Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Rhode Island
How long you have to sue in Rhode Island for an injury, property damage, medical malpractice or wrongful death, and the shorter deadline for claims against the government.
Short answer: Actions for injuries to the person must be filed within three years after the cause of action accrues. Claims for spoken words (slander) have a one-year deadline. R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(a), (b)
| Deadline to sue for an injury | Actions for injuries to the person must be filed within three years after the cause of action accrues. Claims for spoken words (slander) have a one-year deadline. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(a), (b) |
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| Deadline to sue for property damage | Rhode Island's limitation statutes do not list a specific deadline for property damage. Under the general rule, civil actions not otherwise specially provided for must be filed within ten years after the cause of action accrues. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a) |
| Medical malpractice deadline | Three years from the incident. If the injury could not reasonably have been discovered at the time, the deadline is three years from when the malpractice should reasonably have been discovered. A minor on whose behalf no action was brought may sue up to age 21; for a person under mental disability, the deadline is three years after the disability ends. No separate outer limit (statute of repose) appears in the statute. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14.1 |
| Wrongful death deadline | Three years after the death. If the wrongful act was not known at the time of death, three years from when it was or reasonably should have been discovered. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-7-2(c) |
| Suing the government | The state, cities and towns are liable in tort like private parties, but damages are generally capped at $100,000 per action against the state or a political subdivision, and $100,000 against a city, town or fire district. The caps do not apply when the government was engaged in a proprietary (business-type) function. Lawsuits must be filed within three years after the claim accrues. Before suing a city or town, a claimant must present an account of the claim to the town or city council; if it is not paid within 40 days, the claimant may sue. Presentment to cities and towns: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE45/45-15/45-15-5.htm |
More Rhode Island personal injury & wrongful death
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Rhode Island
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Rhode Island
- Car Accident Claims in Rhode Island
- Dog Bite Liability in Rhode Island
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in Rhode Island
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Rhode Island
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Rhode Island
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Rhode Island
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Rhode Island
- Truck Accident Claims in Rhode Island
- Construction Site Injuries in Rhode Island
- All Rhode Island personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Rhode Island?
Actions for injuries to the person must be filed within three years after the cause of action accrues. Claims for spoken words (slander) have a one-year deadline.
How long do you have to sue for property damage in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island's limitation statutes do not list a specific deadline for property damage. Under the general rule, civil actions not otherwise specially provided for must be filed within ten years after the cause of action accrues.
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Rhode Island?
Three years from the incident. If the injury could not reasonably have been discovered at the time, the deadline is three years from when the malpractice should reasonably have been discovered. A minor on whose behalf no action was brought may sue up to age 21; for a person under mental disability, the deadline is three years after the disability ends. No separate outer limit (statute of repose) appears in the statute.
How long do you have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Rhode Island?
Three years after the death. If the wrongful act was not known at the time of death, three years from when it was or reasonably should have been discovered.
How do you file an injury claim against the government in Rhode Island?
The state, cities and towns are liable in tort like private parties, but damages are generally capped at $100,000 per action against the state or a political subdivision, and $100,000 against a city, town or fire district. The caps do not apply when the government was engaged in a proprietary (business-type) function. Lawsuits must be filed within three years after the claim accrues. Before suing a city or town, a claimant must present an account of the claim to the town or city council; if it is not paid within 40 days, the claimant may sue.
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.