A statute of limitations is a legal deadline. Miss it, and you may lose your right to recover, no matter how strong your case is. Michigan has several different clocks, and some run much faster than people expect.
- Most personal injury lawsuits: three years from the date of injury (MCL 600.5805).
- No-Fault PIP benefits: you generally must give written notice within one year of the accident (MCL 500.3145).
- The one-year-back rule: PIP benefits usually can't be recovered for expenses more than one year before you file suit.
- Wrongful death: special rules may extend the deadline once a personal representative is appointed (MCL 600.5852).
- Medical malpractice: generally two years, with separate notice requirements.
- Claims against government agencies: notice may be required within months, sometimes as few as 120 days.
- Injured children: minors often get extra time, but waiting is rarely wise.