Kentucky Statute of Limitations

Preliminary Note: Statutes of limitations restrict the time period that a person can file a lawsuit. These statutes not only vary by state, but they also vary by cause of action. The following guide provides limitations periods for each state, but only for particular causes of action; specifically, those related to personal injury, medical malpractice, and products liability claims. The sections discussing special rules for minors only apply to the causes of action listed for that particular state.

Wrongful Death

A wrongful death action must be filed within one year of the date of death.

Personal Injury Actions

These actions must be brought within one year of the date of the injury.

Medical Malpractice Actions

Actions against health care providers must be filed within one year of the date that the act giving rise to the injury occurred. If the injury is not discovered during that time, suit can be brought later, but in no event more than five years after the act giving rise to the injury occurred.

Products Liability Actions

Products liability actions must be brought within one year after the plaintiff suffers the injury.

Special Rules for Minors

Except in cases of wrongful death, the statute of limitations begins to run when a minor turns 18, or, if under 18, when the minor marries. In Kentucky, those under 18 can marry with parental consent.