MedMalDeadlines

Filing deadlines by state

How long you generally have to file a lawsuit in each US state and DC. Deadlines can start later, pause or be shortened depending on the facts, so open your state for details and the official law.

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Missing a deadline can end a claim. If a deadline may be close, speak with a lawyer licensed in your state now.

StateMedical malpractice
Alabama2 years (6 mo. after discovery)
Alaska2 years
Arizona2 years
Arkansas2 years
California3 years (1 yr after discovery)
Colorado2 years
Connecticut2 years
Delaware2 years
District of Columbia3 years
Florida2 years
Georgia2 years (5-year repose)
Hawaii2 years (6-year repose)
Idaho2 years
Illinois2 years (4-year repose)
Indiana2 years
Iowa2 years (6-year repose)
Kansas2 years (4-year repose)
Kentucky1 year (5-year repose)
Louisiana1 year (3-year repose)
Maine3 years
Maryland5 years from injury or 3 years from discovery
Massachusetts3 years; max 7 years (repose)
Michigan2 years (or 6 months from discovery); max 6 years
Minnesota4 years
Mississippi2 years; max 7 years (repose)
Missouri2 years
Montana2 years from injury or discovery (whichever is later); 5-year outer limit
Nebraska2 years (or 1 from discovery); max 10 years
Nevada3 years (or 2 from discovery); whichever first
New Hampshire3 years (with discovery)
New Jersey2 years
New Mexico3 years
New York2 years 6 months
North Carolina3 years
North Dakota2 years
Ohio1 year
Oklahoma2 years
Oregon2 years
Pennsylvania2 years
Rhode Island3 years
South Carolina3 years (max 6 from occurrence)
South Dakota2 years
Tennessee1 year
Texas2 years
Utah2 years from discovery Under review
Vermont3 years (or 2 from discovery)
Virginia2 years
Washington3 years (or 1 from discovery)
West Virginia2 years
Wisconsin3 years (or 1 from discovery)
Wyoming2 years

How we check these deadlines

Each period was compared across three independent 50-state surveys of state law. Where they disagreed, we checked the state's official code and corrected the figure. Every entry links to the official statute so you can read it yourself. Last checked: November 12, 2026.

Cross-checked sources agree   Checked on official code confirmed directly on the state's code site   Under review the rule depends on the type of claim or is being re-checked; read the linked statute.