Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in Tennessee

The Filing Deadline for Personal Injury Cases in Tennessee

Tennessee law sets the statute of limitations for personal injury claims to one year from the date of injury.

This deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is imposed under TCA § 28-3-104.

Miss the window for filing and injury victims face being barred from recovering compensation regardless of the merit of their case.

Most negligence based personal injury cases are subject to this deadline including case types like car accidents, slip and falls, among other injury matters.

There are a few limited exceptions that may apply under special circumstances.

If you need legal help contact an experienced Tennessee personal injury attorney at Lawsuit Legal for a free consultation now.

 

Special Circumstances That Can Extend the Statute of Limitations

Tennessee law recognizes limited exceptions that pause or extend the one-year filing deadline.

Every injury case is unique.

Consult an attorney about the facts and legal procedure requirements you will be required to meet.

Circumstances where Tennessee may extend the statute of limitations:

• Minors: The clock doesn't start until age 18, giving injured minors until their 19th birthday to file under TCA § 28-1-106.
• Criminal Charges: If criminal charges are filed against the defendant within one year, injury victims may have two years to file a civil lawsuit under TCA § 28-3-104(a)(2).
• Discovery Rule: The deadline begins when you discover the injury or reasonably should have discovered it, commonly applied in medical malpractice cases with latent injuries.
• Mental Incapacity: Severe mental incapacity at the time of injury tolls the deadline until competency returns with medical documentation required.
• Absent Defendants: Time spent by the defendant outside Tennessee after causing injury may not count against your filing deadline.
• Fraudulent Concealment: Active concealment of the defendant's role extends the deadline, with one year to file after discovering the concealment.

Don't assume an exception applies until you review your case details with qualified legal representation.

To protect your right to recover compensation, get legal help as soon as possible after being injured.