Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania
State-specific overview · Contract Law
Pennsylvania sets a two-year deadline for personal injury claims, with a discovery rule that can delay the start date substantially.
How Pennsylvania treats Statute of Limitations
Pennsylvania's statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years under the state's common law and statutory framework. The discovery rule applies, meaning the limitation period may begin when the plaintiff knew or reasonably should have known of the injury and its cause. Medical malpractice claims follow a two-year limit from discovery, though there is a seven-year absolute cap from the date of the negligent act.
The general definition of Statute of Limitations
A law setting the maximum time period within which a lawsuit can be filed after an injury or breach occurs.
Every type of legal claim has a deadline. Once that deadline passes, you lose the right to sue, even if you have a valid claim. The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of case—contract disputes might have a different deadline than personal injury claims, for example. These time limits exist to protect defendants from being sued years or decades after an event, when evidence may be lost and memories fade. Once the deadline expires, the claim is essentially dead, and courts will dismiss any lawsuit filed after that point.
Read the full Statute of Limitations entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.