Virginia Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
Start with the claim, not a number
Classify the event, potential defendants, and claim type before calculating time. For matters connected to Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk, also confirm the correct court and any local filing rule.
A limitations analysis may change with the accrual event, discovery, repose, age or incapacity, death, a public defendant, contractual notice, or a pre-suit requirement.
Deadline issues to separate
| Possible issue | Question to take to the source or lawyer |
|---|---|
| Ordinary injury | Which cause of action applies, when did it accrue, and is any tolling rule supported by the facts? |
| Wrongful death or survival | Which claim exists, who may file, and what event begins the relevant period? |
| Professional negligence | Is there a specialized limitation, repose, notice, screening, certificate, or expert requirement? |
| Government involvement | Is an administrative notice or claim presentation required before a lawsuit? |
Create a date file
Keep the incident date, discovery date, treatment dates, death date if relevant, first notice, denial, representation letters, and every date shown on a government or insurer document.
Do not assume negotiations pause time
Calls, document exchanges, treatment, and settlement discussions do not necessarily stop a statutory or notice period. Obtain a fact-specific calculation promptly.
Check the official Virginia sources
For a Virginia filing question, read the current statute first, then confirm court procedure and any defendant-specific notice requirement.
- Virginia judiciary — Use the Virginia judiciary for civil rules, court locations, filing information, and published decisions that may affect how a statute is applied.
- Virginia legislature or official code — Use the Virginia legislature or official code portal to locate the current limitation text, effective dates, definitions, and cross-references.
- Virginia insurance regulator — Use the Virginia insurance regulator for consumer information when policy duties, claim handling, or available coverage are part of the issue.
Links checked August 29, 2026. Confirm the current text, effective date, and any local rule before relying on a deadline or procedure.