Important Connecticut Tort Deadlines (Updated 2025)

Missing a deadline can be disastrous in a personal injury case. We’ve compiled a list of some of the notice periods, statutes of limitations, and other key legal time limits that apply in tort claims in Connecticut to ensure that plaintiffs can vindicate their rights in court.

Remember, this is general information, not legal advice on any specific situation. It’s not always obvious which deadlines apply in a particular case, and there are other legal and practical reasons why it’s in your interest to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. We would be happy to explain which time limits might apply to your situation in a free consultation. Give us a call or contact us online today.

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Notice Periods

Highway Defect: §13a-144 (state)/§13a-149 (municipal)	90 days (2 year Statute of Limitations).
Dram Shop Statute §30-102	120 days (injury) 180 days (death or incapacity) (1 year Statute of Limitations).
Municipal Employee Negligence Claim §7-465	6 months (2 year Statute of Limitations).
Volunteer Firefighter/Police Officer/EMT Claim §7-308	6 months (1 year Statute of Limitations).
Claims Against the State §4-148 (including medical malpractice, but note: med mal actions may be filed in Court without notice within 1 yr., see §4-160(f).)	1 year from when “sustained or discovered,” not to exceed 3 years from date of act or event. (Notice must be filed with the Claims Commissioner.)
Housing Authority Claims §8-67	6 months (2 year Statute of Limitations).

Statutes of Limitations

Negligence/Recklessness Claims (including Medical Malpractice) for Injury to Person or Property §52-584	2 years from when “sustained or discovered,” not to exceed 3 years from date of act or omission.
Wrongful Death Claims §52-555	2 years from death, not to exceed 5 years from date of act or omission.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims §38a-336(g)(1)	Time specified in policy, but no less than 3 years. If no time limit specified in policy, 6 years. But in UIM claim, Statute of Limitations may be tolled by (1) notifying insurer of claim in writing, within 3 years.; and (2) bringing suit within 180 days from exhaustion of limits of all applicable liability policies.
Product Liability Claims §52-577a	3 years from when first “sustained or discovered,” not to exceed 10 years from when defendant parted with possession or control of the product.
Other Torts (including intentional acts and legal malpractice) §52-577	3 years from date of act or omission.

Other Important Time Limits

Service of Complaint §52-46	12 days before return date.
Filing of Complaint §52-46a	6 days before return date.
Offers of Compromise §52-192a	Medical malpractice: not earlier than 365 days after service of process; defendant has 60 days to accept. Other claims: not earlier than 180 days after service of process; defendant has 30 days to accept.
Substitution of Estate upon death §52-599(b)	Plaintiff’s estate can be substituted by right within six months of plaintiff’s death, or at any time prior to trial. Defendant’s estate can be substituted by right within one year after receipt of written notice of defendant’s death. Thereafter, court’s discretion for good cause.