Tennessee Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type (2026 Guide)

A comprehensive guide to Tennessee's statute of limitations for civil claims. Find out how long you have to file a lawsuit for personal injury, breach of contract, medical malpractice, debt collection, property damage, and other claims under Tennessee law.

Written by Daniel L. Simmons, J.D. · Last updated January 15, 2026

Fact-checked by the CourtDateCalculator.online legal editorial team. Reviewed for accuracy against Tennessee Code Annotated.

Table of Contents

  1. Overview of Tennessee Deadlines
  2. Civil Statute of Limitations by Case Type
  3. Personal Injury Claims
  4. Contract Disputes
  5. Medical Malpractice
  6. Property Damage
  7. Debt Collection
  8. Wrongful Death
  9. Claims Against Government Entities
  10. Criminal Statute of Limitations
  11. Tolling and Exceptions
  12. Frequently Asked Questions

Overview of Tennessee Statute of Limitations

Tennessee's statute of limitations sets strict deadlines for filing lawsuits in both civil and criminal cases. These deadlines are codified primarily in the Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA), Title 28 (Limitations of Actions) and vary depending on the type of claim. Missing a deadline can result in your case being dismissed, regardless of how strong your claim may be.

Tennessee is notable for having one of the shortest personal injury statutes of limitations in the country at just 1 year. The time limits range from 1 year for personal injury and medical malpractice to 6 years for written contract disputes. Some claims, such as medical malpractice, have complex rules with both a discovery-based statute of limitations and a statute of repose.

Key point: Tennessee's 1-year personal injury deadline is among the shortest in the nation. The statute of limitations clock typically starts on the date the injury occurred or the date the injury was discovered (or should have been discovered). Always verify the applicable deadline with a qualified Tennessee attorney before relying on any general information.

Civil Statute of Limitations by Case Type

The following table summarizes the most common civil statute of limitations deadlines in Tennessee. These are general time limits and special rules may apply depending on the specific facts of your case.

Case Type Statute of Limitations Tennessee Code
Personal Injury 1 year TCA § 28-3-104
Wrongful Death 1 year TCA § 28-3-104
Breach of Written Contract 6 years TCA § 28-3-109
Breach of Oral Contract 6 years TCA § 28-3-109
Property Damage 3 years TCA § 28-3-105
Medical Malpractice 1 year (discovery); 3-year repose TCA § 29-26-116
Legal Malpractice 1 year TCA § 28-3-104
Fraud 2 years (from discovery) TCA § 28-3-105
Defamation (Libel/Slander) 6 months TCA § 28-3-103
Sexual Assault 1 year TCA § 28-3-104
Product Liability 2 years TCA § 28-3-104
Debt Collection (Written Contract) 6 years TCA § 28-3-109
Debt Collection (Oral Contract) 6 years TCA § 28-3-109
Claims Against Government 1 year (notice of claim) TCA § 29-20-303
Childhood Sexual Abuse 1 year from age of majority or discovery TCA § 28-3-104

Important: This table provides general time limits for common civil claims in Tennessee. Special rules may apply for claims involving minors, government entities, medical malpractice, products liability, and other specific situations. Always consult with a qualified Tennessee attorney for advice on your particular case.

Personal Injury Claims in Tennessee

Under TCA § 28-3-104, Tennessee's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 1 year from the date the injury occurred. This is one of the shortest personal injury deadlines in the United States. It applies to a wide range of cases, including:

  • Car accidents and motor vehicle collisions
  • Truck accidents and commercial vehicle crashes
  • Slip and fall / premises liability cases
  • Assault and battery
  • Dog bites and animal attacks
  • Workplace injuries (outside of workers' compensation)
  • Product liability injuries

Discovery Rule

Tennessee courts recognize the "discovery rule" in limited circumstances, which delays the start of the statute of limitations until the plaintiff discovered, or through reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury and its cause. Tennessee applies the discovery rule more narrowly than many other states. It is commonly applied in:

  • Medical malpractice (hidden injuries)
  • Toxic exposure cases
  • Occupational diseases

Minors

If the injured person is under 18 at the time of the injury, the statute of limitations is generally tolled (paused) until they reach the age of majority. Under TCA § 28-1-106, the 1-year clock then starts on their 18th birthday, giving them until age 19 to file a lawsuit. However, there are important exceptions, particularly for medical malpractice claims.

