Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Iowa
How long you have to sue in Iowa for an injury, property damage, medical malpractice or wrongful death, and the shorter deadline for claims against the government.
Short answer: A lawsuit founded on injuries to the person (or reputation), whether based on contract or tort, must be filed within two years after the claim accrues. Iowa Code § 614.1(2)
| Deadline to sue for an injury | A lawsuit founded on injuries to the person (or reputation), whether based on contract or tort, must be filed within two years after the claim accrues. Source: Iowa Code § 614.1(2) |
|---|---|
| Deadline to sue for property damage | A lawsuit for injuries to property must be filed within five years after the claim accrues. Source: Iowa Code § 614.1(4) |
| Medical malpractice deadline | A claim for injury or death against a licensed physician, dentist, nurse, pharmacist, chiropractor or other listed provider, or a licensed hospital, arising out of patient care must be filed within two years after the claimant knew or reasonably should have known of (or received written notice of) the injury or death, and never more than six years after the act or omission, unless a foreign object was unintentionally left in the body. For a child injured before age 8, the claim may be filed by the child's 10th birthday if that is later. Source: Iowa Code § 614.1(9) |
| Suing the government | State: a tort claim against the State must be made in writing and filed with the director of the department of management within two years after it accrues; the time to sue is extended six months after the Attorney General's notice of final disposition in some cases. Cities, counties and other local governments: a lawsuit must be filed within two years after the wrongful death, loss or injury. No damages cap for these claims was identified in the sections reviewed. Source: Iowa Code §§ 669.13, 670.5 |
More Iowa personal injury & wrongful death
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Iowa
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Iowa
- Car Accident Claims in Iowa
- Dog Bite Liability in Iowa
- Slip, Trip and Fall Injuries in Iowa
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in Iowa
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Iowa
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Iowa
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Iowa
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Iowa
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- Construction Site Injuries in Iowa
- All Iowa personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Iowa?
A lawsuit founded on injuries to the person (or reputation), whether based on contract or tort, must be filed within two years after the claim accrues.
How long do you have to sue for property damage in Iowa?
A lawsuit for injuries to property must be filed within five years after the claim accrues.
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Iowa?
A claim for injury or death against a licensed physician, dentist, nurse, pharmacist, chiropractor or other listed provider, or a licensed hospital, arising out of patient care must be filed within two years after the claimant knew or reasonably should have known of (or received written notice of) the injury or death, and never more than six years after the act or omission, unless a foreign object was unintentionally left in the body. For a child injured before age 8, the claim may be filed by the child's 10th birthday if that is later.
How do you file an injury claim against the government in Iowa?
State: a tort claim against the State must be made in writing and filed with the director of the department of management within two years after it accrues; the time to sue is extended six months after the Attorney General's notice of final disposition in some cases. Cities, counties and other local governments: a lawsuit must be filed within two years after the wrongful death, loss or injury.
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.