How long do you have to sue after an injury in Mississippi?
Last checked November 8, 2026
In Mississippi you generally have 3 years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit, under Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49(1). If a city, county or the state is responsible, the deadline can be much shorter: 1 year; notice of claim required at least 90 days before suit (§ 11-46-11(1)).
Calculate your deadline
Your general deadline would be
This is a general estimate. Exceptions can change it. We do not need your details to show it.
Mississippi injury deadlines at a glance
| Situation | Deadline | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Most injuries, including car accidents | 3 years | Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49(1) |
| Claim against the government (Governmental entities) | 1 year; notice of claim required at least 90 days before suit (§ 11-46-11(1)) | Miss. Code Ann. § 11-46-11(3)(a) |
What the law says
“All actions for which no other period of limitation is prescribed shall be commenced within three (3) years next after the cause of such action accrued, and not after.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49(1)
“All actions brought under this chapter shall be commenced within one (1) year next after the date of the tortious, wrongful or otherwise actionable conduct on which the liability phase of the action is based”
Miss. Code Ann. § 11-46-11(3)(a)
When does the clock start?
Usually on the day you were hurt. In Mississippi, Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49(1) sets the period. If an injury was discovered later, or the injured person is a minor, the date can change. Confirm it with a lawyer.
What does not stop the clock
Talking to an adjuster, having an open insurance claim or still being in treatment usually does not stop the deadline to sue. Filing the lawsuit on time or reaching a settlement does.
What happens if you miss it?
Usually the court dismisses the case and you lose the right to be paid, even if your claim is strong. That is why it helps to talk to a lawyer well before the date.
Other states with the same deadline
Sources
- Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49(1), Official text, 2026-11-08
- Miss. Code Ann. § 11-46-11(3)(a), Official text, 2026-11-08