**Requirement:** Notice of injury to a town — highway, causeway or bridge

**State:** Rhode Island

**Deadline:** sixty (60) days

**What must be done in that time:** A person so injured or damaged shall, within sixty (60) days, give to the town by law obliged to keep the highway, causeway, or bridge in repair, notice of the time, place, and cause of the injury or damage

**Who the notice goes to:** the town by law obliged to keep the highway, causeway, or bridge in repair

**Section:** § 45-15-9

> § 45-15-9. Notice of injury on highway or bridge — Commencement of action. (a) A person so injured or damaged shall, within sixty (60) days, give to the town by law obliged to keep the highway, causeway, or bridge in repair, notice of the time, place, and cause of the injury or damage; and if the town does not make just and due satisfaction, within the time prescribed by § 45-15-5, the person shall, within three (3) years after the date of the injury or damage, commence his or her action against the town treasurer for the recovery of damages, and not thereafter.

Source: <https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE45/45-15/45-15-9.HTM>

Notice of injury to a town — highway, causeway or bridge · Rhode Island — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Deadline to file suit against a governmental entity — where a claim was first filed

**State:** South Carolina

**Deadline:** three years

**What must be done in that time:** if the claimant first filed a claim pursuant to this chapter then the action for damages based upon the same occurrence is forever barred unless the action is commenced within three years of the date the loss was or should have been discovered

**When the clock starts:** of the date the loss was or should have been discovered

**If you miss it:** is forever barred

**Section:** SECTION 15-78-110

> SECTION 15-78-110. Statute of limitations. Except as provided for in Section 15-3-40, any action brought pursuant to this chapter is forever barred unless an action is commenced within two years after the date the loss was or should have been discovered; provided, that if the claimant first filed a claim pursuant to this chapter then the action for damages based upon the same occurrence is forever barred unless the action is commenced within three years of the date the loss was or should have been discovered.

Source: <https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t15c078.php>

Deadline to file suit against a governmental entity — where a claim was first filed · South Carolina — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Deadline to file suit against a governmental entity

**State:** South Carolina

**Deadline:** two years

**What must be done in that time:** any action brought pursuant to this chapter is forever barred unless an action is commenced within two years after the date the loss was or should have been discovered

**When the clock starts:** after the date the loss was or should have been discovered

**If you miss it:** is forever barred

**Section:** SECTION 15-78-110

> SECTION 15-78-110. Statute of limitations. Except as provided for in Section 15-3-40, any action brought pursuant to this chapter is forever barred unless an action is commenced within two years after the date the loss was or should have been discovered; provided, that if the claimant first filed a claim pursuant to this chapter then the action for damages based upon the same occurrence is forever barred unless the action is commenced within three years of the date the loss was or should have been discovered.

Source: <https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t15c078.php>

Deadline to file suit against a governmental entity · South Carolina — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Deadline to file suit against the Commonwealth — 18 months from the filing of the notice of claim

**State:** Virginia

**Deadline:** 18 months

**What must be done in that time:** All claims against the Commonwealth or a transportation district under this article shall be forever barred unless such action is commenced within 18 months of the filing of the notice of claim

**When the clock starts:** of the filing of the notice of claim

**If you miss it:** shall be forever barred

**Section:** 8.01-195.7

> § 8.01-195.7. Statute of limitations. Every claim cognizable against the Commonwealth or a transportation district under this article shall be forever barred, unless within one year after the cause of action accrues to the claimant the notice of claim required by § <http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/8.01-195.6/> 8.01-195.6 is properly filed. An action may be commenced pursuant to § <http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/8.01-195.4/> 8.01-195.4 (i) upon denial of the claim by the Attorney General or the Director of the Division of Risk Management or, in the case of a transportation district, by the chairman of the commission of that district or (ii) after the expiration of six months from the date of filing the notice of claim unless, within that period, the claim has been compromised and discharged pursuant to § <http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/8.01-195.5/> 8.01-195.5 . All claims against the Commonwealth or a transportation district under this article shall be forever barred unless such action is commenced within 18 months of the filing of the notice of claim, or within two years after the cause of action accrues.

