Every legal claim has an expiration date. In Arizona, these deadlines — called statutes of limitations — are strict. Courts almost never make exceptions. If you file one day late, your case is dismissed regardless of its merits. Knowing your deadline is the most important thing you can do to protect your legal rights.
Arizona Statutes of Limitations: Complete Reference Table
| Type of Case | Filing Deadline | Arizona Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury (car accident, slip-and-fall, etc.) | 2 years from date of injury | A.R.S. § 12-542 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years from date of death | A.R.S. § 12-542 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years from date of injury | A.R.S. § 12-542 |
| Product liability | 2 years from date of injury | A.R.S. § 12-542 |
| Property damage | 2 years from date of damage | A.R.S. § 12-542 |
| Fraud | 3 years from discovery of fraud | A.R.S. § 12-543 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | A.R.S. § 12-541 |
| Written contract breach | 6 years | A.R.S. § 12-548 |
| Oral contract breach | 3 years | A.R.S. § 12-543 |
| Consumer fraud | 1 year from discovery (generally) | A.R.S. § 12-541 |
| Employment discrimination | 180 days (EEOC) / 300 days (state) | Federal / A.R.S. § 41-1481 |
| Government claims (city, county, state) | 180 days (Notice of Claim) | A.R.S. § 12-821.01 |
| Felony criminal charges | 7 years (most); no limit for murder | A.R.S. § 13-107 |
| Misdemeanor criminal charges | 1 year | A.R.S. § 13-107 |
When Does the Clock Start?
The General Rule
The statute of limitations usually starts running on the date the injury or harm occurred — not the date you discovered you have a legal claim. For a car accident, it's the date of the accident. For a breach of contract, it's the date the contract was breached.
The Discovery Rule
Some types of claims use a "discovery rule" — the clock starts when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the harm. This applies most often to fraud cases (where the defendant deliberately concealed the wrongdoing), medical malpractice (where a surgical error might not be discovered for months), and product liability (where a defect might not manifest immediately). The discovery rule doesn't extend the deadline indefinitely. Arizona courts will still evaluate whether a reasonable person would have discovered the harm earlier.
Tolling (Pausing the Clock)
In limited circumstances, the statute of limitations can be "tolled" (paused). The most common situations are when the injured person is a minor (the clock typically doesn't start until they turn 18), when the injured person is legally incapacitated, or when the defendant leaves Arizona (time spent out of state may not count). Tolling rules are complex and fact-specific. Don't assume the clock has been paused without consulting an attorney.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Your case is almost certainly over. If you file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the defendant will raise it as a defense, and the court will dismiss your case. There are almost no exceptions. Courts apply these deadlines strictly — even if the delay was caused by an honest mistake, lack of knowledge, or ongoing medical treatment. This is why acting promptly is critical. If you think you have a legal claim, consult an attorney well before the deadline approaches. An attorney can evaluate your case and ensure the correct deadline is identified and met.
Special Situations
Claims Against a Deceased Person's Estate
If the person who harmed you has died, you may need to file a claim against their estate. Arizona probate law imposes its own deadlines — typically 4 months after the personal representative sends a notice to creditors — which may be shorter than the underlying statute of limitations.
Continuing Violations
Some harms are ongoing rather than one-time events — for example, continuing environmental contamination, ongoing employment discrimination, or persistent harassment. In these situations, each new act of harm may restart the clock, but only for damages caused by the most recent acts. Earlier harms may still be time-barred.
Not Sure About Your Deadline?
Don't guess. Find an Arizona attorney who can confirm your filing deadline before it's too late.
Search Arizona AttorneysFrequently Asked Questions
Can I extend the statute of limitations by sending a demand letter?
No. Sending a demand letter, filing an insurance claim, or engaging in settlement negotiations does not extend or pause the statute of limitations. The clock keeps running regardless of what's happening outside of court. If your deadline is approaching and you haven't resolved your claim, you need to file a lawsuit to preserve your rights.
Does the statute of limitations apply to criminal cases too?
Yes. Most felonies in Arizona have a 7-year statute of limitations, and most misdemeanors have a 1-year deadline. However, there is no statute of limitations for murder, and certain sex crimes have extended deadlines.
What if I'm not sure when the harm occurred?
This is where the discovery rule may help — and where an attorney's analysis is essential. If you have reason to believe the harm occurred more than a year ago, consult an attorney immediately. The longer you wait, the higher the risk that you'll miss your window.