Resource Center · Deadline Calculator
Estimate the deadline to file a Kentucky injury claim: car crashes, other injuries, wrongful death, medical malpractice, government claims and more.
Reviewed by Larry Forman, Attorney
Kentucky gives injured people less time to file than most states. This Kentucky statute of limitations calculator estimates your deadline using the main Kentucky statutes for injury and death claims. Pick the type of claim, enter the dates you know, and it shows an approximate deadline and the law behind it.
Use it as a starting point only. Real deadlines depend on the facts, who the defendant is and court decisions. If your date is close, or you’re not sure which rule applies, call us at 502-931-6788.
Get an approximate filing deadline under Kentucky law. This is a rough guide only. Your real deadline may be earlier. Call a lawyer to confirm it.
| Claim | Deadline the calculator uses | Starts from | Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, motorcycle or pedestrian crash injury | 2 years | The injury, or the last PIP payment if later | KRS 304.39-230(6) |
| Most other personal injuries | 1 year | The injury (when the claim accrues) | KRS 413.140(1)(a) |
| Death caused by a vehicle crash | 2 years | The death, or the last PIP payment if later | KRS 304.39-230(6) |
| Other wrongful death | 1 year after the personal representative is appointed (outside limit about 2 years after death) | Appointment | KRS 413.180; KRS 411.130 |
| Medical malpractice | 1 year | Discovery of the injury | KRS 413.140(1)(e), (2); McCollum v. Sisters of Charity, 799 S.W.2d 15 (Ky. 1990) |
| Spouse’s loss of consortium | 1 year | The injury | KRS 413.140(1)(a) |
| Commonwealth or state agency (Board of Claims) | 1 year, but no more than 2 years after the act | Discovery | KRS 49.120 |
| Defective city street or sidewalk | Written notice within 90 days, plus the lawsuit deadline | The injury | KRS 411.110 |
| Unpaid PIP benefits (your own insurer) | 2 years after the last payment; if none, 2 years after the loss (no more than 4 years after the crash) | Last payment or loss | KRS 304.39-230(1) |
| Minors (under 18) | For claims under KRS 413.090–413.160, the clock generally starts at 18. Not applied to crash claims or Board of Claims cases. | 18th birthday | KRS 413.170; KRS 49.120(5) |
Statutes checked against the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission’s official KRS database on October 17, 2026.
Meeting the deadline means filing a lawsuit in the right court (or, for some government claims, filing a claim with the right agency) before the deadline runs out. Calling an adjuster, sending a demand letter or negotiating a settlement does not stop the clock.
For a full explanation of every deadline, including federal claims, sexual abuse claims and construction defects, read our Kentucky statute of limitations guide.
Usually two years from the injury, or two years from the last PIP payment if that is later (KRS 304.39-230(6)). Claims against other parties or the government can have shorter deadlines.
Usually one year from the injury under KRS 413.140(1)(a). That covers most falls, dog bites and other injuries.
No. It’s an estimate based on the main statutes and the dates you enter. Your real deadline may be earlier because of facts the calculator can’t know. Call a lawyer to confirm it.
No. The calculation runs in your browser. Nothing you enter is sent to us or saved.
Don’t guess. We can review your dates and tell you how much time you have.
Have a question about your case? Get a free case evaluation or call 502-931-6788.
This calculator is general information, not legal advice.