Source: <https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title8.01/chapter21.1/section8.01-195.7/>

Deadline to file suit against the Commonwealth — 18 months from the filing of the notice of claim · Virginia — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Deadline to file suit against the Commonwealth — two years from accrual

**State:** Virginia

**Deadline:** two years

**What must be done in that time:** All claims against the Commonwealth or a transportation district under this article shall be forever barred unless such action is commenced within 18 months of the filing of the notice of claim, or within two years after the cause of action accrues

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**If you miss it:** shall be forever barred

**Section:** 8.01-195.7

> § 8.01-195.7. Statute of limitations. Every claim cognizable against the Commonwealth or a transportation district under this article shall be forever barred, unless within one year after the cause of action accrues to the claimant the notice of claim required by § <http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/8.01-195.6/> 8.01-195.6 is properly filed. An action may be commenced pursuant to § <http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/8.01-195.4/> 8.01-195.4 (i) upon denial of the claim by the Attorney General or the Director of the Division of Risk Management or, in the case of a transportation district, by the chairman of the commission of that district or (ii) after the expiration of six months from the date of filing the notice of claim unless, within that period, the claim has been compromised and discharged pursuant to § <http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/8.01-195.5/> 8.01-195.5 . All claims against the Commonwealth or a transportation district under this article shall be forever barred unless such action is commenced within 18 months of the filing of the notice of claim, or within two years after the cause of action accrues.

Source: <https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title8.01/chapter21.1/section8.01-195.7/>

Deadline to file suit against the Commonwealth — two years from accrual · Virginia — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Notice of claim against a county, city or town

**State:** Virginia

**Deadline:** six months

**What must be done in that time:** the claimant or his agent, attorney, or representative has filed a written statement of the nature of the claim, which includes the time and place at which the injury is alleged to have occurred

**When the clock starts:** after such cause of action accrued

**If you miss it:** shall be forever barred

> A. Every claim cognizable against any county, city, or town for negligence shall be forever barred unless the claimant or his agent, attorney, or representative has filed a written statement of the nature of the claim, which includes the time and place at which the injury is alleged to have occurred, within six months after such cause of action accrued.

Source: <https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title15.2/chapter2/section15.2-209/>

Notice of claim against a county, city or town · Virginia — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Notice of claim against the Commonwealth or a transportation district

**State:** Virginia

**Deadline:** one year

**What must be done in that time:** the claimant or his agent, attorney or representative has filed a written statement of the nature of the claim, which includes the time and place at which the injury is alleged to have occurred and the agency or agencies alleged to be liable

**When the clock starts:** after such cause of action accrued

**If you miss it:** shall be forever barred

> A. Every claim cognizable against the Commonwealth or a transportation district shall be forever barred unless the claimant or his agent, attorney or representative has filed a written statement of the nature of the claim, which includes the time and place at which the injury is alleged to have occurred and the agency or agencies alleged to be liable, within one year after such cause of action accrued.

Source: <https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title8.01/chapter21.1/section8.01-195.6/>

Notice of claim against the Commonwealth or a transportation district · Virginia — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Waiting period before suing the Commonwealth or a transportation district after filing the notice of claim

**State:** Virginia

**Deadline:** six months

**What must be done in that time:** after the expiration of six months from the date of filing the notice of claim unless, within that period, the claim has been compromised and discharged

**When the clock starts:** from the date of filing the notice of claim

**Section:** 8.01-195.7

> § 8.01-195.7. Statute of limitations. Every claim cognizable against the Commonwealth or a transportation district under this article shall be forever barred, unless within one year after the cause of action accrues to the claimant the notice of claim required by § <http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/8.01-195.6/> 8.01-195.6 is properly filed. An action may be commenced pursuant to § <http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/8.01-195.4/> 8.01-195.4 (i) upon denial of the claim by the Attorney General or the Director of the Division of Risk Management or, in the case of a transportation district, by the chairman of the commission of that district or (ii) after the expiration of six months from the date of filing the notice of claim unless, within that period, the claim has been compromised and discharged pursuant to § <http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/8.01-195.5/> 8.01-195.5 . All claims against the Commonwealth or a transportation district under this article shall be forever barred unless such action is commenced within 18 months of the filing of the notice of claim, or within two years after the cause of action accrues.

