This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Illinois — Statute of Limitations

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Illinois Statute of Limitations for Most Personal Injury Claims

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date the cause of action accrued. This rule is codified under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, which governs the time limit for filing a civil lawsuit based on bodily injury or damage to property. The two-year period generally begins when the plaintiff knew or should have known of the injury. The statute provides certain exceptions that can alter this timeline, and the official source contains the full statutory language. The worked example below illustrates how the two-year period applies in a typical scenario. Use the calculator to estimate the deadline for your specific circumstances.

Governing authority

In Illinois, the statute of limitations rule is set by 735 ILCS 5/13-202. The verified packet cites 735 ILCS 5/13-202 (https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/073500050K13-202.htm).

Deadline example

For a Illinois this claim type limitations check, use the verified limitations period from the current rule packet: 2 years. The authority packet cites 735 ILCS 5/13-202 (https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/073500050K13-202.htm).

Example inputs:

• Accrual date: 2024-04-25
• Filing date checked: 2026-04-25

Calculation:

• Start with the accrual date.
• Add 2 years.
• The example deadline is 2026-04-25.

This example is generated from the verified facts packet rather than freeform prose. Confirm tolling, discovery rules, and claim-specific exceptions before relying on the date.

Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the statute of limitations calculator to estimate your specific figure.

This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.