Colorado Statutes of Limitations for Injury & Wrongful Death Claims

Missing a filing deadline can destroy an otherwise strong personal injury claim. Use this guide to align your calculator estimates with the statutory clocks that govern Colorado cases.

Quick reference table

Claim Type	Deadline	Statute
Motor vehicle accidents	3 years	C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n)
General negligence (slip & fall, dog bite)	2 years	C.R.S. § 13-80-102(1)(a)
Wrongful death	2 years	C.R.S. § 13-80-102(1)(d)
Medical malpractice	2 years (with discovery rule)	C.R.S. § 13-80-102.5
Claims against government entities	180-day notice + 2 years	C.R.S. § 24-10-109 / § 24-10-118

Deadlines are measured from the date the claim accrues unless tolled by statute.

Need a deeper dive into motor vehicle cases? Read the Colorado car accident statute of limitations guide for accrual examples, CGIA notice traps, and tolling scenarios.

Key nuances

Discovery rule: In medical malpractice cases, the two-year period begins when the injury is discovered or should have been discovered, but never more than three years from the act or omission (with narrow exceptions).
Government claims: You must deliver a written notice of intent within 180 days to preserve a claim against state or local entities.
Wrongful death staging: Surviving spouses hold the sole right to sue during the first year, after which heirs and designated beneficiaries may join.

Checklist before contacting counsel

Confirm the incident date and any applicable tolling triggers (minors, fraud, discovery).
Send preservation letters to at-fault parties, property owners, or insurers.
Use the calculator to outline damages and highlight upcoming deadlines in your notes.