Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Arizona
How long you have to sue in Arizona for an injury, property damage, medical malpractice or wrongful death, and the shorter deadline for claims against the government.
Short answer: A personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues. Claims for false imprisonment, libel or slander have one year. Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 12-542(1), 12-541(1), 12-502
| Deadline to sue for an injury | A personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues. Claims for false imprisonment, libel or slander have one year. For someone under 18 or of unsound mind when the claim accrues, the time generally does not run until the disability ends. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
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| Deadline to sue for property damage | A lawsuit for trespass causing injury to another's property, or for taking, detaining or converting personal property, must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-542(3)-(5) |
| Medical malpractice deadline | Medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues; the statute expressly includes medical malpractice in the two-year personal injury period. No separate outer limit (statute of repose) for malpractice appears in this section. When a malpractice claim "accrues" (for example, when the injury is discovered) is not defined in this section. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-542(1) |
| Wrongful death deadline | A wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years; the claim is treated as accruing at the date of death. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-542(2) |
| Suing the government | Before suing a public entity, public school or public employee, a person must file a written claim with the person authorized to accept service within 180 days after the claim accrues, with enough facts to explain the basis of liability and a specific settlement amount with supporting facts. A late claim is barred. The claim is deemed denied after 60 days. The lawsuit itself must be filed within one year after the claim accrues. Minors and incompetent persons may file within 180 days after the disability ends. Because the constitution bars damage limits, no general dollar cap applies to these claims. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
More Arizona personal injury & wrongful death
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Arizona
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Arizona
- Car Accident Claims in Arizona
- Dog Bite Liability in Arizona
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Arizona
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Arizona
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Arizona
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Arizona
- Construction Site Injuries in Arizona
- All Arizona personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Arizona?
A personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues. Claims for false imprisonment, libel or slander have one year. For someone under 18 or of unsound mind when the claim accrues, the time generally does not run until the disability ends.
How long do you have to sue for property damage in Arizona?
A lawsuit for trespass causing injury to another's property, or for taking, detaining or converting personal property, must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues.
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Arizona?
Medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues; the statute expressly includes medical malpractice in the two-year personal injury period. No separate outer limit (statute of repose) for malpractice appears in this section.
How long do you have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Arizona?
A wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years; the claim is treated as accruing at the date of death.
How do you file an injury claim against the government in Arizona?
Before suing a public entity, public school or public employee, a person must file a written claim with the person authorized to accept service within 180 days after the claim accrues, with enough facts to explain the basis of liability and a specific settlement amount with supporting facts. A late claim is barred. The claim is deemed denied after 60 days. The lawsuit itself must be filed within one year after the claim accrues. Minors and incompetent persons may file within 180 days after the disability ends.
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.