How long do you have to sue after an injury in Maryland?
Last checked November 8, 2026
In Maryland you generally have 3 years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit, under Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101. 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.
Maryland injury deadlines at a glance
| Situation | Deadline | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Most injuries, including car accidents | 3 years | Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 |
| Wrongful death | 3 years | Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-904(g)(1) |
| Claim against the government (Local governments) | 1 year | Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-304(b)(1) |
| After the government claim | 1 year | Md. Code, State Gov't § 12-106(b)(1) |
What the law says
“A civil action at law shall be filed within three years from the date it accrues”
Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101
“an action for unliquidated damages may not be brought against a local government or its employees unless the notice of the claim required by this section is given within 1 year after the injury.”
Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-304(b)(1)
When does the clock start?
Usually on the day you were hurt. In Maryland, Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 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
- Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101, Official text, 2026-11-08
- Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-904(g)(1), Official text, 2026-11-08
- Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-304(b)(1), Official text, 2026-11-08
- Md. Code, State Gov't § 12-106(b)(1), Official text, 2026-11-08