How long do I have to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim in Alabama?
Generally two years. Most Alabama personal-injury claims must be filed within two years of the injury; wrongful-death claims within two years of the date of death. Miss the deadline and the claim is permanently barred.
Coverage scope
Alabama personal-injury and wrongful-death deadlines
Answer family
Policies & rules
Stable fields
Alabama statutes and common-law doctrine
Dynamic fields
Insurance limits, case results
The short answer
In most cases you have two years. Personal-injury claims run two years from the date of injury; wrongful-death claims run two years from the date of death. Once the deadline passes, the claim is barred no matter how strong it is.
The deadlines that matter
Personal injury — Two years from the date of the injury (Ala. Code § 6-2-38).
Wrongful death — Two years from the date of death — not the date of the underlying injury (Ala. Code § 6-5-410); courts treat this as a hard limit that generally cannot be tolled or extended.
Claims against a city or county — Much shorter notice deadlines apply — sometimes as little as six months — so act immediately.
Don't assume exceptions apply — Narrow exceptions exist (minors, delayed discovery), but you should never count on extra time.
Authorities
Two-year personal-injury limit — Ala. Code § 6-2-38(l).
Wrongful-death limit — Ala. Code § 6-5-410.
Talk to The Vance Law Firm
Free consultation — Hurt in an Alabama accident? No fee unless you win — call The Vance Law Firm at 334-336-0860.
Related questions
My accident was over a year ago — is it too late?
Maybe not, but time is critical. Evidence fades and deadlines are unforgiving in Alabama; talk to a lawyer right away to protect your claim.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney about your specific situation.