Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Tennessee
How long you have to sue in Tennessee for an injury, property damage, medical malpractice or wrongful death, and the shorter deadline for claims against the government.
Short answer: One year after the cause of action accrues for injuries to the person. The deadline is two years if criminal charges are brought against the person who caused the injury (or the conduct is the subject of a criminal prosecution started within one year), and the injured person sues the… Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104(a)
| Deadline to sue for an injury | One year after the cause of action accrues for injuries to the person. The deadline is two years if criminal charges are brought against the person who caused the injury (or the conduct is the subject of a criminal prosecution started within one year), and the injured person sues the person prosecuted. Source: Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104(a) |
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| Deadline to sue for property damage | Three years for injuries to personal or real property and for detention or conversion of personal property. Source: Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-105 |
| Medical malpractice deadline | One year for health care liability actions. If the injury is not discovered within that year, the deadline is one year from discovery. No action may be brought more than three years after the negligent act or omission, unless the defendant fraudulently concealed it (then one year from discovery). For a foreign object negligently left in the body, the deadline is one year from when it was or should have been discovered. Source: Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-26-116(a) |
| Suing the government | Local governments: under the Governmental Tort Liability Act, a lawsuit must be filed within 12 months after the cause of action arises. For actions arising on or after July 1, 2007, the required liability limits are $300,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $700,000 for all persons in one accident or occurrence, and $100,000 for property damage. Claims against the State of Tennessee go through the Tennessee Claims Commission under separate rules. Liability limits: https://codes.findlaw.com/tn/title-29-remedies-and-special-proceedings/tn-code-sect-29-20-403/ |
More Tennessee personal injury & wrongful death
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Tennessee
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Tennessee
- Car Accident Claims in Tennessee
- Dog Bite Liability in Tennessee
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in Tennessee
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Tennessee
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Tennessee
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Tennessee
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Tennessee
- Truck Accident Claims in Tennessee
- Construction Site Injuries in Tennessee
- All Tennessee personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Tennessee?
One year after the cause of action accrues for injuries to the person. The deadline is two years if criminal charges are brought against the person who caused the injury (or the conduct is the subject of a criminal prosecution started within one year), and the injured person sues the person prosecuted.
How long do you have to sue for property damage in Tennessee?
Three years for injuries to personal or real property and for detention or conversion of personal property.
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Tennessee?
One year for health care liability actions. If the injury is not discovered within that year, the deadline is one year from discovery. No action may be brought more than three years after the negligent act or omission, unless the defendant fraudulently concealed it (then one year from discovery). For a foreign object negligently left in the body, the deadline is one year from when it was or should have been discovered.
How do you file an injury claim against the government in Tennessee?
Local governments: under the Governmental Tort Liability Act, a lawsuit must be filed within 12 months after the cause of action arises. For actions arising on or after July 1, 2007, the required liability limits are $300,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $700,000 for all persons in one accident or occurrence, and $100,000 for property damage. Claims against the State of Tennessee go through the Tennessee Claims Commission under separate rules.
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.