In Tennessee, you have 1 year to file a personal injury claim under Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104(a)(1). The clock starts on the date of injury.
✓ Statute cited · Reviewed October 2026Quick answer: In Tennessee, you generally have 1 year to file a personal injury lawsuit. The clock starts: date of injury. Governing statute: Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104(a)(1). Key exception: Gov entities: Notice within 12 months under GTLA.
Data last reviewed: October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
Tennessee law requires personal injury plaintiffs to file suit within 1 year of the date of injury, as established by Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104(a)(1). Failing to file before this deadline will almost certainly result in the court dismissing your case — regardless of how strong your evidence is or how clear the defendant's liability may be.
The clock typically starts on the date of injury. States that apply the discovery rule may delay the start until you knew — or reasonably should have known — that you were injured and someone else was responsible.
Tennessee has one of the shortest personal injury periods — only 1 year. Do not delay.
| If the clock starts on | Last day to file (general rule) |
|---|---|
| March 15, 2025 | March 15, 2026 |
| September 1, 2025 | September 1, 2026 |
| January 15, 2026 | January 15, 2027 |
| July 1, 2026 | July 1, 2027 |
Examples assume the full 1 year applies with no tolling or special accrual rule. Deadlines that fall on a weekend or court holiday are often extended to the next business day, but do not count on it. Use the calculator on this page for your own date.
The 1-year deadline in Tennessee applies to the following types of personal injury claims:
If your claim falls outside these categories, a different statute of limitations may apply. An attorney can confirm which deadline governs your specific situation.
Your health comes first — and medical records are critical evidence. Document every injury, treatment, and expense from day one.
Photograph the scene, your injuries, and property damage. Collect witness contact information. Save physical evidence and don't repair damage yet.
File a police report for accidents, an incident report with property owners for falls, or notify the appropriate authority.
Most PI attorneys work on contingency (no fee unless you win) and offer free consultations. Early advice protects your rights and evidence.
If a city, county, state agency, or government employee caused your injury, a Notice of Claim must usually be filed within 60–180 days — far shorter than the regular deadline.
The complaint must be filed with the court — not just mailed to the defendant — before the statute of limitations expires. This is what legally stops the clock.
| State | Years to File | Statute | Clock Starts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee ★ | 1 yr | Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104(a)(1) | Date of injury |
| Alabama | 2 yr | Ala. Code § 6-2-38 | Date of injury |
| Arkansas | 3 yr | Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105 | Date of injury |
| Georgia | 2 yr | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 | Date of injury |
| Kentucky | 1 yr | Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 413.140(1)(a) | Date of injury |
| Mississippi | 3 yr | Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49 | Date of injury |
★ = Tennessee. The state where the injury or incident occurred — not where you live — typically determines which statute of limitations applies.
Tennessee's 1 year deadline for personal injury claims is longer than 0 and shorter than 49 of the other jurisdictions; 1 others match it. Nationally the period runs from 1 year to 6 years (median 2 years; average 2.7 years). In the South the average is 2.2 years across 17 jurisdictions.
See all 2 jurisdictions with a 1 year personal injury deadline → · Personal Injury in all states →
Pre-filled with Tennessee and Personal Injury. Just enter the date of your incident.
In Tennessee, you have 1 year to file a personal injury claim, measured from the date of injury. This deadline is set by Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104(a)(1). If you do not file within this window, your case will almost certainly be dismissed.
The clock starts on the Date of injury. Tennessee has one of the shortest personal injury periods — only 1 year. Do not delay.
The following exceptions apply in Tennessee:
If you miss the 1-year deadline, the defendant will file a motion to dismiss based on the expired statute of limitations. Courts virtually always grant such motions. Your case will be dismissed with prejudice — meaning permanently — regardless of how strong your evidence is. Always consult an attorney as soon as possible after an injury.
The standard rule in Tennessee starts the clock on the date of injury. A discovery rule modification may apply in limited circumstances. Consult an attorney if you believe the standard start date is unfair in your situation.
Tennessee's 1-year deadline for personal injury claims is tied for the shortest in the country. Across all states and D.C., personal injury deadlines range from 1 year to 6 years.
If a city, county, state agency, or other government entity is responsible, you typically must file a Notice of Claim with the agency within a much shorter period — often 60–180 days. Missing this notice requirement can permanently bar your claim even before the main statute of limitations expires. Consult an attorney immediately if any government entity is involved.
Possibly, but it is difficult. You would need to demonstrate that a tolling doctrine applies — such as the discovery rule, minority tolling, or fraudulent concealment. An attorney can evaluate whether any exception extends your deadline. Do not assume your claim is dead until you have spoken with a licensed Tennessee attorney.
StatuteLimits.com. "Tennessee Personal Injury Statute of Limitations (2026)." Reviewed October 2026. https://www.statutelimits.com/states/tennessee/personal-injury
The personal injury statute of limitations in Tennessee is strict. Missing the 1-year deadline permanently ends your right to sue — regardless of how strong your case is. Tolling rules, government notice requirements, and recent law changes can all affect your actual deadline.
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