How Long Do I Have To File a Personal Injury Claim in Indiana? 

When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, understanding your rights and the legal deadlines to protect those rights is crucial. The days following an injury can be overwhelming, and the legal process may not be the first thing on your mind. However, knowing how long you have to file a personal injury claim in Indiana is critical to preserving your ability to seek justice and fair compensation. At Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP, we are committed to helping you navigate this process with personalized, effective legal strategies tailored to your needs.

What Counts as a Personal Injury in Indiana?

Personal injuries include harm that cause physical and emotional suffering. Common examples include motor vehicle accidents, premises liability cases like slips and falls and workplace accidents. Each case is different, and the legal specifics will depend on the nature of your injury and the actions of the responsible party.

Indiana’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

The statute of limitations is the legal deadline within which you must file a lawsuit. For personal injury claims in Indiana, the timeline is relatively strict. Under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4(a), you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file your claim. This means that if you were injured in a car accident, a slip-and-fall incident or any other type of negligence-related event, you have a two-year window to take legal action. Failing to meet this deadline likely means losing your chance to hold the at-fault party accountable and recover damages. 

Why Filing Timely Is Essential

Filing your personal injury claim within the statutory deadline is essential for several reasons. First, acting quickly ensures that evidence remains fresh and witnesses’ memories are clear, which strengthens your case. Waiting too long could lead to key evidence being lost or becoming less reliable.

Additionally, missing the filing deadline usually results in your claim being dismissed outright. Even if you have a valid case, the courts can’t make an exception without specific legal grounds. The bottom line? Don’t delay — the sooner you act, the stronger your case can be.

Potential Exceptions to the Two-Year Rule

While the two-year statute of limitations applies to most personal injury cases in Indiana, certain circumstances can extend or pause this timeline. Here are the primary exceptions:

Legal Disabilities

Legal disabilities, such as being a minor or mentally incapacitated during the time of injury, can also extend the timeline. Under Indiana Code § 34-11-6-1:

• Minors don’t begin their two-year filing window until they turn 18 years old.
• For individuals who have a legal disability, the statute of limitations does not start until they regain their capacity.

This allows injured individuals or those acting on their behalf some flexibility, but prompt legal advice is still vital to avoid missing deadlines unique to these situations.

Take Action Today

Understanding the timeline for filing your personal injury claim is the first step toward seeking justice and compensation, but taking action is even more important. At Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP, we are dedicated to helping you every step of the way.

If you’ve been injured, don’t wait until the statute of limitations jeopardizes your claim. Contact our office today for a consultation. We are here to fight for your rights, protect your interests and help you secure the compensation you deserve.