Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations by State

Every state has a deadline for filing medical malpractice claims — miss it and you permanently lose your right to sue. Most states apply the discovery rule: the clock starts when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury, not necessarily when the malpractice occurred. Key deadlines by state: Alabama 2 years, Alaska 2 years, Arizona 2 years, California 3 years or 1 year from discovery (whichever is earlier), Colorado 2 years, Connecticut 2 years, Florida 2 years (4-year absolute limit), Georgia 2 years, Illinois 2 years (4-year absolute limit), New York 2.5 years, Texas 2 years, Pennsylvania 2 years. Most states toll (pause) the statute of limitations for minors until age 18. Some states have a statute of repose — an absolute deadline regardless of discovery — typically 6–10 years. If you believe you have a malpractice claim, consult an attorney immediately even if you are unsure about the timeline. The statute of limitations is strictly enforced — courts almost never grant extensions regardless of how strong your case is.