The Missouri House of Representatives has recently passed House Bill 68, a legislation proposal that aims to reform the state’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims. With this bill, Missouri could align itself with over two dozen other states by shortening the timeframe individuals have to file such lawsuits.
If you’re a Missouri resident, injury victim, or personal injury attorney, understanding these changes is crucial.
What Does House Bill 68 Propose?
At its core, House Bill 68 proposes two major changes to Missouri’s personal injury statute of limitations:
Reduction in The Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims
The current law allows injury victims to file a claim up to five years after an accident. If HB 68 becomes law, this period would be reduced to two years for cases that occur after August 28, 2025.
Who Does This Affect?
Injury Victims in Missouri
The reduced timeframe could become a challenge for Missouri residents who may receive injuries after August 2025. Whether it’s a car accident or a workplace injury, claimants will need to act swiftly to preserve their right to seek compensation and justice.
Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
The bill also includes an amendment aimed at providing greater justice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Under HB 68, survivors would have 20 years after turning 21 years old, or three years from discovering the abuse caused an injury or illness (whichever is later), to file their claims. This extends Missouri’s current 10-year limit, offering survivors more time to seek legal recourse for their experiences.
Legal Professionals
Missouri personal injury lawyers should prepare for the accelerated timeline. This will include better client education, faster preparation of legal documents, and quicker turnaround times for gathering evidence or negotiating settlements.
Injured in an Accident in Missouri? Mike’s Got This!
Our Missouri personal injury attorneys at DM Injury Law stay up-to-date with the latest Missouri laws. While this change in the personal injury statute of limitations may seem dramatic, our team is ready for any challenge.
If you’ve been injured, tell us your story over a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to pay unless we win.