What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is indeed two years from the date of the injury. This two-year period is governed by the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure, which specifies that individuals have a limited time to file a claim for damages resulting from personal injuries.

Once this two-year period elapses, a plaintiff generally loses the right to file a lawsuit, making it crucial for individuals who have suffered injuries to act promptly. This time frame is designed to ensure that cases are resolved while evidence is still fresh and witnesses are available.

Other potential options, such as one year, three years, or five years, are not applicable in this context. The one-year option is often associated with specific claims, such as those against governmental entities. The three-year and five-year periods are more commonly associated with other types of claims, like those involving property damage or written contracts, not personal injury cases. Understanding this statute of limitations is essential for anyone considering legal action for personal injuries in Illinois.