When someone is injured on another person’s property, questions about responsibility and legal deadlines often follow. In Kansas, premises liability cases are subject to a strict statute of limitations, and missing that deadline can prevent an injured person from recovering compensation. Understanding how long you have to file a claim—and what factors may affect that timeline—is an important first step after an accident. At Law Offices of Randall J. Price, we provide legal assistance to the Wichita public and help injured individuals understand their rights under Kansas law.

Understanding Premises Liability in Kansas

Premises liability refers to injuries that occur because a property owner or occupier failed to maintain reasonably safe conditions. These cases commonly

arise from situations such as slip and falls, unsafe stairways, inadequate lighting, falling objects, or hazards that were not properly repaired or marked.

In Kansas, property owners generally owe a duty of reasonable care to lawful visitors. When that duty is breached and someone is injured as a result, the injured person may have grounds for a premises liability claim.

The Kansas Statute of Limitations Explained

Kansas law sets a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including premises liability cases. This means that, in most situations, an injured person has two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit in civil court.

This deadline is established under Kansas Statutes Annotated § 60-513. If a lawsuit is not filed within this two-year period, the court will typically dismiss the case, regardless of how strong the underlying claim may be.

When Does the Clock Start Running?

In most premises liability cases, the statute of limitations begins on the date the injury occurred. For example, if someone slipped and fell in a grocery store on June 1, 2024, the deadline to file a lawsuit would generally be June 1, 2026.

However, certain circumstances can complicate this timeline. In rare cases, the start date may be affected by when the injury was discovered or when its connection to the property condition became reasonably apparent.

Exceptions That May Affect the Deadline

While the two-year rule applies in most cases, Kansas law recognizes limited exceptions that may extend or “toll” the statute of limitations:

• Injuries to minors: If the injured person is under 18, the statute of limitations may be paused until they reach adulthood.
• Legal incapacity: If the injured person is legally incapacitated at the time of the injury, the deadline may be extended.
• Claims against government entities: If the accident occurred on government-owned property, special notice requirements and shorter deadlines may apply.

Because these exceptions are narrowly interpreted, it is important not to assume extra time applies without careful legal review.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Even though two years may seem like a long time, delaying action can make a premises liability case more difficult. Evidence can disappear, surveillance footage may be overwritten, and witnesses’ memories can fade. Prompt legal action helps preserve critical information that may support a claim.

Additionally, early evaluation allows time to identify all potentially responsible parties, assess damages, and comply with any procedural requirements before the statute of limitations expires.

How a Premises Liability Claim Is Proven

To succeed in a premises liability case in Kansas, an injured person generally must show that:

• The property owner or occupier owed a duty of care
• That duty was breached by unsafe conditions or lack of warnings
• The unsafe condition directly caused the injury
• The injury resulted in measurable damages, such as medical expenses or lost income

Meeting these elements takes preparation and attention to detail, which is why timing plays such a significant role.

Getting Legal Guidance in Wichita

Premises liability claims involve both factual investigation and strict legal deadlines. Understanding how Kansas’ statute of limitations applies to your situation can help you avoid costly mistakes. At Law Offices of Randall J. Price, we provide legal assistance to the Wichita public and work with injured individuals to evaluate their options under Kansas law.