A Claim Against the Government
Iowa Code § 669.13 — a written claim against the state within two years, and Iowa Code § 670.5 — two years to sue a municipality
A claim against the state of Iowa under the state tort claims chapter is forever barred unless, within two years after it accrued, it is made in writing and filed with the director of the department of management. Where the time to sue would end sooner, it runs until six months after the attorney general mails notice of the final disposition of the claim, or after the claim is withdrawn.
Who handles this in Iowa: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Iowa directory.
A person claiming damages from a municipality, or from its officer, employee or agent, for a wrongful death, loss or injury commences the action within two years after the death, loss or injury.
Whether a claim falls under either chapter, and whether an exception applies, are questions for a licensed Iowa attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Iowa Code § 669.13 — Limitation of action against the state
- Iowa Code § 670.5 — Limitation of action against a municipality
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Iowa attorney.