Time is of the essence when you are dealing with an injury or accident in Tennessee. While you are focused on recovery, managing medical bills, and trying to get your life back on track, the legal clock is ticking.
Many Tennesseans are surprised to learn that waiting too long to take legal action can permanently bar them from receiving compensation, even if they have a strong case. T
his is why consulting with experienced Knoxville personal injury lawyers as soon as possible is crucial. They can help you understand the applicable deadlines, gather evidence, and build a strong case to ensure your rights are protected.
Here is what you need to know about these time limits—and how you can take prompt action.
Understanding Tennessee’s Statute of Limitations
Tennessee law establishes strict deadlines for filing different types of lawsuits. For most personal injury cases, including car accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death, victims have just one year to file under Tenn. Code § 28-3-104.
When filing a claim for property damage, the statute of limitations extends to three years according to Tenn. Code § 28-3-105. Product liability cases allow up to six years to file under Tenn. Code § 29-28-103, though this period cannot exceed ten years from the purchase date or one year past the product’s expected lifespan.
Important Exceptions to the Filing Deadline
One year can pass by very quickly, especially while you are recovering from an injury. However, several situations can extend or toll the statute of limitations in Tennessee.
For example:
- If the victim was a minor, the statute of limitations pauses until they reach 18, after which they have one year to file.
- People deemed mentally incompetent receive similar protection—their deadline pauses until they regain competency or receive a legal guardian. After this point, they have three years to file.
Medical malpractice cases also have certain exceptions to the filing deadline. While the standard one-year limit applies, victims have one year from discovering the injury to file if it was not immediately apparent.
However, this period cannot extend beyond three years from the original incident unless the healthcare provider fraudulently concealed the error. For cases involving foreign objects left during surgery, victims have one year from discovering the object to take legal action.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Waiting to file a lawsuit can seriously jeopardize the chance of receiving fair compensation. If you file after your statute of limitations expires, the court will most likely dismiss your claim—regardless of its strength.
At the same time, critical evidence may disappear or deteriorate. Witnesses’ memories fade, making their testimony less reliable. Important documents might get lost or destroyed. Medical records become harder to obtain as time passes.
Additionally, building a strong legal case requires thorough investigation. Your attorney will need time to gather evidence, consult experts, and prepare paperwork. Rushing this process due to an approaching deadline can result in overlooked details.
Get Help with Your Tennessee Personal Injury Lawsuit Today
Do not let time slip away and risk losing your right to seek justice. The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto understand the complex statutes of limitations for Tennessee lawsuits and can help protect your legal rights.
Our attorneys will evaluate your case, explain your options, and ensure all critical deadlines are met. Take the first step toward protecting your future—contact us today at (865) 691-2777 for a free consultation.