Time Limits for Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Cases

Time Limits for Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Cases

At RedStone Law, we’ve seen firsthand how missing a deadline can destroy an otherwise solid claim. With offices serving Kentucky and Tennessee, Attorneys Mike, Morgan & Mark make time-limits a top priority so your rights are protected.

Kentucky: Know the Deadlines

• For most negligence­-based personal injuries (slip-and-falls, general accidents) in Kentucky, you generally have 1 year from the date the cause of action accrued to file suit.
• For many vehicle accidents in Kentucky (including car and truck wrecks), the deadline can extend to 2 years from the accident or the date of the last PIP benefit payment.
• If you don’t file in time, the court will most likely dismiss your case — you lose your right to compensation.

Tennessee: Time Is Short

• In Tennessee, for most personal injury claims, you must file your lawsuit within 1 year after the cause of action accrues.
• For wrongful death claims in Tennessee, the deadline is typically 1 year from the date of the injury that caused death (or from death, in some cases) unless an exception applies.
• Some exceptions exist (e.g., criminal charges filed, minors, discovery rules), but these are complex and risky to rely on without legal help.

Why These Deadlines Matter

Deadlines for filing a lawsuit aren’t optional — they’re the law. Even if you are clearly not at fault and your injuries are real, missing a deadline means the court could refuse to hear your case. At RedStone Law, we immediately:

• Mark the critical filing deadlines when your case opens
• Begin preserving evidence so it’s ready when you file
• Constantly update you on the timeline and what happens next

What You Should Do Today

• Contact us early. The sooner you speak with our team, the better we can protect your rights.
• Avoid delays in documenting your accident, injuries, and treatment — lost time makes meeting deadlines harder.
• Keep detailed records of everything: accident reports, medical care, lost wages, and communications with insurers.
• Don’t assume you have time. Even when you think the deadline is far off, evidence disappears, witnesses move, and memories fade.

Ready to Discuss Your Case?

If you’ve been injured in Kentucky or Tennessee — or lost a loved one — contact RedStone Law for a free consultation. Attorneys Mike, Morgan & Mark will evaluate your case, review the deadlines, and build a plan to protect your rights. Time is ticking, so don’t wait.

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