Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Missouri

Finder Law Serves Clients Across Jefferson City, Columbia, and Central Missouri

May 15, 2025

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Missouri

When you suffer an injury due to an accident, medical malpractice, or negligence, you may have the right to pursue legal action to receive compensation for your damages. However, it’s essential to understand that personal injury claims are subject to a time limit called the "statute of limitations." This time limit is crucial to know because if you wait too long to file your claim, you might lose your right to pursue legal action altogether. In Missouri, this time frame varies depending on the type of claim, so it’s important to be aware of the specific deadlines that apply to your case.

What is a Statute of Limitations?

The statute of limitations is a law that sets a maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings must be initiated. Once this time limit expires, the legal claim is typically barred from being pursued in court. The purpose of the statute of limitations is to ensure that claims are filed while evidence is still fresh, witnesses are available, and cases can be resolved efficiently.



In Missouri, personal injury claims must be filed within specific time limits depending on the nature of the injury. Let's take a closer look at the relevant statutes for various types of personal injury cases in Missouri.

Missouri Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

General Personal Injury Claims: 5 Years

For most personal injury cases, such as those resulting from car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, or general negligence, Missouri law gives you 5 years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. This 5-year period is outlined in Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 516.120. However, if a minor is injured, they have 5 years from the time they turn 18 before the clock starts ticking on their statute of limitations claim.



If you fail to file a claim within this timeframe, you generally lose the right to seek compensation for your injuries. This is why it’s critical to seek legal counsel as soon as possible after an injury to avoid missing the statute of limitations.

Medical Malpractice: 2 Years

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is much shorter than for general personal injury claims. If you were injured due to a healthcare provider’s negligence, you have 2 years from the date of the injury (or from when you discovered the injury) to file your claim. This is outlined in Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 516.105.


It’s important to note that Missouri has a statute of repose for medical malpractice, which is a cap on how long you can wait before filing, even if you don’t discover the injury until later.


Under the statute of repose, you cannot file a medical malpractice claim more than 10 years after the date of the alleged negligent act or omission, regardless of when you discover the injury.

Product Liability Claims: 5 Years

If your injury was caused by a defective product, you generally have 5 years from the date of the injury to file a product liability lawsuit in Missouri. This is the same time limit as for general personal injury claims and is outlined in Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 516.120.


However, if you were injured by a defective product and the injury occurred due to a defect that wasn’t discovered immediately, the statute of limitations can be a bit more complicated. In some cases, the clock starts when the injury is discovered or should have been discovered, rather than when the injury occurred.

Wrongful Death Claims: 3 Years

If someone dies due to the negligence or wrongful act of another party, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is 3 years from the date of death. This is outlined in Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 537.100.


Wrongful death claims are typically filed by the surviving family members or the estate of the deceased. While 3 years might seem like a relatively short time, it’s important to act quickly to ensure that the claim is filed within the time limits.

Claims Against Government Entities: 90 Days to 1 Year

If your personal injury claim involves a government entity—such as a city, county, or state government—there are unique time restrictions. In most cases, you must notify the government entity within 90 days of the injury to inform them of your intention to file a lawsuit. After the notification, the statute of limitations for filing the actual lawsuit is typically 1 year from the date of the injury.


Because of the additional notification requirement and shorter time limits, it’s essential to work with an attorney if you are considering a claim against a government entity to ensure compliance with these strict deadlines.

What Happens if You Miss the Statute of Limitations?

If you fail to file your personal injury claim before the statute of limitations expires, you will likely lose your right to sue the responsible party for compensation. While there are a few rare exceptions to this rule, they are difficult to prove and typically apply in specific circumstances. For example, if the injured party was a minor or if the defendant left the state for a period of time, there may be some leniency in applying the statute of limitations.



In general, though, it’s important to treat the statute of limitations as a hard deadline. Missing it can mean you will not be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages.

Why It’s Important to Act Quickly

Personal injury cases can take time to investigate, gather evidence, and consult with medical professionals or experts. Additionally, defendants often attempt to challenge claims, which means having a clear and solid case is crucial. Waiting too long can prevent you from gathering key evidence or discovering important details that could support your case.



