If you suffered an injury during your childhood due to someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering, “Now that I’m 18, can I still file a lawsuit?” The answer is yes—and in Tennessee, the law may still allow you to pursue justice and financial compensation.

At Tennessee Accident Law, we help injury victims of all ages hold negligent parties accountable. If you’ve recently turned 18 and believe you have a valid claim from an incident that occurred when you were a minor, now is the time to act. Complete our free case evaluation form or call us directly at 615-212-9866 to explore your legal options.

Call us now at 615-212-9866 to speak with an experienced attorney about your truck accident case.

Your Right to Sue at 18 in Tennessee

Tennessee law recognizes that children are not legally able to file lawsuits on their own. Because of this, the law provides special protections that delay the legal time limit—or statute of limitations—for filing a lawsuit. This delay ensures that minors who were injured don’t miss their opportunity for justice simply because they weren’t old enough to take legal action at the time of the incident.

What the Law Says

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 28-1-106, when a person is under 18 at the time of the injury, the statute of limitations is paused until their 18th birthday. Once you turn 18, you typically have one year to file a lawsuit for a personal injury claim.

This means that if you were hurt at any point during your childhood—whether it was due to a car accident, slip and fall, medical malpractice, or abuse—you may still have a valid case, even if the injury happened years ago.

Examples of Injuries That May Qualify for a Lawsuit

If the incident resulted from another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm, it could be grounds for a lawsuit. Here are some examples of qualifying cases:

Auto Accidents Involving a Minor

If you were involved in a car or truck accident as a passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist during your childhood, you may now have the right to sue the at-fault driver or other liable parties.

Medical Malpractice

If a doctor or hospital made a medical error—such as a misdiagnosis, surgical mistake, or failure to treat an illness—that caused lasting harm while you were a child, a malpractice claim could be filed now that you’ve reached legal adulthood.

Premises Liability (Slip and Fall Injuries)

Were you injured at someone’s home, a retail store, a public park, or another property? Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions, especially for children. Unsafe conditions that led to injury may make them legally responsible.

Daycare or School Negligence

When injuries happen due to inadequate supervision, physical abuse, or hazardous conditions in a daycare or school setting, you may have a right to sue once you turn 18.

Why Acting Quickly After Turning 18 Is Crucial

Once you reach your 18th birthday, the one-year countdown begins. This time limit is short, and missing the deadline could permanently bar you from pursuing compensation. Filing your claim promptly allows your legal team to gather evidence, build a strong case, and meet all required deadlines.

Preserving Evidence

Even if the injury occurred years ago, important evidence such as medical records, incident reports, or witness statements may still exist. Acting quickly can help ensure that this information is located and preserved before it becomes harder to access or disappears entirely.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Your personal injury lawsuit may entitle you to a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Lost earning capacity (if the injury affects your ability to work)

The total compensation available depends on the severity and long-term impact of your injuries, which our legal team can help you evaluate during your free consultation.

Filing a Lawsuit vs. Filing an Insurance Claim

Now that you’re 18, you have full legal capacity to file a civil lawsuit or engage in settlement negotiations with insurance companies. You are no longer dependent on a parent or legal guardian to pursue your case.

In many situations, it’s possible to resolve your claim through an out-of-court settlement, but Tennessee Accident Law prepares every case as if it’s going to trial—ensuring you get the strongest possible representation.

How Tennessee Accident Law Can Help You

Our team is experienced in complex personal injury cases involving childhood injuries. We’ll guide you step-by-step through the legal process, which includes:

• Evaluating your case during a free consultation
• Investigating the original incident
• Reviewing medical records and expert opinions
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Filing a lawsuit if necessary
• Fighting for maximum compensation

We offer compassionate, confidential, and aggressive legal representation tailored to your situation.

What If the Injury Was Caused by a Family Member or Guardian?

One sensitive but crucial area that often arises involves injuries caused by a parent, guardian, or close family member. Even if a family member caused your injury—through abuse, neglect, or reckless conduct—you may still be eligible to file a civil lawsuit.

Civil Claims Against Family Members

Tennessee law does not exempt family members from liability in personal injury claims. If you were physically harmed, emotionally traumatized, or neglected to the point of injury, the court can hold that person legally accountable.

Barriers Victims Often Face

Victims often hesitate due to fear, loyalty, or emotional manipulation. But now that you are 18, you are legally entitled to pursue justice without anyone else’s permission. We handle these cases with complete confidentiality, care, and strategic strength.

Compensation and Closure

You may be eligible to receive damages for:

• Long-term therapy
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of a normal childhood

Filing a claim can help you begin the process of healing, find closure, and gain the financial resources you need for recovery.

Take Action Today

If you’re 18 and believe you have a claim for an injury that happened during your childhood, don’t wait. The clock is ticking. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Complete our free case evaluation form or call 615-212-9866 to speak with our legal team today. We’re ready to fight for your rights.

Sources

Tennessee Code Annotated § 28-1-106 – This statute outlines tolling provisions for minors in Tennessee’s statute of limitations.
https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2021/title-28/chapter-1/section-28-1-106/

American Bar Association – Minors and Personal Injury Law – A national overview of how injury claims are handled when minors are involved.
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/litigation/committees/childrens-rights/

Tennessee Department of Children’s Services – Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect – Resources on identifying and reporting abuse, even retroactively.
https://www.tn.gov/dcs/program-areas/child-safety/reporting.html