Source: <https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title8.01/chapter21.1/section8.01-195.7/>

Waiting period before suing the Commonwealth or a transportation district after filing the notice of claim · Virginia — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Notice of claim against a local government — waiting period before suit

**State:** Washington

**Deadline:** sixty calendar days

**What must be done in that time:** No action subject to the claim filing requirements of this section shall be commenced against any local governmental entity, or against any local governmental entity's officers, employees, or volunteers, acting in such capacity, for damages arising out of tortious conduct until sixty calendar days have elapsed

**When the clock starts:** after the claim has first been presented to the agent of the governing body thereof

**Who the notice goes to:** the agent of the governing body thereof

> (4) No action subject to the claim filing requirements of this section shall be commenced against any local governmental entity, or against any local governmental entity's officers, employees, or volunteers, acting in such capacity, for damages arising out of tortious conduct until sixty calendar days have elapsed after the claim has first been presented to the agent of the governing body thereof. The applicable period of limitations within which an action must be commenced shall be tolled during the sixty calendar day period.

Source: <https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=4.96.020>

Notice of claim against a local government — waiting period before suit · Washington — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Notice of claim against the state — waiting period before suit

**State:** Washington

**Deadline:** sixty calendar days

**What must be done in that time:** No action subject to the claim filing requirements of RCW <http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=4.92.100> 4.92.100 shall be commenced against the state, or against any state officer, employee, or volunteer, acting in such capacity, for damages arising out of tortious conduct until sixty calendar days have elapsed

**When the clock starts:** after the claim is presented to the office of risk management in the department of enterprise services

**Who the notice goes to:** the office of risk management in the department of enterprise services

> No action subject to the claim filing requirements of RCW <http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=4.92.100> 4.92.100 shall be commenced against the state, or against any state officer, employee, or volunteer, acting in such capacity, for damages arising out of tortious conduct until sixty calendar days have elapsed after the claim is presented to the office of risk management in the department of enterprise services. The applicable period of limitations within which an action must be commenced shall be tolled during the sixty calendar day period.

Source: <https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=4.92.110>

Notice of claim against the state — waiting period before suit · Washington — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Deadline after which a notice to a governmental agency expires if no action is instituted

**State:** West Virginia

**Deadline:** 90 days

**What must be done in that time:** If 90 days elapse after service of notice required by subsection (a) of this section has been effected and action has not been instituted, then the notice shall be considered to have expired, and before an action may be instituted, the complaining party or parties must provide new notice as required by subsection (a) of this section

**When the clock starts:** after service of notice required by subsection (a) of this section has been effected

**If you miss it:** then the notice shall be considered to have expired

> (e) If 90 days elapse after service of notice required by subsection (a) of this section has been effected and action has not been instituted, then the notice shall be considered to have expired, and before an action may be instituted, the complaining party or parties must provide new notice as required by subsection (a) of this section which shall be accompanied by a second or subsequent notice fee of $250 to the attorney general and by a second or subsequent notice fee of $250 to the chief officer of the governmental agency: Provided, That no further tolling of any applicable statute of limitations shall occur during any second or subsequent notice.

Source: <https://code.wvlegislature.gov/55-17-3/>

Deadline after which a notice to a governmental agency expires if no action is instituted · West Virginia — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Notice to a governmental agency before an action against it may be instituted

**State:** West Virginia

**Deadline:** 30 days

**What must be done in that time:** at least 30 days prior to the institution of an action against a governmental agency, the complaining party or parties shall provide the chief officer of the governmental agency and the Attorney General written notice, by certified mail, return receipt requested, of the alleged claim and the relief desired

**Who the notice goes to:** the chief officer of the governmental agency and the Attorney General

> (a)(1) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, at least 30 days prior to the institution of an action against a governmental agency, the complaining party or parties shall provide the chief officer of the governmental agency and the Attorney General written notice, by certified mail, return receipt requested, of the alleged claim and the relief desired. Upon receipt, the chief officer of the governmental agency shall immediately forward a copy of the notice to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Delegates. The provisions of this subdivision do not apply in actions seeking injunctive relief where the court finds that irreparable harm would have occurred if the institution of the action was delayed by the provisions of this subsection.

Source: <https://code.wvlegislature.gov/55-17-3/>

Notice to a governmental agency before an action against it may be instituted · West Virginia — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Period for which the statute of limitations is tolled by notice to a governmental agency

**State:** West Virginia

**Deadline:** 30 days

**What must be done in that time:** any applicable statute of limitations is tolled for 30 days from the date the notice is provided and, if received by the governmental agency as evidenced by the return receipt of the certified mail, for 30 days from the date of the returned receipt

**When the clock starts:** from the date the notice is provided

> (2) The written notice to the chief officer of the governmental agency and the Attorney General required by subdivision (1) of this subsection is considered to be provided on the date of mailing of the notice by certified mail, return receipt requested. If the written notice is provided to the chief officer of the governmental agency as required by subdivision (1) of this subsection, any applicable statute of limitations is tolled for 30 days from the date the notice is provided and, if received by the governmental agency as evidenced by the return receipt of the certified mail, for 30 days from the date of the returned receipt.

