What Is the Statute of Limitations for Legal Malpractice in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, the statute of limitations for legal malpractice is generally 1 year under KRS § 413.245.
Legal malpractice Deadlines in Kentucky
How long do you have to file a legal malpractice claim in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, the statute of limitations for legal malpractice is generally 1 year under KRS § 413.245. The full rule is: 1 Year (5-yr outer limit).
When does the clock start for legal malpractice in Kentucky?
One year from the occurrence or from when the injury should reasonably have been discovered, with a five-year outer limit from the occurrence.
Can the Kentucky deadline for legal malpractice be extended?
Section 413.245 says expressly that it applies whether the claim is based in contract or tort, which removes the pleading ambiguity seen in Pennsylvania and Virginia. One year is very short — Kentucky is among the least forgiving states for this claim.
Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in Kentucky?
Often, yes. Generally the underlying period; Board of Claims for state under KRS §§ 65.200 et seq., 49.040. Kentucky does not impose a single short notice-of-claim deadline. Claims against the Commonwealth go to the Board of Claims under KRS ch. 49 with its own one-year period and damages caps. Cities and counties retain immunity for governmental functions under the…
How does Kentucky compare to other states for legal malpractice?
Kentucky's 1 year is among the shortest in the country. Across the 18 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for legal malpractice ranges from 1 year to 6 years, and 2 years is the most common. Compare all states →
What Does Legal Malpractice Cover?
Situations that typically fall under the legal malpractice deadline in Kentucky:
