Massachusetts Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
Massachusetts
Personal Injury
General statute of limitations
3
years to file
In Massachusetts, a personal injury claim must generally be filed within 3 years of the date of injury. Filing after this window typically bars the claim permanently.
Governing statute: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2A
Clock typically starts
Date of injury or incident
The general rule is that the SOL begins running on the date the injury occurred. Some states apply a discovery rule if the injury was not immediately apparent.
Government defendants
Notice of claim may be required
If your claim is against a government entity — a city, county, state agency, or public employee — most states require a separate notice of claim within 30 to 180 days. Missing this notice deadline can bar your claim entirely, independent of the SOL.
Tolling — when the clock may pause
Common tolling exceptions include minority (the clock may pause until a minor turns 18), mental incapacity, the defendant's absence from the state, and fraudulent concealment of the injury. Government defendants may require a separate notice of claim within a shorter window.
Educational information only — not legal advice
This result reflects the general statutory period for personal injury claims in Massachusetts based on publicly available statutes. Your actual deadline may differ based on the specific facts of your case, applicable tolling rules, discovery rule application, government defendant requirements, and other circumstances. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Caseworth makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of this information. Consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts before making any decisions about your claim.
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