What Is the Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in South Carolina?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in South Carolina is generally three years from the date of the injury. This means that anyone seeking compensation for injuries caused by another party’s negligence must file a lawsuit within this timeframe. 

While three years is the standard deadline, certain factors may shorten or extend the filing period depending on the circumstances of the case. Claims involving government entities, medical malpractice, or injuries that were not immediately discovered may have different legal deadlines. 

Because these exceptions can be complex, consulting an Aiken personal injury lawyer can help injury victims understand their specific time limits and take legal action before it’s too late. Seeking legal guidance ensures that victims do not miss their opportunity to seek justice and financial recovery.

Understanding the Three-Year Rule

South Carolina law (section 15-3-20) establishes that most personal injury claims must be filed within three years from the date the injury occurred. This applies to cases involving:

• Car accidents
• Slip and fall injuries
• Defective products
• Workplace injuries (when suing a third party)
• Assault and other intentional acts resulting in harm

Filing within this timeframe is critical. Even if an injured person has a strong case, courts will almost always dismiss a claim that is filed after the statute of limitations expires.

Special Circumstances That Affect the Filing Deadline

While most claims must be filed within three years, certain circumstances alter the statute of limitations.

Claims Against Government Entities

If a personal injury claim involves a South Carolina government agency or employee, a lawsuit must be filed within two years instead of three. This applies to cases such as:

• Injuries caused by city buses or government vehicles
• Dangerous conditions on public property
• Negligence by a government worker while performing official duties

Additionally, a formal notice of claim must be filed with the appropriate agency before a lawsuit can proceed. Failure to do so may result in a case being dismissed.

Medical Malpractice Cases

Medical malpractice claims have a three-year statute of limitations in most cases, but the law provides some exceptions. If a patient does not immediately realize they were harmed, the filing period may begin on the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. 

However, there is a strict six-year cap on medical malpractice lawsuits, meaning that even if an injury is discovered later, no claim can be filed after this deadline.

Wrongful Death and Survival Actions

When an injury leads to death, South Carolina law allows surviving family members or an estate representative to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is three years from the date of death, rather than the date of the original injury. 

If the victim had already filed a personal injury lawsuit before passing away, their estate may continue the claim under a survival action.

The Discovery Rule

Not all injuries are immediately noticeable. South Carolina applies a discovery rule that allows the statute of limitations to begin when an injured person reasonably should have known that an injury occurred. This is common in cases involving:

• Exposure to toxic substances
• Defective medical devices or prescription drugs
• Internal injuries that worsen over time

The discovery rule does not eliminate the statute of limitations but ensures that victims who could not have reasonably known about their injuries are not unfairly barred from filing a lawsuit.

Legal Protections for Minors and Incapacitated Individuals

South Carolina law makes exceptions for injury victims who are unable to take legal action on their own behalf.

• Minors: If a person is injured before the age of 18, the statute of limitations does not begin until their 18th birthday, meaning they have until age 21 to file a claim.
• Legally incapacitated individuals: If a person is mentally incapacitated due to an injury or condition, the statute may be paused until they regain legal capacity.

These provisions ensure that vulnerable individuals are not denied the right to seek compensation due to legal deadlines.

Consequences of Missing the Statute of Limitations

Failing to file within the designated timeframe has serious consequences. In nearly all cases, the court will dismiss the lawsuit, preventing the injured party from receiving compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or other damages. 

Even if a case has strong evidence and clear liability, the legal system enforces strict deadlines, and missing the deadline almost always means forfeiting the right to financial recovery. Insurers frequently use delay tactics in negotiations, knowing that once the deadline passes, victims lose all leverage to demand compensation. 

Without the ability to file a lawsuit, an injured person may be left with unpaid medical bills, lost income, and ongoing financial hardship. This is why it’s crucial to act quickly and consult an attorney as soon as possible after an injury.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in South Carolina

To protect their legal rights, injury victims should take immediate action:

1. Seek medical attention: Even if an injury seems minor, prompt medical evaluation provides essential documentation.
2. Preserve evidence: Photographs, witness statements, and accident reports can help strengthen a case.
3. Understand legal deadlines: Each case is different, and determining the applicable statute of limitations is crucial.
4. Consult a personal injury attorney: A lawyer can provide guidance on filing deadlines and legal options.

Acting quickly after an injury prevents legal complications and ensures the best chance for full compensation.

Legal Guidance for Injury Victims in South Carolina

Navigating personal injury laws can be complex, especially when statutes of limitations vary based on case details. John Foy & Associates provides experienced legal representation to help injury victims in South Carolina understand their rights and take the necessary steps to file their claims on time.

If you have suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact John Foy & Associates today for a free consultation. With over $1 billion recovered, our team is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.