Kentucky Legal Guide
Kentucky Personal Injury Law
Kentucky has one of the shortest general personal injury statutes of limitations in the country — just 1 year under Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.140. This page explains the general rule, the notable auto exception, and links to free research tools for common claim types. Educational information only — not legal advice.
The 1-year deadline that catches people by surprise
In most U.S. states, a general personal injury lawsuit has to be filed within two or three years of the injury. Kentucky is different. Under Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.140, many personal injury claims must generally be filed within one year of the date the cause of action accrued.
That is an unusually short window, and it catches many people off guard. Tolling rules, discovery rules, and claim-specific exceptions can change the applicable period — but the general rule starts at one year, not two or three.
Educational information only. This is not legal advice, and nothing on this page should be treated as a directive countdown for any specific claim. Consult a licensed Kentucky attorney about your situation.
The no-fault auto exception: 2 years under § 304.39-230
Kentucky is a no-fault auto insurance state. Its Motor Vehicle Reparations Act (MVRA) creates a separate statutory period for injuries arising from motor vehicle accidents. Under Ky. Rev. Stat. § 304.39-230, motor vehicle injury claims generally have a 2-year statute of limitations.
The 2-year period can generally run from the date of the accident or from the date of the last Basic Reparation Benefit (PIP) payment, whichever is later. The interaction between PIP exhaustion and the filing deadline is one of the more commonly misunderstood points in Kentucky auto claims, and it is a good example of why a licensed Kentucky attorney should look at your specific timeline before any assumptions are made.
Why the difference? The 1-year rule in § 413.140 is the general personal injury rule. The 2-year rule in § 304.39-230 is a claim-type-specific rule created by the no-fault auto statute. Both can apply in the same state at the same time, depending on the type of claim.
Look up filing periods by claim type
Every Caseworth SoL Checker page is educational only. It summarizes the general statutory period and links to the underlying code section — it does not give legal advice and does not replace a licensed attorney.
Personal Injury (General)
The 1-year general rule under Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.140 and how it applies to everyday injury claims.
Car Accidents
The 2-year motor vehicle exception under the no-fault Motor Vehicle Reparations Act.
Premises Liability
Slip-and-fall and other property injury claims under the 1-year general personal injury rule.
Medical Malpractice
The 1-year rule with discovery considerations — fact-specific and nuanced.
Wrongful Death
Kentucky wrongful death deadlines and how the filing period is calculated.
Related reading
For a deeper plain-English walkthrough of the 1-year rule, its exceptions, and common tolling scenarios, read our explainer:
Kentucky's 1-Year Personal Injury Deadline: What You Need to Know →Common questions about Kentucky personal injury law
How long do I generally have to file a personal injury claim in Kentucky?
Kentucky generally provides a 1-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims under Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.140. It is one of the shortest general personal injury filing periods in the United States. Specific facts and tolling rules can change the applicable period, so a licensed Kentucky attorney should review your situation.
Is there a different deadline for Kentucky car accident claims?
Kentucky is a no-fault auto state. Under the Motor Vehicle Reparations Act (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 304.39-230), motor vehicle injury claims generally have a 2-year statute of limitations that can run from the date of the accident or the date of the last Basic Reparation Benefit payment, whichever is later.
What about medical malpractice in Kentucky?
Medical malpractice claims in Kentucky are generally governed by a 1-year statute of limitations with a discovery rule. Statutes of repose and other exceptions may also apply. This is a fact-specific area and should be reviewed with a licensed Kentucky attorney.
Does the clock pause for minors or incapacitated people?
Kentucky generally tolls the statute of limitations for certain categories of claimants, including minors and people with qualifying incapacities. The specific rules are nuanced and should be reviewed with a licensed Kentucky attorney.
Is this page legal advice?
No. This page is educational information only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship, and it is not a substitute for advice from a licensed Kentucky attorney about your specific situation.
See how your Kentucky case compares
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