Source: <https://code.wvlegislature.gov/55-17-3/>

Period for which the statute of limitations is tolled by notice to a governmental agency · West Virginia — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Deadline for a governmental body to disallow a claim before it is deemed disallowed

**State:** Wisconsin

**Deadline:** 120 days

**What must be done in that time:** Failure of the appropriate body to disallow a claim within 120 days after presentation of the written notice of the claim is a disallowance

**When the clock starts:** after presentation of the written notice of the claim

**If you miss it:** is a disallowance

**Section:** 893.80(1g)

> 893.80(1g) (1g) Notice of disallowance of the claim submitted under sub. <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/893.80(1d)> (1d) shall be served on the claimant by registered or certified mail and the receipt therefor, signed by the claimant, or the returned registered letter, shall be proof of service. Failure of the appropriate body to disallow a claim within 120 days after presentation of the written notice of the claim is a disallowance. No action on a claim under this section against any defendant fire company, corporation, subdivision or agency nor against any defendant officer, official, agent or employee, may be brought after 6 months from the date of service of the notice of disallowance, and the notice of disallowance shall contain a statement to that effect.

Source: <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/893/viii>

Deadline for a governmental body to disallow a claim before it is deemed disallowed · Wisconsin — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Deadline to file suit against a governmental subdivision after service of the notice of disallowance

**State:** Wisconsin

**Deadline:** 6 months

**What must be done in that time:** No action on a claim under this section against any defendant fire company, corporation, subdivision or agency nor against any defendant officer, official, agent or employee, may be brought after 6 months from the date of service of the notice of disallowance

**When the clock starts:** from the date of service of the notice of disallowance

**Section:** 893.80(1g)

> 893.80(1g) (1g) Notice of disallowance of the claim submitted under sub. <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/893.80(1d)> (1d) shall be served on the claimant by registered or certified mail and the receipt therefor, signed by the claimant, or the returned registered letter, shall be proof of service. Failure of the appropriate body to disallow a claim within 120 days after presentation of the written notice of the claim is a disallowance. No action on a claim under this section against any defendant fire company, corporation, subdivision or agency nor against any defendant officer, official, agent or employee, may be brought after 6 months from the date of service of the notice of disallowance, and the notice of disallowance shall contain a statement to that effect.

Source: <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/893/viii>

Deadline to file suit against a governmental subdivision after service of the notice of disallowance · Wisconsin — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Deadline to file suit against a sheriff, coroner, medical examiner, town clerk or constable acting in an official capacity

**State:** Wisconsin

**Deadline:** 3 years

**What must be done in that time:** An action against a sheriff, coroner, medical examiner, town clerk, or constable upon a liability incurred by the doing of an act in his or her official capacity and in virtue of his or her office or by the omission of an official duty, including the nonpayment of money collected upon execution, shall be commenced within 3 years after the cause of action accrues or be barred

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**If you miss it:** or be barred

**Section:** 893.70

> 893.70 893.70 Action against certain officials. An action against a sheriff, coroner, medical examiner, town clerk, or constable upon a liability incurred by the doing of an act in his or her official capacity and in virtue of his or her office or by the omission of an official duty, including the nonpayment of money collected upon execution, shall be commenced within 3 years after the cause of action accrues or be barred. This section does not apply to an action for an escape.

Source: <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/893/vii>

Deadline to file suit against a sheriff, coroner, medical examiner, town clerk or constable acting in an official capacity · Wisconsin — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Notice of claim against a governmental subdivision — negligent inspection of property, premises, place of employment or construction site

**State:** Wisconsin

**Deadline:** one year

**What must be done in that time:** No action may be brought or maintained with regard to a claim to recover damages against any political corporation, governmental subdivision or agency thereof for the negligent inspection of any property, premises, place of employment or construction site

**When the clock starts:** after discovery of the negligent act or omission or the date on which, in the exercise of reasonable diligence the negligent act or omission should have been discovered

**Section:** 893.80(1p)

> 893.80(1p) (1p) No action may be brought or maintained with regard to a claim to recover damages against any political corporation, governmental subdivision or agency thereof for the negligent inspection of any property, premises, place of employment or construction site for the violation of any statute, rule, ordinance or health and safety code unless the alleged negligent act or omission occurred after November 30, 1976. In any such action, the time period under sub. <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/893.80(1d)(a)> (1d) (a) shall be one year after discovery of the negligent act or omission or the date on which, in the exercise of reasonable diligence the negligent act or omission should have been discovered.