Government claims exception: If your personal injury claim is against a government entity (city, county, state agency, or public school), you must file a claim within 1 year under the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act. The regular 1-year deadline may still apply, but the procedural requirements differ.

Contract Disputes in Tennessee

Tennessee law provides a uniform statute of limitations for both written and oral contracts, which is notably longer than many other states.

Written Contracts

Under TCA § 28-3-109, the statute of limitations for breach of a written contract is 6 years from the date the cause of action accrues (i.e., the date of the breach). This applies to employment agreements, lease agreements, business contracts, promissory notes, and other written agreements.

Oral Contracts

Like many states, Tennessee applies the same 6-year statute of limitations to oral contracts under TCA § 28-3-109. Oral contracts are enforceable in Tennessee for most purposes, though certain types of agreements must be in writing under the Statute of Frauds (Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-2-101).

UCC Sales of Goods

For contracts involving the sale of goods, Tennessee's version of the Uniform Commercial Code (TCA § 47-2-725) sets a 4-year statute of limitations. The parties may reduce this to not less than 1 year, but may not extend it beyond 4 years.

Note: In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for contract claims generally begins on the date the breach occurred, regardless of when the breach was discovered. However, parties may include provisions in contracts that modify the limitations period, subject to certain restrictions.

Medical Malpractice in Tennessee

Tennessee's medical malpractice statute of limitations is governed by TCA § 29-26-116. The rules include both a discovery-based statute of limitations and a statute of repose:

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is 1 year from the date the plaintiff discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury. This discovery-based trigger is different from many other types of claims in Tennessee where the clock starts on the date of the injury.

Statute of Repose

Tennessee also imposes a 3-year statute of repose for medical malpractice claims. Under TCA § 29-26-116(a)(3), no claim may be filed more than 3 years after the date of the negligent act or omission, regardless of when the injury was discovered. This is an absolute bar with very limited exceptions.

Exceptions

  • Foreign object: If a foreign object was left in the patient's body, the claim may be filed within 1 year of the date the plaintiff discovered or should have discovered the object, even if this is beyond the 3-year repose period
  • Fraudulent concealment: If the healthcare provider fraudulently concealed the error, the statute of limitations may be tolled until the plaintiff discovered the claim
  • Minors: Special rules apply for medical malpractice claims involving minors. The statute of repose does not bar claims filed by minors within 1 year of reaching the age of 18

Pre-Suit Notice Requirement

Tennessee requires plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases to provide pre-suit notice to each defendant at least 60 days before filing the lawsuit. The pre-suit notice must include a HIPAA-compliant medical authorization allowing the defendant to obtain the plaintiff's medical records. Failure to provide timely pre-suit notice may result in dismissal of the claim.

Warning: Medical malpractice cases in Tennessee have strict procedural requirements, including the pre-suit notice deadline and medical authorization requirements. Consult with an experienced Tennessee medical malpractice attorney immediately if you believe you have a claim.

Property Damage Claims in Tennessee

Under TCA § 28-3-105, the statute of limitations for property damage claims in Tennessee is 3 years. This applies to:

  • Damage to real property (land, buildings, structures)
  • Damage to personal property (vehicles, equipment, belongings)
  • Trespass to real property
  • Conversion (theft or unauthorized use of personal property)
  • Vandalism and intentional property damage
  • Vehicle accidents causing property damage

The clock generally starts on the date the damage occurred. For latent damage that is not immediately discoverable (such as construction defects or environmental contamination), the discovery rule may apply, but Tennessee courts apply it narrowly. A separate statute of repose may also limit the time to file for construction-related claims.

Debt Collection in Tennessee

The statute of limitations for debt collection in Tennessee is relatively long compared to other states, with a 6-year limit applying to most types of debt under TCA § 28-3-109.

Type of Debt Statute of Limitations Legal Basis
Written contract (loans, promissory notes) 6 years TCA § 28-3-109
Oral contract 6 years TCA § 28-3-109
Open-ended account (credit cards) 6 years TCA § 28-3-109
Auto loan deficiency 6 years TCA § 28-3-109
Store account / open account 6 years TCA § 28-3-109

When Does the Clock Start?

