A:Most personal injury lawsuits in South Dakota are subject to a three-year statute of limitations, meaning you typically have until the third anniversary of the accident or incident that caused you harm. If your accident or injury case involves the potential liability of a government agency or employee, this deadline is shortened to one year. If you attempt to file a lawsuit in court after the statute of limitations has expired, your case will almost certainly be dismissed and you will effectively lose your ability to recover compensation. Since complying with the statute of limitations can make or break your claim, it is urgent you act quickly and get an attorney involved early on in your case.