liable for injuries caused by the owner's acts or omissions. The protection does not apply to willful or malicious failure to guard or warn against a dangerous condition, use, structure or activity, or where the owner charges for recreational use (lease payments from the state or a subdivision do not count as a charge).
Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Connecticut?
Motorcycle helmets: in Connecticut, riders under 18, whether operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, must wear protective headgear meeting federal standard 49 CFR 571.218; a violation is an infraction with a fine of at least $90. Riders 18 and older are not required to wear a helmet. The section does not address damages.
Is lane splitting legal in Connecticut?
Lane splitting is illegal in Connecticut: a motorcyclist may not operate between lanes of traffic or pass, in the same lane, any motor vehicle other than a motorcycle. Motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane, and no more than two may ride abreast in one lane. Police officers on duty are exempt; a violation is an infraction.
Who has the right of way, a pedestrian or a driver, in Connecticut?
Pedestrian right of way: at a marked or unmarked crosswalk not controlled by police or signals, drivers must grant the right of way (slowing or stopping) to a pedestrian crossing in the crosswalk, which includes a pedestrian who steps to the curb and signals intent by raising a hand and arm toward traffic, or who moves any part of the body or an extension (such as a cane, stroller or leashed dog) into the crosswalk; drivers may not pass a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk. Where signals or police control traffic, pedestrians must obey them and may not cross except at a crosswalk, and a pedestrian who has started crossing has the right of way until reaching the other side. Pedestrians may not suddenly step into the path of a vehicle too close to stop. Drivers who violate the crosswalk law can be fined up to $500, but violations are not negligence per se in a civil case.
What are the bicycle laws in Connecticut?
Bicycles: a person riding a bicycle, e-bike or electric foot scooter on a highway has the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, subject to local regulation. A driver passing a bicyclist must leave a safe distance of not less than three feet. Children 15 and under must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet when riding a bicycle on a highway or in a park, although failing to do so is not a violation or offense.
What insurance must Uber and Lyft drivers have in Connecticut?
Uber/Lyft insurance: while a transportation network company (TNC) driver is logged on and available but not on a ride, primary liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury or death and $25,000 for property damage is required, plus uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage under the state's UM statute. While providing a prearranged ride, primary liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 per accident is required, plus uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. The coverage may come from the driver, the TNC or both; if the driver's policy lapses or does not cover the claim, the TNC's policy must pay from the first dollar.
What safety and insurance rules apply to trucks in Connecticut?
Commercial trucks: Connecticut's Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may adopt regulations incorporating the federal motor carrier safety regulations (49 CFR Parts 382 to 397, which include hours of service and inspection and maintenance) and apply them to intrastate carriers with vehicles of 18,001 pounds or more, interstate carriers with vehicles of 10,001 pounds or more, certain passenger vehicles and placarded hazmat vehicles. Federal hours-of-service rules do not apply to utility service vehicle drivers. Federal minimum insurance for interstate carriers is in 49 C.F.R. 387.9.
Can you sue for a construction accident in Connecticut?
Construction injuries: under Connecticut's workers' comp law, an employer that has secured comp coverage is not liable in a damages action for an employee's work injury, and a co-worker can be sued only for willful or malicious wrongs or negligent operation of a motor vehicle. The injured worker may still sue any other person (such as another contractor or an equipment maker) legally liable for the injury, subject to the employer's reimbursement claim.
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.