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Texas Statute of Limitations for Injury Claims

Texas generally gives you two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss that deadline and the claim is ordinarily barred forever. Some claims have their own rules — medical malpractice and products liability also run two years but carry additional repose periods that cut off claims after a fixed number of years regardless of discovery.

Last reviewed: June 5, 2026

In Texas, the clock on an injury claim starts at the injury and rarely stops. The general rule is simple; the exceptions are where cases are lost.

The general rule: two years

Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code 16.003(a), most personal injury claims — car wrecks, falls, general negligence — must be filed within two years of the date of injury. After that, the claim is ordinarily barred.

Claims with extra rules

  • Medical malpractice (CPRC 74.251): two years from the act or omission, with a 10-year statute of repose for adults. An expert report is also required within 120 days of filing or the case is dismissed with prejudice.
  • Products liability (CPRC 16.012): two years from discovery, with a 15-year repose period.

Repose periods are absolute — they can cut off a claim even before you discover the harm.

Two years passes faster than people expect once medical treatment and insurance back-and-forth begin. A Texas injury lawyer confirms your exact deadline and files in time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file an injury lawsuit in Texas?
Generally two years from the date of the injury under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code 16.003(a). After two years, the claim is normally barred and cannot be filed at all.
Are there exceptions to the two-year deadline?
Some. Medical malpractice runs two years from the act or omission with a 10-year repose for adults (CPRC 74.251), and products liability runs two years from discovery with a 15-year repose (CPRC 16.012). Certain situations involving minors or delayed discovery can affect timing, so confirm your specific deadline with a lawyer early.

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