Iowa's Statute of Limitations
Preliminary Note: Statutes of limitations restrict the time period that a person can file a lawsuit. These statutes not only vary by state, but they also vary by cause of action. The following guide provides limitations periods for each state, but only for particular causes of action; specifically, those related to personal injury, medical malpractice, and products liability claims. The sections discussing special rules for minors only apply to the causes of action listed for that particular state.
Wrongful Death
A wrongful death action must be filed within two years of the date of death.
Personal Injury Actions
These actions must be brought within two years of the date the injury occurred.
Medical Malpractice Actions
Actions against health-care providers must be filed within two years of the date that the act giving rise to the injury occurred. If the injured person did not discover the injury, suit must be filed within two years of the date the injury was, or should have been discovered, but in no event more than six years after the date that the negligent act or omission occurred. These time limits apply to minors eight and older. A minor under eight years old must file suit within two years of the date the injury occurred or by his or her 10th birthday, whichever is later.
Products Liability Actions
Generally, products liability actions must be brought within two years after the plaintiff suffers the injury but there may be exceptions. For more information that may effect this general rule, please refer to Iowa statutory and case law.
Special Rules for Minors
Except in cases of medical malpractice or wrongful death, the statute of limitations is extended in favor of minors, so that they shall have one year from their 18th birthday within which to file suit.
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Please note: State law information collected from LexisNexis™ electronic database in 2005. All of our lawyers are licensed to practice in the state of Pennsylvania. We also have lawyers licensed to practice in Ohio, and West Virginia and we associate with experienced attorneys in other states.
The materials at this web site have been prepared by our Law Firm for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. These materials do not, and are not, intended to constitute legal advice. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. The information provided at this site is subject to change without notice. Although we try to keep our site current and accurate, you should not rely on this information or its applicability to any specific circumstances without speaking with an attorney.
