What Is a Nursing Home Negligence Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is a law that limits the amount of time someone has to take legal action. State governments set these laws, affecting how long you have to file a civil lawsuit in cases of nursing home abuse or neglect.
In most states, the nursing home negligence statute of limitations is between 2 and 3 years.
If your loved one is harmed in an out-of-state care facility, you need to know that state’s nursing home negligence statute of limitations. We can connect you with top nursing home law firms nationwide if you qualify.
Once the statute of limitations has passed, you can no longer pursue a nursing home settlement or hold abusive nursing homes accountable. Because of this, it’s crucial to file your nursing home abuse or wrongful death claim as soon as possible.
Working with a skilled nursing home abuse attorney is the best way to make sure your claim is filed before your deadline.
The Nursing Home Abuse Center partners with a national network of experienced nursing home lawyers. Together, they have recovered over $304 million for families affected by harm in nursing facilities.
Get a free case review right now to find out if we can connect you to a top attorney near you.
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How Long Do You Have to Sue a Nursing Home?
The amount of time you have to sue a nursing home varies by state, generally ranging from 1 to 6 years.
For example, the deadline is 1 year in states like Kentucky and Tennessee, while it extends up to 6 years in states like Maine and North Dakota.
Understanding the nursing home neglect statute of limitations is critical because missing the filing deadline means you lose the right to pursue justice and compensation.
The clock usually starts to run on the date the neglect or abuse was discovered or should have been discovered.
The statute of limitations for nursing home wrongful death cases usually begins on the date of death.
In most states, the time limit for filing a wrongful death claim is different from the deadline for cases involving living victims. Therefore, it is essential to consult a legal expert to understand your specific deadline.
Experienced nursing home abuse lawyers can navigate the complexities of your state’s laws, gather necessary evidence, and meet all critical deadlines, giving you the best chance for a successful outcome.
2025 State Guide to Nursing Home Neglect Statutes of Limitations
Below are the nursing home neglect statutes of limitations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The statutes of limitations listed apply to personal injury cases, as many nursing home abuse lawsuits are filed this way. Wrongful death cases may have a different time limit.
Statute of Limitations Guide by State – Personal Injury Claims:
- Alabama 2 years
- Alaska 2 years
- Arizona 2 years
- Arkansas 3 years
- California 2 years
- Colorado 2 years
- Connecticut 2 years
- Delaware 2 years
- Florida 2 years
- Georgia 2 years
- Hawaii 2 years
- Idaho 2 years
- Illinois 2 years
- Indiana 2 years
- Iowa 2 years
- Kansas 2 years
- Kentucky 1 year
- Louisiana 1 year
- Maine 6 years
- Maryland 3 years
- Massachusetts 3 years
- Michigan 3 years
- Minnesota 6 years
- Mississippi 3 years
- Missouri 5 years
- Montana 3 years
- Nebraska 4 years
- Nevada 2 years
- New Hampshire 3 years
- New Jersey 2 years
- New Mexico 3 years
- New York 3 years
- North Carolina 3 years
- North Dakota 6 years
- Ohio 2 years
- Oklahoma 2 years
- Oregon 2 years
- Pennsylvania 2 years
- Rhode Island 3 years
- South Carolina 3 years
- South Dakota 3 years
- Tennessee 1 year
- Texas 2 years
- Utah 4 years
- Vermont 3 years
- Virginia 2 years
- Washington 3 years
- Washington, D.C. 3 years
- West Virginia 2 years
- Wisconsin 3 years
- Wyoming 4 years
It’s important to understand personal injury statutes of limitations are subject to change. Additionally, elder abuse statute of limitations could vary depending on the type of legal action and state.
Working with a lawyer is the best way to know if your case falls within the deadline.
Why Do Nursing Home Negligence Statutes of Limitations Exist?
Statutes of limitations ensure legal action is taken promptly. If too much time passes after an incident, victims may pass away or not clearly remember the details of the events.
This is especially true in cases of nursing home neglect or abuse, as residents are generally older adults who may have pre-existing mental or physical health conditions.
