Illinois
Statute of limitations for personal injury in Illinois
Illinois personal-injury claims generally have a two-year filing window under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. The clock usually runs from accrual, while special claims involving criminal conduct, minors, disability, government defendants, or delayed discovery can require separate analysis.
SoL period
2 years
From the date the cause of action accrues
Compute your deadline
Filing deadline
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Where this rule comes from
Statute
735 ILCS 5/13-202
"Actions for damages for an injury to the person shall be commenced within 2 years next after the cause of action accrued."
Read the full statute
Last verified May 7, 2026
by Juryvine Editorial
What can extend or pause this clock
Minority tolling.
Illinois has separate tolling rules for minors and legal disability; check 735 ILCS 5/13-211 before relying on the ordinary two-year period.
Frequently asked
- What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Illinois?
- 2 years from the date the cause of action accrues. Authority: 735 ILCS 5/13-202.
- What if the plaintiff was a minor?
- Illinois has separate tolling rules for minors and legal disability; check 735 ILCS 5/13-211 before relying on the ordinary two-year period.
Personal Injury statute by state
Other Illinois statutes of limitations
Not legal advice.
Statutes of limitations are governed by complex doctrine with many exceptions.
Use this page as a starting point and verify with an attorney before relying on
any deadline. Juryvine is not a law firm and does not represent clients.