For most debts in Tennessee, the statute of limitations starts from the date of default. Unlike some states, making a partial payment or written acknowledgment of a debt may restart the statute of limitations in Tennessee. This is an important distinction — even a small payment on an old debt could reset the clock and give creditors a new window to sue.

Important: After the statute of limitations expires, debt collectors can still attempt to collect the debt, but they cannot successfully sue you. However, a debt collector who sues you on a time-barred debt may be violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Do not make any payment or written acknowledgment on an old debt without first consulting an attorney, as this could restart the limitations period.

Wrongful Death Claims in Tennessee

Under TCA § 28-3-104, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Tennessee is 1 year from the date of the decedent's death (or from the date the cause of action accrued). This applies when a person's death is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or fault of another.

Wrongful death claims in Tennessee may be filed by the surviving spouse, children, or next of kin of the deceased. If no action is filed within a reasonable time, the personal representative of the estate may file on behalf of the beneficiaries.

Common Wrongful Death Scenarios

  • Fatal car or truck accidents
  • Medical malpractice resulting in death
  • Workplace fatalities
  • Defective products causing death
  • Intentional acts of violence
  • Premises liability incidents (e.g., drowning, unsafe conditions)

Survival Actions

In addition to wrongful death claims, Tennessee allows "survival actions" under TCA § 20-5-103, which allow the estate of the deceased to pursue claims the deceased could have brought had they survived (such as pain and suffering before death). The statute of limitations for survival actions is also 1 year.

If the wrongful death claim is against a government entity, the 1-year notice deadline under the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act applies instead.

Claims Against Government Entities in Tennessee

Tennessee imposes specific requirements for claims against government entities under the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act (GTLA), codified at TCA § 29-20-101 et seq., and claims filed with the Tennessee Claims Commission.

Notice of Claim Requirements

Under TCA § 29-20-303, you must file a written claim with the Tennessee Claims Commission or provide written notice to the governmental entity within 1 year of the date the injury occurred. The notice must include:

  • The name and address of the claimant
  • The date and location of the incident
  • A description of the injury, damage, or loss
  • The amount of damages claimed

This applies to claims against:

  • The State of Tennessee
  • Cities and municipalities
  • Counties
  • Public school districts and universities
  • Public hospitals and transit authorities
  • Any other political subdivision of the state

Important Limitations Under the GTLA

The Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act waives governmental immunity only in limited circumstances. The GTLA caps damages at:

  • $600,000 per person for personal injury (or $1,000,000 per occurrence for state government entities)
  • $500,000 for all other claims per occurrence

Critical: Missing the 1-year notice deadline almost always permanently bars your claim against a government entity. Unlike private lawsuits, there is very little room for late filings or exceptions. If you believe you have a claim against a government entity, act immediately and consult with a Tennessee attorney.

Criminal Statute of Limitations in Tennessee

Tennessee's criminal statute of limitations is governed by TCA Chapter 40, Part 2. The deadlines vary based on the severity of the offense:

Offense Type Statute of Limitations Legal Basis
Murder and manslaughter No limit TCA § 40-2-101
Rape or sexual assault of a child (under 13) No limit TCA § 40-2-101
Aggravated rape No limit TCA § 40-2-101
Class A felony (general) 15 years TCA § 40-2-101
Class B felony 8 years TCA § 40-2-101
Class C or D felony 4 years TCA § 40-2-101
Class E felony 2 years TCA § 40-2-101
Misdemeanors 12 months TCA § 40-2-101
Theft by a public servant No limit TCA § 40-2-101
Fraudulent Medicaid billing 4 years TCA § 40-2-101
Sexual battery 4 years TCA § 40-2-101

Note: Tennessee has expanded the list of crimes with no statute of limitations in recent years. Murder, aggravated rape, rape of a child under 13, and certain offenses involving theft by public servants carry no time limit. Additionally, DNA evidence can extend the limitations period for certain offenses if biological matter is identified and the defendant is identified through DNA testing.

