Statute of Limitations

Arizona law provides for a time limit during which a claim must be settled or a lawsuit initiated for injury or death claims. The time limit is known as the Statute of Limitations. If a complaint is not filed in the proper court within the time limit set by Arizona law, the right to recover compensation may be lost.

Personal Injury (most car accidents) - 2 years from the date of injury.
Dram Shop (Providers of Alcohol) - Usually 1 year from the date of injury.
If you are injured by a person who has been over-served alcohol and this action caused or contributed to your injury, you may have a claim against the business that provided the alcohol to the person who injured you.
Dog Bites - (Varies) Usually 1 year from the date of injury.
Slip and fall/premises liability - 2 years from the date of injury.
Medical Malpractice - 2 years after the cause of action accrues.
Wrongful death claims - 2 years from the date of death.
Work Injuries Caused by Third Parties - 1 year from the date of injury.
If a person is injured while on the job as a result of the negligence of a third party (i.e., someone other than a co-employee or employer), that person may be entitled to compensation in addition to Worker's Compensation benefits. However, Arizona law prevents an employee from suing an employer if a claim for Worker's Compensation benefits has been made.
Governmental Entity or Employee
If you have a claim against a governmental entity (city, county, state, school districts, or their personnel who are acting during the course and scope of their employment) a Notice of Claim must be served upon the governmental entity within 180 days of the date of the injury. If an injured party fails to serve the Notice of Claim within the 180 days the claim is barred. If the entity does not agree to settle the claim, then a lawsuit must be filed in the proper court within one year of the date of injury.
When the Injured Person is a Minor
When the person who has suffered an injury is under the age of eighteen, the statute of limitations will not expire until the statute of limitations time period has run after the minor's eighteenth birthday (i.e., for personal injuries: date of 18th birthday + 2 years = Statute of Limitations, which is the same as the claimant's 20th birthday.)
When the Injured Person is Incompetent or Insane
When a person who is insane or incompetent suffers an injury, statute of limitations will not expire until the statute of limitations time period has run after the disability ceases.

WARNING: There are exceptions to the above limitations, and different circumstances require other statutes or notice provisions to be applied. The laws are complicated. We recommend that you seek competent legal advice if you believe you have a claim!