Tennessee Attorney Outlines Critical Filing Deadlines for Injury Claims

Statutes of limitations dictate the lifespan of a legal claim, but these deadlines are rarely uniform. While the standard Tennessee limit is twelve months, exceptions exist for minors or individuals incapacitated at the time of their injury. A notable extension applies when the defendant faces criminal charges related to the incident, provided prosecution begins within that first year.

Navigating these timelines requires distinguishing between statutes of limitations and statutes of repose, the latter of which bars claims after a set period regardless of when an injury manifests. Healthcare liability cases add further complexity, requiring claimants to issue formal notices and observe mandatory waiting periods before a lawsuit can even be initiated. Because failing to adhere to these procedural requirements can derail a case, Graves emphasizes that securing legal counsel early is essential for preserving evidence and meeting all statutory obligations.