5 key reasons for nursing home negligence statutes of limitations are:
- Preserving evidence: Filing a case soon after an incident helps ensure that important evidence is not lost or damaged
- Accurate eyewitness reports: Witnesses are more likely to remember details clearly if the event was recent
- Fairness for all: These deadlines help ensure fairness for the person suing and the nursing home
- Timely compensation: Nursing home residents or family members can receive compensation for medical bills and other costs sooner rather than later
- Preventing delays: Swift justice allows victims and their families to gain closure and move forward with their lives
Nursing home negligence statutes of limitations allow plaintiffs to build and file a case with enough time to establish the facts and collect time-sensitive evidence.
Call us right now at (855) 264-6310 or Click to Live Chat to find out if we can help you take legal action before the nursing home negligence statute of limitations expires in your case.
Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers and Statutes of Limitations
Experienced nursing home lawyers can ensure your case is filed within the nursing home negligence statute of limitations that applies to your case.
Generally, victims of nursing home abuse and neglect have 2-3 years to take legal action against a facility.
Navigating the statute of limitations can be tricky, but a lawyer can help:
- Explain the statutes clearly
- Identify exceptions that might apply to your case
- Know state laws where the harm occurred, even if you live elsewhere
- Stay updated on changes to the statutes over time
Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you work with a skilled lawyer who can file your lawsuit before the deadline and fight for maximum compensation.
Find out if we can connect you with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney near you.
Are There Exceptions to Nursing Home Negligence Statute of Limitations?
While every state has nursing home negligence statutes of limitations, there may be exceptions in some cases.
Exceptions to a nursing home negligence statute of limitations may apply if:
- The nursing home hides or lies about important information
- The injury from the abuse wasn’t noticed until later
- The victim couldn’t file a claim because of incapacity caused by the abuse
Additionally, exceptions for nursing home neglect statutes of limitations can vary from state to state.
Consulting with a nursing home neglect attorney is generally the best way to determine if any exceptions to the statutes of limitations apply in your case.
File a Lawsuit Within the Nursing Home Negligence Statute of Limitations
It’s critical to file your lawsuit before the nursing home negligence statute of limitations passes. Your family can only seek justice and financial compensation through a lawsuit if it’s filed on time.
Key points about nursing home negligence statutes of limitations include:
- They range from 1-6 years and vary by state
- They prevent you from filing lawsuits if time runs out
- A lawyer can help you file within your state’s statute of limitations
The Nursing Home Abuse Center has legal partners who have secured over $304 million for nursing home abuse and neglect. We can help families in all 50 states.
Call (855) 264-6310 right now or get a free consultation to find out if you can connect with expert legal help before it’s too late.
Nursing Home Negligence Statute of Limitations FAQs
What is the statute of limitations on nursing home negligence?
The statute of limitations for nursing home negligence varies by state, with many states allowing 2 or 3 years to file.
Consulting with an experienced lawyer is the best way to understand the statutes that apply to your case.
Get in touch with the Nursing Home Abuse Center right now for a free case review. We may be able to connect you with a top nursing home lawyer to discuss your situation in detail.
When does the statute of limitations start in nursing home abuse cases?
The statute of limitations usually starts once the nursing home abuse occurs or is discovered.
However, since every case is different, you should reach out to a lawyer to see when the nursing home negligence statute of limitations starts in your case.
Personal injury lawyers with experience handling nursing home neglect and abuse claims can help you understand how long you have to file a claim.
Do nursing home negligence statutes of limitations change?
Yes. Since statutes of limitations are set by state laws, they may change over time as the laws get updated.
While this can make it harder for you and your family to understand your own deadline, don’t worry. A skilled nursing home attorney will ensure your case is filed in time.
Do statutes of limitations vary between civil and criminal cases?
Yes. Statutes of limitations vary between civil and criminal cases, often with criminal cases having longer (or no) limitations depending on the severity of the crime.
Most nursing home abuse cases fall under civil law. However, they may sometimes be prosecuted as a criminal case if there is an act of violence, like physical assault or sexual abuse.
Is there a statute of limitations on elder abuse?
Yes, there is an elder abuse statute of limitations.
Elder abuse broadly covers any abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an older person and can occur at home, in nursing homes, or elsewhere.
The statute of limitations on elder abuse applies to both civil and criminal cases and varies by state. Consult a legal expert to understand the specific deadlines in your state.
Can I file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has passed?
You will not likely be able to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit after the statute of limitations has passed in your case. However, don’t assume anything until you connect with a lawyer.
Even if you think the nursing home negligence statutes of limitations has run out, a lawyer may be able to find exceptions that extend the deadline in your case.