Source: <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/893/viii>

Notice of claim against a governmental subdivision — negligent inspection of property, premises, place of employment or construction site · Wisconsin — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Notice of claim against a political corporation, governmental subdivision or agency

**State:** Wisconsin

**Deadline:** 120 days

**What must be done in that time:** Within 120 days after the happening of the event giving rise to the claim, written notice of the circumstances of the claim signed by the party, agent or attorney is served on the volunteer fire company, political corporation, governmental subdivision or agency and on the officer, official, agent or employee under s. 801.11

**When the clock starts:** after the happening of the event giving rise to the claim

**Who the notice goes to:** the volunteer fire company, political corporation, governmental subdivision or agency and on the officer, official, agent or employee

**If you miss it:** no action may be brought or maintained against any volunteer fire company organized under ch. 213 , political corporation, governmental subdivision or agency thereof

**Section:** 893.80(1d)(a)

> <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/893.80(1d)(a)> 893.80(1d)(a) (a) Within 120 days after the happening of the event giving rise to the claim, written notice of the circumstances of the claim signed by the party, agent or attorney is served on the volunteer fire company, political corporation, governmental subdivision or agency and on the officer, official, agent or employee under s. <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/801.11> 801.11 . Failure to give the requisite notice shall not bar action on the claim if the fire company, corporation, subdivision or agency had actual notice of the claim and the claimant shows to the satisfaction of the court that the delay or failure to give the requisite notice has not been prejudicial to the defendant fire company, corporation, subdivision or agency or to the defendant officer, official, agent or employee; and

Source: <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/893/viii>

Notice of claim against a political corporation, governmental subdivision or agency · Wisconsin — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Deadline to file suit against a governmental entity — minor seven years of age or younger

**State:** Wyoming

**Deadline:** two (2) years

**What must be done in that time:** actions against a governmental entity or public employee acting within the scope of his duties for torts occurring after June 30, 1979 which are subject to this act are forever barred unless commenced

**When the clock starts:** after occurrence or until his eighth birthday, whichever period is greater

**If you miss it:** are forever barred

> In the case of a minor seven (7) years of age or younger, actions against a governmental entity or public employee acting within the scope of his duties for torts occurring after June 30, 1979 which are subject to this act are forever barred unless commenced within two (2) years after occurrence or until his eighth birthday, whichever period is greater.

Source: <https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title01.pdf>

Deadline to file suit against a governmental entity — minor seven years of age or younger · Wyoming — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Deadline to file suit against a governmental entity

**State:** Wyoming

**Deadline:** one (1) year

**What must be done in that time:** actions against a governmental entity or a public employee acting within the scope of his duties for torts occurring after June 30, 1979 which are subject to this act shall be forever barred unless commenced

**When the clock starts:** after the date the claim is filed pursuant to W.S. 1-39-113

**If you miss it:** shall be forever barred

**Section:** 1-39-114

> 1-39-114. Statute of limitations. Except as otherwise provided, actions against a governmental entity or a public employee acting within the scope of his duties for torts occurring after June 30, 1979 which are subject to this act shall be forever barred unless commenced within one (1) year after the date the claim is filed pursuant to W.S. 1-39-113.

Source: <https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title01.pdf>

Deadline to file suit against a governmental entity · Wyoming — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state


**Requirement:** Notice of claim against a governmental entity

**State:** Wyoming

**Deadline:** two (2) years

**What must be done in that time:** the claim upon which the action is based is presented to the entity as an itemized statement in writing

**When the clock starts:** of the date of the alleged act, error or omission

**Who the notice goes to:** the entity

**If you miss it:** No action shall be brought under this act against a governmental entity

**Section:** 1-39-113

> 1-39-113. Claims procedure. (a) No action shall be brought under this act against a governmental entity unless the claim upon which the action is based is presented to the entity as an itemized statement in writing within two (2) years of the date of the alleged act, error or omission

Source: <https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title01.pdf>

Notice of claim against a governmental entity · Wyoming — Deadlines to notify or sue a government body, by state