This free calculator estimates the key filing deadlines for a Pennsylvania injury claim. In most cases, you have 2 years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit, but claims against a government agency need written notice within 6 months, and work injuries have their own reporting rules.
This calculator gives general estimates based on Pennsylvania’s standard deadlines. It is not legal advice, and exceptions can make your deadline shorter or longer. Always confirm your deadline with a lawyer.
Pennsylvania Injury Deadlines at a Glance
| Type of claim | Deadline | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury (car accident, slip and fall, dog bite, product) | 2 years from the injury | Two-year limit |
| Claim against SEPTA, the City or another government agency | Written notice within 6 months; lawsuit within 2 years | Government notice rule; two-year limit |
| Wrongful death and survival | 2 years from the date of death | Two-year limit |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years from discovery; generally no more than 7 years after the malpractice | Two-year limit; MCARE Act seven-year outer limit |
| Injured child (under 18) | 2 years after the child turns 18 | Minors’ extended deadline |
| Workers’ compensation | Notify employer within 21 days (120 days at most); Claim Petition within 3 years | Workers’ Compensation Act |
Deadlines can be shortened or extended by the facts of your case, for example when an injury could not reasonably have been discovered right away. Read more about the statute of limitations in Pennsylvania.
Deadline Calculator FAQ
If you miss the statute of limitations, the court will almost always dismiss your case, and you lose the right to recover compensation, no matter how strong your claim is. A few exceptions, such as the discovery rule or a claim for a minor, can extend the deadline, so speak with a lawyer right away.
Usually, yes. For most Pennsylvania injury claims, the two-year clock starts on the date of the accident. In wrongful death cases it starts on the date of death, and in some cases, such as medical malpractice, it may start when you discovered or should have discovered the injury.
Yes. Claims against SEPTA, the City of Philadelphia or another government agency require written notice within six months of the injury, in addition to the two-year deadline to sue. Missing the notice deadline can end your claim.
Get Your Deadline Confirmed
A calculator can only estimate. Talk to a Philly Injury Lawyer attorney to confirm the deadline in your case and protect your claim. Call (215) 735-4800 for a free consultation. We Win or It’s Free®.
