Personal Injury in Nashville
By Find Local Law Editorial Team · Last reviewed: May 26, 2026
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and verified against primary sources (statutes, Judicial Council forms, and official court websites). This is general information, not legal advice.
If you were hurt in Nashville, your civil claim is filed in the Davidson County Circuit Court (20th Judicial District), and you have just one year from the date of injury to file (T.C.A. § 28-3-104) — one of the shortest deadlines in the country. Claims against the Metro Nashville government carry their own additional notice requirements under the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act (T.C.A. § 29-20-305).
Where do I file my case in Nashville?
Larger damage suits are heard in the Davidson County Circuit Court (the general civil trial court for the 20th Judicial District, seated in Nashville), while smaller matters may start in General Sessions Court.
How long do I have to file?
| If the at-fault party is… | Your deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| A private person or business | 1 year from injury | T.C.A. § 28-3-104 |
| Property damage (vehicle) | 3 years | T.C.A. § 28-3-105 |
| Wrongful death | 1 year from death | T.C.A. § 28-3-104 |
| Metro Nashville / government entity | 1 year, with notice rules under GTLA | T.C.A. § 29-20-305 |
The local court decides where your case is heard; the substantive law lives in our statewide guides. Start with the Tennessee personal injury hub, then dig into the type that fits — car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall, or wrongful death.
Tennessee’s one-year filing deadline (T.C.A. § 28-3-104) moves fast, and the state’s modified comparative fault rule (McIntyre v. Balentine, 833 S.W.2d 52 (Tenn. 1992)) bars recovery once your share of fault reaches 50%. To get matched with a local Nashville personal injury attorney, connect with a lawyer.
Local court
Court: Personal injury lawsuits for Nashville residents are filed in the Davidson County Circuit Court, which handles general civil cases as part of Tennessee's 20th Judicial District.
Nashville is the seat of Davidson County, so injury claims here are litigated in the county's Circuit Court. Smaller claims may begin in General Sessions Court, while larger damage suits proceed in Circuit Court. Verify the court's current location, hours, and filing procedures on its official website before you file.
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Start your free intakeFrequently asked questions
- Where do I file a personal injury lawsuit in Nashville?
- In the Davidson County Circuit Court, which sits in Nashville (the county seat) and is part of Tennessee's 20th Judicial District. Smaller civil disputes may begin in General Sessions Court.
- How long do I have to file an injury claim in Nashville?
- Tennessee's personal injury statute of limitations is generally one year from the date of injury under T.C.A. § 28-3-104, so it's important to act quickly. Confirm the exact deadline for your situation with an attorney.