Crimes Against Children (No Limit)

Tennessee has no statute of limitations for the following crimes involving children:

  • Sex trafficking of a child
  • Aggravated rape of a child
  • Sexual battery
  • Statutory rape of a child
  • Aggravated statutory rape
  • Felonious indecent exposure to a child
  • Sexual abuse of a child
  • Incest involving a child
  • Sexual exploitation of a child

Revenue Law Offenses

  • General revenue offenses: 3 years
  • Defrauding the state: 6 years
  • Tax evasion: 6 years
  • False/fraudulent tax return: 6 years
  • Arson: 8 years

When Does Criminal Prosecution Officially Begin?

Under Tennessee law, prosecution is considered officially commenced when:

  • Indictment found — A formal charge issued by a grand jury
  • Information filed — A formal charge filed by the prosecutor
  • Warrant issued — An arrest warrant issued by a judge

Challenging Expired Criminal Charges

If you believe the statute of limitations has expired, your defense attorney can file a motion to dismiss (nolle prosequi). The court will examine the date of the offense, the date charges were filed, and any applicable tolling provisions.

Tolling and Exceptions in Tennessee

Under certain circumstances, Tennessee law allows the statute of limitations to be "tolled" (paused or extended). Common tolling doctrines include:

Minority (Under 18)

If the plaintiff is under 18 at the time the cause of action accrues, the statute of limitations is tolled until they reach the age of majority. This is codified at TCA § 28-1-106. The clock starts on the plaintiff's 18th birthday. However, note the special rules for medical malpractice claims involving minors, where the statute of repose has specific provisions.

Legal Disability (Mental Incapacity)

If the plaintiff is of unsound mind at the time the cause of action accrues, the statute of limitations may be tolled under TCA § 28-1-106. The disability must exist at the time the cause of action accrues; subsequent disability generally does not toll the limitations period.

Defendant's Absence from the State

Under TCA § 28-1-111, if the defendant is absent from Tennessee at the time the cause of action accrues, the period of absence is not counted toward the statute of limitations. This means the clock pauses while the defendant is out of state.

Discovery Rule

Tennessee courts recognize the discovery rule in limited types of cases. Under this doctrine, the statute of limitations does not begin until the plaintiff discovered, or through reasonable diligence should have discovered, the facts giving rise to the claim. Tennessee applies the discovery rule more narrowly than many other states. It is typically available in:

  • Medical malpractice (hidden injuries, foreign objects)
  • Toxic exposure and environmental contamination
  • Certain fraud cases
  • Occupational diseases

Fraudulent Concealment

If the defendant fraudulently concealed the facts giving rise to the claim, the statute of limitations may be tolled until the plaintiff discovered or should have discovered the claim. The plaintiff must prove: (1) the defendant knew the material facts, (2) the defendant concealed those facts with the intent to induce reliance, and (3) the plaintiff did not know and could not have discovered the facts through reasonable diligence.

Warning: Tolling doctrines are complex and fact-specific. Do not assume the statute of limitations has been extended in your case without consulting a Tennessee attorney. Courts apply these doctrines narrowly, and the burden of proving tolling is on the plaintiff.

