TN Statute of Limitations for Injury Claims

If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence in Tennessee, you may be entitled to compensation. However, your right to file a lawsuit is limited by a strict deadline known as the statute of limitations. Understanding this deadline is crucial, as missing it could prevent you from ever receiving the compensation you deserve.

Bill Easterly & Associates will explain Tennessee’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including key exceptions and the steps you should take to protect your legal rights.

The General One-Year Limit for Personal Injury Claims

In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is just one year from the date the injury occurred. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the country, making it vital for injury victims to act quickly.

This one-year time limit applies to a wide range of common personal injury cases, including:

• Car accidents
• Premises liability (like slip and fall incidents)
• Medical malpractice
• Wrongful death

If you fail to file a lawsuit within this one-year window, you will likely lose your right to sue the responsible party for damages.

The “Discovery Rule” Exception

What happens if you don’t realize you’ve been injured right away? Tennessee law provides an important exception called the “discovery rule.”

This rule is often relevant in cases like medical malpractice or those involving defective products, where an injury might not be immediately apparent. Under the discovery rule, the one-year clock doesn’t start ticking until the date you discovered your injury or reasonably should have discovered it. 

For example, if a surgeon leaves a medical instrument inside you, the statute of limitations would likely begin when a later X-ray reveals the object, not on the date of the surgery itself.

Special Circumstances and Exceptions

While the one-year rule is standard, certain situations can alter the timeline for filing personal injury claims.

• Criminal Acts: If the incident that caused your injury also led to criminal charges against the defendant, the statute of limitations may be extended to two years.
• Wrongful Death: For wrongful death claims, the one-year clock typically begins on the date of the person’s death, not the date of the initial accident or injury that eventually led to it.

These exceptions can be complex, and determining which deadline applies to your case requires a careful legal analysis.

The Importance of Consulting an Attorney

Given the short one-year deadline and the complexities of legal exceptions, it is essential to speak with a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an injury. An experienced lawyer can help you:

• Determine the exact deadline for your specific claim.
• Investigate your case and gather crucial evidence before it disappears.
• Navigate the legal process and ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time.
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

Waiting too long can jeopardize your case, even if you have a valid claim.

How Bill Easterly & Associates Can Help

At Bill Easterly & Associates, we believe no case is too small or too large. Our experienced attorneys have the skills and resources needed to pursue all types of personal injury claims. 

When you work with us, we start by getting to know you and the unique facts surrounding your case. We pride ourselves on giving each client our full attention and focusing our efforts on building a successful case for you.

If you’ve suffered at the hands of a negligent party, we are committed to ensuring you are compensated and the responsible party is held accountable. Contact our knowledgeable attorneys who can guide you through the process and fight for the justice you deserve.