How long do you have to sue for a dog bite?

The statute of limitations is the last day you can file a lawsuit, not the last day to call the owner, finish physical therapy, or wait on an adjuster. File a day late and the insurer’s motion writes itself.

The national shape

• 1 year: Kentucky, Tennessee.
• 2 years: the most common bucket, including California, Florida (for recent injuries), Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania.
• 3 years: New York, Michigan, North Carolina, Washington, and others.
• 4–6 years: a short list (Nebraska, Utah, Wyoming; Missouri at 5; Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota at 6).

Florida cut its deadline from four years to two for injuries on or after March 24, 2023. Louisiana moved from one year to two for injuries on or after July 1, 2024. Pages that have not been updated will lie to you.

Clocks that are shorter than the statute

If a city, county, or the state is involved — a police dog, a public employee’s dog, a shelter — you may have to send written notice in 60 to 180 days. That notice is its own deadline. Miss it and the later lawsuit can be dead on arrival.

Children

Most states pause the child’s own clock until 18, then run the ordinary period. A parent’s claim for medical bills may run on the adult deadline. Do not wait on a theory that “we have until they’re grown.”