Tennessee Statute of Limitations: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 1 year from the date the injury occurred under Tennessee Code Annotated Section 28-3-104. This is one of the shortest personal injury deadlines in the United States. It applies to car accidents, slip and fall cases, assault, dog bites, and other injury claims. If the injury was not immediately discovered, the discovery rule may delay the start of the clock in limited circumstances. However, if your claim is against a government entity, you must file notice within 1 year under the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act.
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Tennessee?
Under Tennessee Code Annotated Section 29-26-116, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is 1 year from the date the plaintiff discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury. Tennessee also imposes a 3-year statute of repose that bars claims filed more than 3 years after the negligent act, regardless of when the injury was discovered. Exceptions exist for foreign objects left in the body and claims involving minors. Additionally, plaintiffs must provide pre-suit notice at least 60 days before filing and include a HIPAA-compliant medical authorization.
What is the statute of limitations for breach of contract in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for breach of both written and oral contracts is 6 years under Tennessee Code Annotated Section 28-3-109. This is longer than many states. The clock generally starts on the date the breach occurred, not when the breach was discovered. For contracts involving the sale of goods, the UCC provides a 4-year statute of limitations under TCA Section 47-2-725.
What is the statute of limitations for debt collection in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for debt collection is 6 years for most types of debt, including written contracts, oral contracts, and open-ended accounts such as credit cards, under Tennessee Code Annotated Section 28-3-109. The clock typically starts from the date of default. Unlike some states, making a partial payment or written acknowledgment of a debt may restart the statute of limitations in Tennessee. Do not make any payment on an old debt without consulting an attorney first.
How long do I have to file a claim against a government entity in Tennessee?
Under the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act (Tennessee Code Annotated Section 29-20-303), you must file a written claim with the Tennessee Claims Commission or provide written notice to the governmental entity within 1 year of the date the injury occurred. The notice must include the claimant's name and address, the date and location of the incident, and a description of the injury or damage. Missing the 1-year notice deadline almost always permanently bars your claim against a government entity.
Can the statute of limitations be extended in Tennessee?
Yes, under certain circumstances. The statute of limitations can be tolled (paused) if the plaintiff is a minor under 18, is of unsound mind, or if the defendant has left the state. Tennessee also recognizes the discovery rule in limited circumstances and fraudulent concealment as a basis for tolling. However, Tennessee applies these doctrines more narrowly than many other states, and the burden of proving tolling is on the plaintiff. Always consult with a Tennessee attorney to determine if tolling applies to your case.
What is the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse in Tennessee?
Under Tennessee law, victims of childhood sexual abuse may file a civil lawsuit within 1 year of reaching the age of majority (18), or within 1 year of discovering the injury, whichever is later. Tennessee Code Annotated Section 28-3-104 provides this extended timeframe. Additionally, the criminal statute of limitations for rape or sexual assault of a child under 13 has no time limit under TCA Section 40-2-101.
Does Tennessee have a statute of repose?
Yes, Tennessee has several statutes of repose. The most significant include: (1) Medical malpractice — a 3-year statute of repose under TCA Section 29-26-116 that bars claims filed more than 3 years after the negligent act, regardless of discovery, with exceptions for foreign objects and minors; (2) Products liability — a 10-year statute of repose under TCA Section 29-28-103 that bars claims filed more than 10 years after the date the product was first purchased for use; and (3) Construction of real property — a 4-year statute of repose under TCA Section 28-3-202 for claims arising from the design or construction of improvements to real property. Statutes of repose are absolute deadlines that generally cannot be tolled or extended.
Does making a partial payment restart the statute of limitations on debt in Tennessee?
Yes, in Tennessee, making a partial payment or written acknowledgment of a debt can restart the statute of limitations. This is different from some states (like Texas) where partial payments do not restart the clock. In Tennessee, any payment toward a debt or written acknowledgment of the obligation may be treated as a new promise to pay, restarting the 6-year limitations period. You should consult with an attorney before making any payment on an old debt to avoid inadvertently reviving the obligation.
Why is Tennessee's personal injury statute of limitations only 1 year?
Tennessee's 1-year personal injury statute of limitations under TCA Section 28-3-104 is one of the shortest in the country. Only Kentucky and Louisiana have similarly short deadlines. This short period is a policy choice by the Tennessee legislature to encourage prompt filing of claims while evidence is fresh and witnesses' memories are reliable. Because of this short deadline, it is critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an injury to ensure your rights are preserved. Missing even one day past the 1-year deadline can result in your case being permanently barred.
What is the criminal statute of limitations in Tennessee?
Tennessee has no statute of limitations for murder, aggravated rape, rape of a child under 13, and theft by public servants. Class A felonies have a 15-year limit, Class B felonies have 8 years, Class C/D felonies have 4 years, and Class E felonies have 2 years. Misdemeanors have a 12-month limit. Arson has an 8-year limit. Revenue offenses like tax evasion have a 6-year limit.
What happens if I miss the statute of limitations deadline in Tennessee?
If you miss the deadline, the defendant can file a motion to dismiss, and the court will almost certainly dismiss your case permanently. Tennessee courts strictly enforce these deadlines. Very few exceptions exist, so it is critical to file before the statute of limitations expires.

Statute of Limitations in Other States

Compare Tennessee's deadlines with other states:

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Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statute of limitations laws are subject to change and may be affected by recent legislation, court decisions, or the specific facts of your case. Special rules may apply for claims against government entities, medical malpractice under the Tennessee Medical Malpractice Act, products liability, cases involving minors, and other specific situations. Always consult with a qualified Tennessee attorney for advice on your particular situation. CourtDateCalculator.online is not a law firm and is not engaged in the practice of law.