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What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally 2 years under La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1.

2 YEARS
Personal Injury · Louisiana
La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1
2 Years (1 yr before 7/1/2024)
✓ Verified Checked Sep 2026

Personal injury Deadlines in Louisiana

How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally 2 years under La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1. The full rule is: 2 Years (1 yr before 7/1/2024).

When does the clock start for personal injury in Louisiana?

Two years from the day injury or damage is sustained — but only for actions arising on or after July 1, 2024. Before that date the period was one year, and Act 423 applies prospectively only.

Can the Louisiana deadline for personal injury be extended?

The transition is the whole story here. An accident on June 30, 2024 prescribed on June 30, 2025; an identical accident on July 1, 2024 does not prescribe until July 1, 2026. Article 3493.1 also provides that prescription does not run against minors or interdicts in permanent-disability actions brought under the Louisiana Products Liability Act. Note there is no discovery-rule language for personal injury — unlike the immovable-property article.

Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in Louisiana?

Often, yes. Generally 2 years, no universal notice requirement under La. Rev. Stat. § 13:5106 et seq.. Louisiana does not impose a short universal notice-of-claim deadline of the New York or New Jersey kind. Suits against the state and its political subdivisions run under La. R.S. tit. 13 ch. 5, with damages caps and venue restrictions that often matter more th…

How does Louisiana compare to other states for personal injury?

Louisiana's 2 years is in the middle of the range nationally. Across the 51 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for personal injury ranges from 1 year to 6 years, and 2 years is the most common. Compare all states →

What Does Personal Injury Cover?

Situations that typically fall under the personal injury deadline in Louisiana:

01 Car and motorcycle accidents
02 Slip-and-fall and premises injuries
03 Dog bites and animal attacks
04 Injuries from another's negligence
05 Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
06 Workplace injuries not covered by workers' comp
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Other Filing Deadlines in Louisiana

Medical Malpractice 1 year Written Contract 10 years Property Damage 2 years Defamation 2 years Product Liability 2 years Wrongful Death 2 years Fraud 10 years Breach of Oral Contract 10 years Legal Malpractice 1 year Assault & Battery 2 years Trespass to Land 2 years
Statutes of limitations have exceptions, and courts apply them to specific facts. This page states the general rule. A licensed Louisiana attorney can tell you the deadline that applies to your situation.
See every filing deadline in Louisiana, or compare personal injury across all states.
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