STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

A statute of limitations is a prescriptive period or time limit that sets the maximum time allowed to initiate legal proceedings after an event has occurred.

When the time limit specified in a statute of limitations is exceeded, a claim may no longer be filed or is subject to dismissal. In civil cases such as personal injury claims, the cause of action dictates the time restriction to file a claim. In addition to the case of action, the time restriction or deadline may also vary from state to state in the United States.

The purpose of the statute of limitations is to ensure that legal matters are resolved within a reasonable timeframe.

ILLINOIS

2 years from the date that the accident occurred.

In the state of Illinois, other statute of limitations exist for personal injury claims, depending on the type of accident (cause of action) and other circumstances of the case and associated damages:

  • Negligence: 2 years, 735 ILCS 5/12-202 (see Illinois car accident statute of limitations)
  • Wrongful Death: 2 years from date of death, 740 ILCS 180/2(d)-(e)
  • Minor: Aged 18 + 2 years/ If municipality then age 18 + 1 year, 735 ILCS 5/13-211
  • Medical Malpractice: 2 years, 735 ILCS 5/13-212(a)
  • Medical Malpractice Minor: If less than 18 years old, no more than 8 years after the date on which occurred the act or omission alleged in such action, provided that in NO event the cause of action is brought after the person’s 22nd Birthday, 735 ILCS 5/13-212(b)
  • Municipality: 1 year SOL (includes governmental entities and employees), 745 ILCS 10/8-101
  • Dram Shop: 1 year, 235 ILCS 5/6-21
  • IL Court of Claims: 1 year Notice/ 2-year LIM, 705 ILCS 505/22-1 & 705 ILCS 505/22(c)

KANSAS

2 years from the date that the accident occurred.

In the state of Kansas, other statute of limitations exist for personal injury claims, depending on the type of accident (cause of action) and other circumstances of the case and associated damages:

  • Negligence: 2 years, K.S.A. § 60-513(a)(4)
  • Wrongful Death: 2 years, K.S.A. § 60-513(a)(5)
  • Minor: Birthday + 1 year, but in NO event more than 8 years after the act giving rise to the injury occurred, K.S.A. § 60-515(a)
  • Malpractice: 2 years from discovery, K.S.A. § 60-513(a)(7)
  • Municipality: See special notice requirements. Two-year statute of limitations, K.S.A § 12-105b / K.S.A. § 60-513(a)(4)

MISSOURI

5 years from the date that the accident occurred.

In Missouri, other statute of limitations exist for personal injury claims, depending on the type of accident (cause of action) and other circumstances of the case and associated damages:

NEED HELP WITH A PERSONAL INJURY CASE?

It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine when your personal injury lawsuit can be filed. Once the statute of limitations has expired, you will be completely barred from bringing a personal injury claim. As such, it is important to consult an experienced personal injury attorney immediately if you intend to get a personal injury claim.

If you have a question that’s not found on this page, you can call us at 888-803-1307 or select any attorney to contact, and we’ll route your question to the appropriate legal team.

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