As soon as you are injured, it’s essential to begin the process of documenting your injury, obtaining medical treatment, and consulting with a personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can help guide you through the process, ensuring that your case is filed on time and that all necessary steps are taken to protect your rights.

Conclusion

The statute of limitations is an essential part of pursuing a personal injury claim in Missouri. Understanding the applicable time limits for your specific case will help you avoid missing important deadlines and ensure that you have the opportunity to seek compensation for your injuries. Whether you’re dealing with a car accident, medical malpractice, product liability, or wrongful death, it’s crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure you don’t run out of time to file your claim.


If you have any questions or need guidance on your specific case, consulting with an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney like Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC is the best way to ensure that your rights are protected.


Contact us today to schedule a time to speak with our attorney about your particular situation.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, please contact our office directly.

Common Neighbor Disputes in Missouri and How a Lawyer Can Help

November 13, 2025
Disagreements with neighbors can range from minor annoyances to serious conflicts that affect your quality of life and property value. In Missouri, certain neighbor disputes may require legal action to resolve. At Finder Law, LLC, attorney Daniel Finder helps Missouri residents navigate these conflicts and protect their rights.

Back and Neck Injuries After Car Accidents in Missouri

November 11, 2025
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of back and neck injuries in Missouri. Even a seemingly minor collision can result in serious pain, long-term complications, and costly medical treatment. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to understand how these injuries are treated legally and medically—and what your rights are under Missouri law. At Finder Law, LLC, we help accident victims pursue the compensation they deserve so they can focus on recovery.

Miller County UTV Accident - 11/7/2025

November 7, 2025
A 44-year-old Eldon man is seriously hurt after he crashed his UTV around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday in Miller County, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report. The report states the man was riding a 2015 Polaris Razor with a 17-year-old Eldon boy on Spring Garden Road, east of Short Road. He made a right turn, causing the UTV to flip onto its left side. The man was taken to Lake Regional Hospital by ambulance with serious injuries. The teen was taken to St. Mary's Hospital by ambulance with moderate injuries, according to the report. The report states they were wearing helmets at the time of the crash. The UTV had minor damage. UTV accidents are often far more serious than people realize, particularly when these recreational vehicles are struck by a full-sized car or truck. The limited protection UTVs offer—combined with their open design and lighter frame—can lead to catastrophic injuries, including broken bones, spinal trauma, and even fatalities. These incidents frequently happen when drivers of larger vehicles fail to see UTVs on rural roads or underestimate their vulnerability. Victims of crashes like these or other car accidents can call Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC for legal representation. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol & KMIZ.

Cole County Car Crash - 11/7/2025

November 7, 2025
A patrol car crash left one person seriously injured Wednesday on East Elm Street at Clark Avenue in Jefferson City. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, the accident happened around 4:33 p.m. when a Ford pickup truck driven by a 37-year-old man was making a left turn and a Zhejiang Dongpai moped driven by a 59-year-old male was traveling across the roadway. The front of the Ford pickup truck struck the side of the moped leaving the 59-year-old man seriously injured, according to the report. MSHP said the 37-year-old was wearing a seatbelt, while the 59-year-old was not wearing a helmet. The 59-year-old was taken to University Hospital in Columbia by Cole County EMS. Moped accidents can result in devastating injuries, especially when a rider is struck by a larger vehicle. Because mopeds are smaller and offer little to no protection, riders are at high risk of suffering head injuries, fractures, or severe road rash in a collision. Many of these crashes occur when drivers fail to check blind spots or misjudge a moped’s speed on busy streets. Victims of crashes like these or other car accidents can call Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC for legal representation. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol & KOMU.

