How Long Is the Statute of Limitations for Injury Claims in Maryland?

 Posted on January 16, 2026 in Personal Injury

If you were hurt in an accident that was someone else's fault, you probably have a lot of questions. You may be wondering whether you can file a lawsuit, and what that process looks like.

One of the most important things to understand if you are thinking about a personal injury lawsuit is the deadline for filing your claim. In Maryland, this deadline is called the "statute of limitations," and missing it could mean losing your right to compensation forever.

Many people wait to speak with a Timonium personal injury lawyer because they are focused on healing and dealing with insurance companies. They may hope they can get a favorable settlement without the help of an attorney. Unfortunately, many of these people miss the statute of limitations and get neither the settlement nor the verdict they deserve.

You can make sure this doesn’t happen to you by calling Posner & Cord, LLC at 410-252-0600. Schedule a free consultation in 2026.

What Is a Statute of Limitations?

A statute of limitations is a law that sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. Every state has its own rules, and the deadline depends on the type of case. Once the deadline passes, the court will almost certainly refuse to hear your case, no matter how strong your evidence is.

In Maryland, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury. This rule comes from Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Code Section 5-101. This three-year window applies to car accidents, slip and fall injuries, dog bites, and many other situations where someone else's negligence caused you harm.

Three years might sound like plenty of time, but it can go by quickly. Gathering evidence, getting medical records, and building a strong case takes time. Starting early gives your attorney the best chance to fight for full compensation.

Why Does Maryland Have a Deadline for Filing Injury Claims?

You might wonder why the law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit. There are a few reasons behind this rule.

Evidence

First, evidence can disappear over time. Witnesses forget details, documents get lost, and physical evidence can be destroyed. A deadline encourages people to take action while the facts are still fresh.

For example, every year in Maryland, there are over 100,000 car accidents according to Maryland’s Highway Safety Office. Right after an accident, police responders, first responders, and witnesses remember what happened. There is still evidence from the crash scene.

Five years later? Very few people remember the details of an accident besides the people directly affected. It’s very difficult to find evidence and information, and for an attorney to build a case.

Fairness to Defendants

Second, statutes of limitations provide fairness to defendants. The law does not want people to have to worry about being sued for something that happened many years ago. The deadline creates structure and a greater sense of certainty for everyone involved.

State Resources

Finally, courts have limited resources. Setting time limits helps the legal system work more efficiently by preventing very old cases from clogging the courts.

Are There Exceptions to Maryland’s Three-Year Statute of Limitations?

While three years is the general rule, some situations can change the deadline you have to file.

Claims Against the Government

Claims against the government follow different rules than claims against people. If a city, county, or state agency caused your injury, you typically have just one year to file a notice of claim. Missing this shorter deadline can prevent you from suing altogether.

Claims by Minors

Claims involving minors also have special rules. If the injured person is under 18, the three-year clock usually does not start until they turn 18. This gives young people time to pursue their claims as adults.

Date of Discovery 

The discovery rule may apply in certain cases. If you did not know you were injured right away, the deadline might start from the date you discovered the injury or reasonably should have discovered it. Medical malpractice cases sometimes involve this rule.

What Happens If You Miss the Personal Injury Filing Deadline?

Missing the statute of limitations is a major problem that usually doesn’t have a solution. If you try to file a lawsuit after the deadline has passed, the defendant's attorney will ask the court to dismiss your case. The judge will almost always grant that request.

This means you lose your chance to recover money for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Insurance companies know this, which is why some of them delay and hope you will run out of time. Do not let that happen to you. Call us today.

Call a Timonium, MD Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you were injured because of someone else's negligence, time is not on your side. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the sooner you can start building your case and protecting your rights.

Our Cockeysville, MD personal injury lawyers at Posner & Cord, LLC have over 20 years of experience and a strong track record of results. We offer free consultations. Call Posner & Cord, LLC at 410-252-0600 to get started.

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