Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Alaska
How long you have to sue in Alaska for an injury, property damage, medical malpractice or wrongful death, and the shorter deadline for claims against the government.
Short answer: A lawsuit for personal injury, or for assault, battery, false imprisonment, libel or slander, must be filed within two years after the claim accrues. Alaska Stat. §§ 09.10.070(a), 09.10.055
| Deadline to sue for an injury | A lawsuit for personal injury, or for assault, battery, false imprisonment, libel or slander, must be filed within two years after the claim accrues. Separately, most injury claims cannot be brought more than 10 years after the last act that caused the injury (or substantial completion of construction), with exceptions such as intentional acts, gross negligence, defective products, fraud and concealed facts. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
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| Deadline to sue for property damage | A lawsuit for taking, detaining or injuring personal property (such as a car) must be filed within two years. A lawsuit for waste or trespass on real property has six years. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
| Medical malpractice deadline | Alaska does not have a separate malpractice deadline in the sections reviewed; malpractice claims fall under the general two-year limit for personal injury or death. The 10-year statute of repose also applies, but it is paused while an undiscovered foreign object with no medical purpose remains in the patient's body. When the two years starts to run (for example, a discovery rule) is not stated in these statutes. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
| Wrongful death deadline | A wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years after the death. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Alaska Stat. § 09.55.580(a) |
| Suing the government | A person with a tort claim against the State may sue the State in state court. The State is immune from some claims, including those based on discretionary functions, on employees exercising due care in carrying out a law, and claims arising from assault, battery, false arrest, libel, slander or misrepresentation. A suit against the State is generally the exclusive remedy for injuries caused by a state employee acting within the scope of employment. Municipalities are also immune from certain claims, such as discretionary acts, permit decisions and many inspection-related claims. No statewide notice-of-claim deadline or damages cap for tort suits against the State or municipalities was found in the sections reviewed. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
More Alaska personal injury & wrongful death
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Alaska
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Alaska
- Car Accident Claims in Alaska
- Dog Bite Liability in Alaska
- Slip, Trip and Fall Injuries in Alaska
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Alaska
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Alaska
- All Alaska personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Alaska?
A lawsuit for personal injury, or for assault, battery, false imprisonment, libel or slander, must be filed within two years after the claim accrues. Separately, most injury claims cannot be brought more than 10 years after the last act that caused the injury (or substantial completion of construction), with exceptions such as intentional acts, gross negligence, defective products, fraud and concealed facts.
How long do you have to sue for property damage in Alaska?
A lawsuit for taking, detaining or injuring personal property (such as a car) must be filed within two years. A lawsuit for waste or trespass on real property has six years.
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Alaska?
Alaska does not have a separate malpractice deadline in the sections reviewed; malpractice claims fall under the general two-year limit for personal injury or death. The 10-year statute of repose also applies, but it is paused while an undiscovered foreign object with no medical purpose remains in the patient's body.
How long do you have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Alaska?
A wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years after the death.
How do you file an injury claim against the government in Alaska?
A person with a tort claim against the State may sue the State in state court. The State is immune from some claims, including those based on discretionary functions, on employees exercising due care in carrying out a law, and claims arising from assault, battery, false arrest, libel, slander or misrepresentation. A suit against the State is generally the exclusive remedy for injuries caused by a state employee acting within the scope of employment. Municipalities are also immune from certain claims, such as discretionary acts, permit decisions and many inspection-related claims.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.