Critical Deadlines in Michigan Personal Injury Cases
Every personal injury case in Michigan is governed by strict filing deadlines. Miss a deadline, and your right to compensation can be permanently lost — regardless of how strong your case is. Koussan Law ensures every client's case is filed well within these windows.
General Personal Injury: 3 Years
The standard statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Michigan is three years from the date of injury under MCL § 600.5805(2). This applies to car accidents, slip and fall injuries, dog bites, and most other negligence-based claims. However, waiting until the last moment is dangerous — evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and surveillance footage gets deleted.
Medical Malpractice: 2 Years (With Notice Requirements)
Medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years of the date of the malpractice or six months from discovery of the malpractice, whichever is later, under MCL § 600.5805(8). But there is also an absolute outer limit of six years. Critically, Michigan requires a Notice of Intent (NOI) under MCL § 600.2912b to be served on the healthcare provider at least 182 days before filing suit. This means the real deadline is roughly 18 months from the date of malpractice to ensure time for the NOI period.
Wrongful Death: 3 Years
Under the Michigan Wrongful Death Act (MCL § 600.2922), wrongful death claims must be filed within three years of the date of death. A personal representative must be appointed through probate court before the lawsuit can be filed, which takes additional time.
PIP Benefits: 1 Year
Your application for Michigan no-fault PIP benefits must be filed within one year of the accident under MCL § 500.3145. This is one of the most commonly missed deadlines in Michigan accident cases, and missing it can cost you tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical coverage.
Government Claims: 6 Months Notice
If your injury involves a government entity (pothole accidents, government vehicle crashes, public building injuries), Michigan's Governmental Immunity Act requires a written notice within 120 days of the injury under MCL § 691.1404. Missing this notice deadline can permanently bar your claim.
Don't risk missing a deadline. Call Koussan Law at (313) 800-0000 for a free consultation today.
