Understanding Indiana's Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases
If you’ve been injured due to someone else's negligence, time is not on your side. Indiana law imposes strict deadlines, known as the "statute of limitations," for filing personal injury lawsuits. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation. At Pathway Legal Group, we want to make sure you understand these critical timelines so you can protect your rights.
What Is a Statute of Limitations? The statute of limitations is the legal time limit within which you must file a lawsuit. If you file after the deadline passes, the court will likely dismiss your case, regardless of its merit.
Indiana’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases In Indiana, the general statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. This applies to most types of personal injury claims, including:
Car accidents
Truck accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Slip and fall incidents
Dog bites
Product liability claims
Wrongful death actions
Exceptions to the Rule Certain circumstances can alter the standard two-year deadline:
Minors: If the injured party is under 18, the statute of limitations typically does not begin to run until they turn 18.
Mental Incompetence: If a person is mentally incapacitated at the time of the injury, the statute may be tolled (paused) until the incapacity ends.
Discovery Rule: In rare cases where the injury was not immediately discoverable, the clock may start when the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
Government Claims: If your claim is against a government entity (such as a city, county, or the state), you must file a Tort Claims Notice within 180 days of the incident.
Because there are exceptions and nuances, consulting an attorney early is essential to avoid missing important deadlines.
Why the Statute of Limitations Matters Waiting too long to take legal action can:
Destroy critical evidence
Make it harder to locate witnesses
Allow the insurance company to question the seriousness of your claim
Permanently bar you from obtaining compensation
Don’t Delay: Act Now If you’ve been injured, it’s essential to begin the legal process as soon as possible. The earlier you involve an attorney, the stronger your case will likely be.
How Pathway Legal Group Can Help At Pathway Legal Group, we understand the urgency that personal injury cases demand. With nearly a decade of experience defending insurance companies, we know the tactics they use to exploit delays and deadlines. We now proudly use that knowledge to advocate for injury victims across all counties in Indiana.
Don’t risk losing your right to compensation by missing a critical deadline. Contact Pathway Legal Group today at (317) 588-7400 for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the path to recovery before time runs out.
