Connecticut · Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

How long do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Connecticut?

Connecticut gives you 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584.

Updated 2026-05-22 · See all 50 states

Key facts: Connecticut

Personal injury deadline
2 years
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584
Wrongful death deadline
2 years
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-555
When the clock starts
Generally the date of injury for personal injury claims; the date of death for wrongful death. Connecticut follows the discovery rule for most negligence claims, which delays accrual when the injury was not, or could not reasonably have been, discovered at the time.
Last verified
2026-05-22
Source type
Primary (state code or court opinion)

Details and exceptions for Connecticut

Two years from the date of injury for PI, with an absolute three-year statute of repose from the act of negligence. Wrongful death is two years from the date of death, but no more than five years from the act or omission.

Related: Connecticut comparative negligence rule

Connecticut follows a modified 51% bar rule. Modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar; the plaintiff is barred only when fault is "greater than" the combined fault of defendants. A 50/50 split still allows half recovery.

Read the full Connecticut comparative negligence rule →

This page is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Notice deadlines for claims against governmental units, medical malpractice, intentional torts, and other special categories run on separate tracks and can be much shorter. Confirm the controlling rule with a licensed Connecticut attorney before relying on it.

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Connecticut Statute of Limitations FAQ

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, the general personal injury statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of injury under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584. Two years from the date of injury for PI, with an absolute three-year statute of repose from the act of negligence. Wrongful death is two years from the date of death, but no more than five years from the act or omission.

Does Connecticut have a separate deadline for wrongful death?

Yes. Connecticut's wrongful death statute of limitations is 2 years under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-555. The clock typically begins on the date of death rather than the date of the underlying injury.

What happens if I miss the Connecticut personal injury deadline?

The court will almost certainly dismiss the lawsuit on a motion by the defendant, regardless of the strength of the underlying claim. Some exceptions can pause or extend the deadline, including the discovery rule, tolling for minors, and tolling while a defendant is out of state, but none are automatic. Talk to a Connecticut personal injury attorney before assuming a claim is barred.

What is Connecticut's comparative negligence rule?

Connecticut follows a modified 51% bar rule under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-572h. Modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar; the plaintiff is barred only when fault is "greater than" the combined fault of defendants. A 50/50 split still allows half recovery.

Where can I read the actual statute?

The controlling statute is Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584. The full text is available on the official Connecticut legislature website at https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-52/chapter-926/section-52-584/.

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