General legal information for the United States, not legal advice. Read the disclaimer
Law Pebble
How is this page verified?Every figure on this page comes from a source listed on it: published 50-state surveys that we cross-check (a number appears only when at least two agree) or the official government page named under Sources. Local rules were read on the official page on 2026-10-20 and are re-checked on a schedule. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you act.How we verifyBy Law Pebble Editorial TeamData compiled 2026-10-20

How we calculate it

The filing period for each state comes from our state data, which cites the statute behind it. For example, California is 2 years under Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1. The calculator adds that period to the injury date. The addition is our own arithmetic. If the date would land on February 29 in a year without one, we use February 28, the earlier day, so you are never shown a later date than the strictest reading.

When the real deadline can be different

  • Claims against a city, state agency or other government body often need a written notice within months, long before the general period ends.
  • The clock may start when you discovered the injury or its cause, not when it happened, in some states and for some claims.
  • If the injured person was a child, many states pause the clock until adulthood.
  • Medical malpractice, product claims and wrongful death can have their own periods.
  • Illness, mental incapacity or the other party leaving the state can pause the clock in some places.
  • If the last day falls on a weekend or court holiday, many courts allow the next court day. Do not plan to use it.

Worked examples (our calculation)

These use an invented injury date of June 15, 2026 so you can check the method. They are examples, not real cases.

StatePeriodInjury dateStandard deadlineSource
Kentucky1 yearJune 15, 2026June 15, 2027Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 413.140
Alabama2 yearsJune 15, 2026June 15, 2028Ala. Code Title 6. Civil Practice § 6-2-38
Maine6 yearsJune 15, 2026June 15, 2032Me. Rev. Stat. Tit. 14, Ch. 205, § 752

What to do with the date

Treat the result as the latest date to have a lawsuit filed, not the date to start. Evidence fades and insurers move slowly, so people usually begin well before the deadline. See what to do after a car accident, how contingency fees work and the statute of limitations table for every state. Many injury lawyers offer a free first conversation, and a short call can confirm which deadline applies to you.

This tool gives general information and is not legal advice. Laws change, so confirm the rule for your situation with a licensed attorney in your state.