Tennessee 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 that the injury occurred.

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 or within one year from the date of discovery, but in no event more than three years from the date that the negligent act occurred.

Medical Malpractice Actions Based on Insertion of a Foreign Object into the Body

These types of medical malpractice actions must be brought within one year after the wrongful act is, or should have been, discovered.

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 on the minor’s 18th birthday, unless the minority persists for more than three years. In that case, the limitations period may not exceed three years beyond the attainment of the age of majority.

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