How long do you have to sue after an injury in Missouri?
Last checked November 8, 2026
In Missouri you generally have 5 years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit, under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120(4). If a city, county or the state is responsible, the deadline can be much shorter: 90 days.
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.
Missouri injury deadlines at a glance
| Situation | Deadline | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Most injuries, including car accidents | 5 years | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120(4) |
| Wrongful death | 3 years | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.100 |
| Claim against the government (Street or sidewalk defect claims against cities of 100,000 or more) | 90 days | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 82.210 |
What the law says
“Within five years: [...] (4) An action for taking, detaining or injuring any goods or chattels, including actions for the recovery of specific personal property, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract and not herein otherwise enumerated”
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120(4)
“within ninety days of the occurrence for which such damage is claimed”
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 82.210
When does the clock start?
Usually on the day you were hurt. In Missouri, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120(4) 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.
Sources
- Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120(4), Official text, 2026-11-08
- Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.100, Official text, 2026-11-08
- Mo. Rev. Stat. § 82.210, Official text, 2026-11-08