If you’ve been injured in an accident in Memphis, time is not on your side. Tennessee has strict deadlines—called statutes of limitations—that determine how long you have to take legal action. At Paragon Medical Group, we help injured patients understand these critical timelines while providing the medical documentation needed to support their cases.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✔ Tennessee’s personal injury deadlines
✔ Exceptions that could extend your time
✔ Why early medical documentation is crucial
Tennessee’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims
1. Standard Personal Injury Cases: 1 Year
Most injury claims in Tennessee must be filed within 1 year from the date of the accident, including:
- Car accidents
- Slip and falls
- Workplace injuries (third-party claims)
- Medical malpractice (with some exceptions)
Why this matters: If you miss this deadline, you’ll likely lose your right to compensation—even if your injuries are severe.
2. Exceptions That Could Extend Your Deadline
A. Delayed Discovery of Injury
Some injuries (like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries) may not show symptoms immediately. Courts might extend the deadline if you can prove:
- You couldn’t have reasonably known about the injury sooner
- You sought medical help as soon as symptoms appeared
Example: A Memphis construction worker develops severe back pain 6 months after a fall. If doctors confirm it’s directly related, he may still have a claim.
B. Claims Against Government Entities
If your injury involves a city/county agency (like a crash with a Memphis city vehicle), you must file a notice of claim within 1 year, but sometimes sooner.
C. Minors or Incapacitated Victims
- For children under 18, the 1-year clock typically starts at their 18th birthday
- Mentally incapacitated victims may get extensions
Why Waiting Can Hurt Your Case
Even if you have time left on the clock, delaying action can:
- Weaken Evidence: Witness memories fade, and accident scenes change.
- Create Gaps in Medical Records: Insurance companies argue delays mean your injury isn’t serious.
- Limit Treatment Options: Early intervention often leads to better recovery outcomes.
How Paragon Medical Group Helps Protect Your Rights
We provide:
✅ Same-Day Injury Evaluations: Documenting injuries early strengthens your case.
✅ Detailed Medical Reports: We link injuries directly to your accident for legal purposes.
✅ Attorney Referrals: If you need legal help, we connect you with trusted Memphis lawyers.
Memphis-Specific Factors to Consider
- High-Risk Areas: I-40 crashes, Beale Street slip-and-falls, and warehouse accidents often require quick action.
- Local Courts: Judges here strictly enforce deadlines—don’t gamble with your timeline.
Act Now—Before It’s Too Late
If you’ve been injured in Memphis:
- Get medical care immediately (even for “minor” pain).
- Consult an attorney to assess your deadlines.
- Let us help with documentation and treatment.
Key Takeaways:
- Most TN injury claims expire in 1 year
- Exceptions exist but are rare—don’t rely on them
- Early medical documentation is your best evidence
