How long do you have to sue after an injury in Connecticut?
Last checked November 8, 2026
In Connecticut you generally have 2 years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit, under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584. If a city, county or the state is responsible, the deadline can be much shorter: 1 year.
Calculate your deadline
Your general deadline would be
This is a general estimate. Exceptions can change it. We do not need your details to show it.
Connecticut injury deadlines at a glance
| Situation | Deadline | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Most injuries, including car accidents | 2 years | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-555(a) |
| Claim against the government (Claims against the State (Claims Commissioner)) | 1 year | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 4-148(a) |
| After the government claim | 90 days | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 13a-149 |
What the law says
“caused by negligence, or by reckless or wanton misconduct, or by malpractice [...] shall be brought but within two years from the date when the injury is first sustained or discovered”
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584
“no claim shall be presented under this chapter but within one year after it accrues”
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 4-148(a)
When does the clock start?
Usually on the day you were hurt. In Connecticut, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 sets the period. If an injury was discovered later, or the injured person is a minor, the date can change. Confirm it with a lawyer.
What does not stop the clock
Talking to an adjuster, having an open insurance claim or still being in treatment usually does not stop the deadline to sue. Filing the lawsuit on time or reaching a settlement does.
What happens if you miss it?
Usually the court dismisses the case and you lose the right to be paid, even if your claim is strong. That is why it helps to talk to a lawyer well before the date.
Other states with the same deadline
Sources
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584, Official text, 2026-11-08
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-555(a), Official text, 2026-11-08
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 4-148(a), Official text, 2026-11-08
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 13a-149, Official text, 2026-11-08