Missouri Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is the legal deadline to file your lawsuit. Miss it and the court can throw out even a strong case — so this is the one date in your claim you can’t afford to get wrong.

Missouri: generally five years. Kansas: generally two.

For most personal-injury claims, Missouri allows about five years from the date of injury, while Kansas allows about two years. Because the Kansas City metro straddles the state line, the deadline that applies to your case can depend on where the injury happened — and the difference is significant.

Important exceptions (don’t rely on the general rule)

Claims against a government entity often require written notice within a much shorter window — sometimes just months.
Injuries to minors and the discovery rule can change when the clock starts.
Medical and wrongful-death claims can run on different timelines.

Because these exceptions can shorten your deadline dramatically, the safe move is simple: talk to an attorney early. Evidence is also freshest right after an injury, which helps your case in every other way too.

We’ll confirm your deadline for free

In a free consultation we’ll identify the deadline that applies to your situation and what needs to happen before it. Serving Kansas City and communities across Missouri and Kansas.

General information, not legal advice, and not a substitute for confirming the current law and your specific deadline with an attorney.

Frequently asked questions

What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Missouri?

Missouri generally gives you five years from the date of injury to file most personal-injury lawsuits (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120). Some claims — like those against a government entity, or certain medical or wrongful-death claims — have different and often shorter deadlines.

What about Kansas?

Kansas generally allows two years for personal-injury claims (K.S.A. § 60-513). Because the Kansas City metro spans the state line, which state’s deadline applies can depend on where the injury happened — another reason to ask early.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

If you file after the statute of limitations runs, the court will almost always dismiss the case and you lose the right to recover — no matter how strong the claim was. This is the single most important deadline in your case.

Are there exceptions that change the deadline?

Yes. The ‘discovery rule,’ injuries to minors, claims against public entities, and other situations can shorten or extend the clock. Don’t guess — have an attorney confirm your specific deadline.