In Maryland, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury, under the Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article. This applies to car accidents, slip and falls, most premises liability claims, and many other injury cases. If you miss the deadline, a court will almost always dismiss your case no matter how strong it is.
The General Rule: Three Years
Three years can feel like a long time, but it passes quickly when you are recovering from a serious injury, negotiating with insurers, and trying to return to work. Evidence also fades: witnesses move, surveillance footage is overwritten, and memories blur. The practical deadline to begin building a strong case is far earlier than the legal deadline to file.
The One-Year Government Claim Trap
If your injury involves a government entity — a Maryland Transit Administration bus, a county vehicle, a hazard on a state road, or a slip in a public building — much shorter deadlines apply. Under the Local Government Tort Claims Act, you generally must give written notice of your claim within one year of the injury. The Maryland Tort Claims Act imposes a similar one-year notice requirement for claims against the State.
These notice requirements are strict conditions that must be satisfied before you can sue. Because so many Maryland accidents involve some government component, it is dangerous to assume you have the full three years.
The Discovery Rule and Other Exceptions
Maryland recognizes a 'discovery rule' that can delay when the clock starts. In cases where an injury is not immediately apparent — such as a misdiagnosis or exposure to a harmful substance — the three years may begin when you knew or reasonably should have known of the injury and its cause.
Other exceptions can pause the clock. For minors, the deadline generally does not begin until they turn 18. These exceptions are fact-specific and frequently disputed by insurers, so they should never be relied on without legal guidance.
Why Acting Early Protects Your Claim
Beyond the legal deadlines, early action preserves the evidence that wins cases. An attorney can send litigation-hold letters, secure surveillance footage before it loops, and document a hazard before it is repaired. The sooner the investigation begins, the stronger your position.
If you have been injured in Maryland, do not wait to find out which deadline applies. A free case review can identify the exact timeline for your claim and ensure no deadline slips past.
Have questions about your own situation? Get a free, confidential case review. You pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Maryland attorney.