Key facts: Massachusetts
- When the clock starts
- Generally the date of injury for personal injury claims; the date of death for wrongful death. Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts
Three years for both PI and wrongful death. Wrongful death accrual uses the discovery rule: three years from death or from when the executor knew or should have known of the cause of action. Tort claims against public entities require presentment within two years.
Related: Massachusetts comparative negligence rule
Massachusetts 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.
Read the full Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts attorney before relying on it.