• 06 Nov 2025

• Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in North Carolina

When someone is hurt because of another’s negligence, a key question is: How long do I have to file a lawsuit? In North Carolina you face a firm legal clock known as the “statute of limitations,” which, in most personal injury cases, gives you three years to begin legal action. Missing that deadline typically means losing the right to recover compensation altogether.

At Paul Robinson Law, P.L.L.C., we assist clients in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, and the surrounding area in protecting their rights by tracking the deadlines and strategy needed from day one. This page explains the standard deadline, the situations that change it, and what you should do if you’re unsure when your deadline runs out.

How Long You Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in NC

General Rule: 3 Years

Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1‑52(5), most lawsuits for injuries to one person or rights of another must be begun within three years from the date your cause of action accrues. That means for car accidents, slip‑and‑falls, dog bites, or many product defects: you generally have three years from the date of the injury to file your case. If you try to file after that window, the court is very likely to throw out your case.

When Does the Clock Start Running?

In straightforward cases your injury date and your start date align. But if your injury is hidden or the harm becomes clear later, NC law allows for a “discovery rule.” Under subsection (16) of § 1‑52, the statute doesn’t begin to run until the bodily harm becomes apparent or reasonably should have been discovered. 

However, and this is critical, you cannot wait indefinitely. The statute also imposes a hard outer limit (a “statute of repose”). For example, § 1‑52(16) provides that no cause of action shall accrue more than ten years after the last act or omission of the defendant giving rise to it.

The NC “1 % Rule” and Shared Fault

North Carolina remains one of the few states with a pure contributory negligence doctrine. Put plainly: if you are even 1% at fault in causing your injury, you may be barred from recovery. This rule underscores the importance of filing within deadlines, because when fault is contested, time can work against you.

Exceptions and Special Timeframes

While the three‑year deadline applies to most personal injury claims, special rules apply in certain situations. Here are some key ones:

• Minors: If the injured person is under 18, the statute is tolled until they turn 18, under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1‑17(a). So the three‑year window runs from their 18th birthday instead.
• Defendant Leaves the State: If the person who caused your injury leaves North Carolina or resides out of state, the time (after the cause accrues) that they are absent does not count toward the limitation. This is set out in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1‑21.
• Wrongful Death: If an injury results in death, the time to file is two years from the date of death, according to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1‑53(4).
• Medical Malpractice: These claims have more complex rules involving when you discovered the injury, and maximum repose deadlines under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1‑15.
• Claims Against Government Entities: These often require shorter notice periods and must comply with statutes like the North Carolina Tort Claims Act.

Why Acting Promptly Matters

You might think three years is plenty of time, but from our experience, it passes faster than you expect. Reasons to act early include:

• Evidence is stronger when fresh: witnesses remember more, records are intact, and physical damage is more visible.
• Legal processes take time: investigation, expert reports, medical treatment, negotiation. They all consume months.
• If you wait too long, you risk missing your deadline. Once it passes, your case is usually done.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If you file after the statute of limitations has expired, the court will likely dismiss your case. You lose your right to recover, even if the other party was clearly at fault. That is why we advise contacting a qualified attorney as soon as possible. Your clock is ticking, and you may not know how quickly it runs.

How Paul Robinson Law Can Help

At Paul Robinson Law, P.L.L.C., we focus on guiding injured clients in Wake County, Johnston County and beyond through these deadlines and legal hurdles. We help by:

• Confirming which statute of limitations applies in your case
• Monitoring the timeline and preserving your legal rights
• Preparing strong claims to file well within the window
• Helping you understand how fault, injury timing, and special rules apply

If you’re asking “how long after an accident can I sue in NC?” or “have I waited too long?” we can review your situation and give you a clear answer.

Reach out today for a free, no‑obligation consultation. Don’t let a procedural deadline deny you the opportunity to seek compensation.