The General Two-Year Rule
In Georgia, the clock on most personal injury claims runs out two years from the date of the injury. This deadline comes from O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 and applies to the vast majority of cases — car accidents, slip and falls, motorcycle crashes, dog bites, and more.
Miss it, and the court will almost certainly dismiss your lawsuit no matter how strong your evidence is. The two-year window exists to make sure claims are brought while evidence is fresh and witnesses still remember what happened.
Shorter Deadlines for Government Claims
If your injury involved a city, county, or state entity — a municipal bus, a county road defect, a state vehicle — the rules change dramatically. Before you can even file suit, Georgia requires an ante litem notice.
For claims against a city or municipality, that notice is due within just six months (O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5). For counties, it is twelve months (O.C.G.A. § 36-11-1), and for the State of Georgia, twelve months (O.C.G.A. § 50-21-26). Missing the ante litem deadline can bar your claim entirely, even if the two-year period hasn't run.
Other Deadlines That Differ
Property damage claims have a longer four-year window (O.C.G.A. §§ 9-3-31, 9-3-32). Medical malpractice claims are generally two years but subject to a five-year statute of repose (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-71). Loss-of-consortium claims by a spouse run four years.
Because a single accident can create several claims with different deadlines, it is dangerous to assume you know how long you have.
Exceptions That Pause the Clock
Georgia law tolls (pauses) the deadline in certain situations. If the injured person was a minor, the two-year clock generally does not start until their 18th birthday. If a related criminal case is pending — common in DUI crashes — the limitations period can be tolled under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-99.
These exceptions are narrow and technical. The safest course is always to speak with an attorney as soon as possible rather than relying on an exception.
What to Do Now
If you were injured in Georgia, do not wait to find out how much time you have. Call Injury Claim Team at 973-566-5599 for a free, confidential review. We'll connect you with an experienced Georgia attorney who can confirm your deadlines and protect your claim.
This article is general information about Georgia law, not legal advice for your specific situation. For advice about your case, speak with a licensed Georgia attorney.