Granger Lane Car Crash - 11/7/2025

November 7, 2025
A 65-year-old man was flown to University Hospital in Columbia on Thursday evening after a crash was reported on Highway 7 in Camden County near Granger Lane, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The report says a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado – drive by a 63-year-old Lake St. Louis man – was heading southbound when it crossed the center line and hit a 2022 Ford Maverick heading in the opposite direction. The Ford was driven by a 65-year-old man from Edwards, Missouri. The Ford then crossed the center line and hit a 2018 GMC Acadia head-on, the report says. The GMC was driven by a 21-year-old woman from Brumley, Missouri. The Chevrolet went then off the right side of the road and hit a tree and the other two vehicles also went off the side of the road. Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of car accidents, often resulting in life-altering injuries or fatalities due to the force of two vehicles colliding directly. These crashes frequently occur on rural roads or highways when a driver crosses the center line, drives the wrong way, or is distracted or impaired. The impact can cause severe trauma such as brain injuries, fractures, and internal damage, leaving victims facing long recoveries and significant financial burdens. Victims of crashes like these or other car accidents can call Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC for legal representation. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol & KMIZ.

Camden County Car Crash - Fatality - 11/7/2025

November 7, 2025
Two vehicles were involved in a fatal crash on Sunday in Camden County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) reported that a 2011 Chevrolet Impala was traveling north on Route M, just north of Dry Hollow Road. Around 11:04 p.m., the Chevy crossed the center line and struck a semi-truck head-on. The 19-year-old male from Steelville, Mo., who was driving the car, was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:57 p.m. by the Camden County Medical Examiner. Head-on collisions on two-lane highways can be catastrophic, especially when one of the vehicles involved is a semi-truck. The narrow lanes and lack of barriers leave little margin for error, and when a massive truck crosses the center line or a smaller vehicle drifts into oncoming traffic, the results are often tragic. The sheer size and weight of a semi can cause devastating injuries or fatalities even at moderate speeds, leaving survivors with lasting physical and emotional trauma. Victims of crashes like these or other car accidents can call Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC for legal representation. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol & KRCG.

Callaway County Car Crash - 11/7/2025

November 7, 2025
Two people were seriously injured in a crash in Callaway County on Saturday evening, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The crash happened at 6:33 p.m. near Route WW, east of County Road 259. The report says an 18-year-old Moberly woman was heading eastbound in a 2012 Ford Fiesta and crossed the center of the roadway, striking a 1999 Dodge 1500 driven by a 49-year-old Harrisburg man, which was traveling westbound. The vehicles came to a stop in the road after the crash, according to the report. The man and woman were transported to University Hospital by Callaway County EMS. Head-on collisions are among the most devastating types of crashes, and they are particularly common and dangerous on two-lane highways. With vehicles traveling in opposite directions and often separated by only a painted line, even a brief moment of distraction, fatigue, or impaired driving can lead to disaster. These collisions typically occur at high speeds, intensifying the impact and causing severe or fatal injuries. Victims of crashes like these or other car accidents can call Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC for legal representation. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol & KMIZ.

How Prenuptial Agreements Affect Estate Plans in Missouri

November 4, 2025
When couples in Missouri think about prenuptial agreements, they often focus on what would happen in the event of divorce. But what many people don’t realize is that a prenuptial agreement (prenup) can also have a major impact on your estate plan. At Finder Law, LLC, we can help clients understand how their prenuptial agreements interact with wills, trusts, and inheritance rights. Below, we explain why this connection is important and how to make sure your estate plan aligns with your prenup.

Slip and Fall Personal Injury Claims in Missouri

October 28, 2025
Slip and fall accidents happen every day, often when we least expect them. While some falls result in only minor injuries, others can lead to serious medical issues such as broken bones, head injuries, or long-term disability. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Missouri, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the responsible party.  At Finder Law, LLC, we help accident victims understand their rights and fight for the compensation they deserve.

Navigating Co-Parenting Challenges After Divorce in Missouri

October 23, 2025
Divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. Even after the divorce is finalized, many parents face ongoing challenges as they work to co-parent effectively. In Missouri, family courts prioritize the best interests of the child, which often means both parents must continue to share parenting responsibilities. At Finder Law, LLC, we understand how overwhelming co-parenting can feel. Below, we outline common challenges Missouri parents face after divorce and practical strategies for overcoming them.