Statute of limitations for slip and fall in Kentucky

Rule or statute summary

Run this scenario in DocketMath using the Statute Of Limitations calculator.

For a slip-and-fall in Kentucky, the statute of limitations (SOL) is generally 5 years. Kentucky typically applies a general/default deadline for civil actions, rather than a slip-and-fall–specific SOL. If you do not fall into a separate, claim-type–specific exception, treat 5 years as your baseline period under KRS 500.020.

DocketMath uses its statute-of-limitations calculator to help you convert that baseline period into a concrete date you can track on a timeline. You choose a key starting date (often the date of injury or the accrual date), and the calculator computes the general deadline using the 5-year period.

What counts as the “general/default” rule here?

Using the Kentucky guidance provided for this topic:

• General SOL period: 5 years
• General statute: KRS 500.020
• Claim-type-specific slip-and-fall sub-rule: none identified in the provided ruleset

So, the 5-year general/default rule should be treated as the starting point for most slip-and-fall SOL questions—unless a specific exception or different accrual rule applies.

Citations

Kentucky’s general statute of limitations for civil actions is set out in KRS 500.020.

Kentucky SOL period referenced for this guide

• KRS 500.020 — General statute of limitations: 5 years (general/default period)

When building a case timeline, you typically start by identifying:

• The date of the slip/fall, and
• The accrual date—the point when the claim legally starts running

Because SOL calculations can depend on accrual mechanics, symptoms, or when harm becomes apparent, confirm what event Kentucky would treat as the accrual trigger for the specific fact pattern.

Use the calculator

Use DocketMath’s statute-of-limitations tool here: /tools/statute-of-limitations.

1. Open: /tools/statute-of-limitations
2. Select jurisdiction: **Kentucky (US-KY)
3. Choose the general/default SOL option tied to **KRS 500.020 (5 years)

Run the Statute Of Limitations calculation in DocketMath, then save the output so it can be audited later: Open the calculator.

Calculator inputs (what to enter)

Typical inputs you’ll use for SOL timing tools include:

• Injury date (or accrual date): the date you want the 5-year clock to begin from
• SOL rule selection: **General/default — KRS 500.020 (5 years)

If you believe Kentucky would treat a different date as the accrual trigger than the date of the fall, try using that alternative date as the starting input and compare the resulting deadlines.

How outputs change when inputs change

• Later injury/accrual date: the computed SOL deadline moves later by the same amount of time.
• Earlier injury/accrual date: the computed SOL deadline moves earlier.
• Changing the rule selection: if the calculator includes additional rule options, selecting a different rule could change the period (and therefore the deadline). For this guide, you should default to KRS 500.020 (5 years) unless you have reason to select another applicable statute.

Quick timing checklist (practical)

Use this as a basic before-you-file sanity check:

Pitfall to watch: If you enter the fall date but Kentucky would use a different accrual trigger for when the claim “starts running,” your computed deadline could be off. Treat the result as a planning estimate until you confirm the accrual trigger for the specific facts.

What the calculator is doing (in plain terms)

Under the general/default rule identified for this guide, DocketMath applies:

• A 5-year SOL period under KRS 500.020
• Measured from the calculator’s starting date input you provide

That’s why choosing the correct starting date (injury vs. accrual) is often the most important part of the calculation.

Sources and references

Start with the primary authority for Kentucky and confirm the effective date before relying on any output. If the rule has been amended, update the inputs and rerun the calculation.

• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.140

Related reading

• Choosing the right statute of limitations tool for Vermont — How to choose the right calculator
• Statute of limitations in Singapore: how to estimate the deadline — Full how-to guide with jurisdiction-specific rules
• Choosing the right statute of limitations tool for Connecticut — How to choose the right calculator