Arizona Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type (2026 Guide)
A comprehensive guide to Arizona's statute of limitations for civil claims. Find out how long you have to file a lawsuit for personal injury, breach of contract, medical malpractice, debt collection, property damage, and other claims under Arizona law.
Written by Daniel L. Simmons, J.D. · Last updated January 15, 2026
Fact-checked by the CourtDateCalculator.online legal editorial team. Reviewed for accuracy against Arizona Revised Statutes.
Table of Contents
- Overview of Arizona Deadlines
- Civil Statute of Limitations by Case Type
- Personal Injury Claims
- Contract Disputes
- Medical Malpractice
- Property Damage
- Debt Collection
- Wrongful Death
- Claims Against Government Entities
- Criminal Statute of Limitations
- Tolling and Exceptions
- Legal References
- Frequently Asked Questions
Overview of Arizona Statute of Limitations
Arizona's statute of limitations sets strict deadlines for filing lawsuits in both civil and criminal cases. These deadlines are codified primarily in Title 12, Chapter 5 of the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) and vary depending on the type of claim. Missing a deadline can result in your case being dismissed, regardless of how strong your claim may be.
The time limits range from as short as 180 days for claims against government entities to 6 years for written contract disputes. Arizona is notable for having relatively straightforward rules compared to some other states—for example, the state does not have a separate statute of limitations specifically for medical malpractice, nor does it impose damage caps on medical malpractice awards.
Key point: The statute of limitations clock typically starts on the date the injury occurred or the date the injury was discovered (or should have been discovered). Always verify the applicable deadline with a qualified Arizona attorney before relying on any general information.
Civil Statute of Limitations by Case Type
The following table summarizes the most common civil statute of limitations deadlines in Arizona. These are general time limits and special rules may apply depending on the specific facts of your case.
| Case Type | Statute of Limitations | Arizona Code |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years | A.R.S. § 12-542 |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years | A.R.S. § 12-542 |
| Breach of Written Contract | 6 years | A.R.S. § 12-550 |
| Breach of Oral Contract | 3 years | A.R.S. § 12-543 |
| Property Damage | 2 years | A.R.S. § 12-542 |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 years | A.R.S. § 12-542 |
| Legal Malpractice | 2 years | A.R.S. § 12-542 |
| Fraud | 4 years | A.R.S. § 12-548 |
| Defamation (Libel/Slander) | 1 year | A.R.S. § 12-541 |
| Product Liability | 2 years | A.R.S. § 12-542 |
| Debt Collection (Written Contract) | 6 years | A.R.S. § 12-550 |
| Debt Collection (Oral Contract) | 3 years | A.R.S. § 12-543 |
| Claims Against Government | 180 days (notice of claim) | A.R.S. § 12-821.01 |
| Sexual Abuse of a Minor | No limit (for criminal); 2 years from discovery (civil) | A.R.S. § 12-542.01 |
| Workers' Compensation Claim | 1 year from injury or last benefit payment | A.R.S. § 23-1061 |
Important: This table provides general time limits for common civil claims in Arizona. Special rules may apply for claims involving minors, government entities, cases involving latent injuries, and other specific situations. Always consult with a qualified Arizona attorney for advice on your particular case.
Personal Injury Claims in Arizona
Under A.R.S. § 12-542, Arizona's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date the injury occurred. This applies to a wide range of cases, including:
- Car accidents and motor vehicle collisions
- Slip and fall / premises liability cases
- Assault and battery
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Workplace injuries (outside of workers' compensation)
- Product liability injuries
Discovery Rule
Arizona courts apply the "discovery rule," which delays the start of the statute of limitations until the plaintiff discovered, or through reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury and its cause. This is commonly applied in toxic exposure cases, occupational diseases, and cases involving latent injuries that do not manifest immediately.
Minors
If the injured person is under 18 at the time of the injury, the statute of limitations is generally tolled (paused) until they reach the age of majority. The 2-year clock then starts on their 18th birthday, giving them until age 20 to file a lawsuit. This is codified at A.R.S. § 12-502.
Government claims exception: If your personal injury claim is against a government entity (city, county, state agency, public school, or public hospital), you must file a notice of claim within 180 days under A.R.S. § 12-821.01. The regular 2-year deadline does not apply to government defendants.
Contract Disputes in Arizona
Arizona law distinguishes between written and oral contracts, with different statute of limitations periods for each.
Written Contracts
Under A.R.S. § 12-550, the statute of limitations for actions on a written contract is 6 years from the date the cause of action accrues. This applies to employment agreements, lease agreements, business contracts, promissory notes, and other written agreements. The clock starts on the date the breach occurred.
Oral Contracts
Under A.R.S. § 12-543, the statute of limitations for breach of an oral contract is 3 years from the date of the breach. Oral contracts are enforceable in Arizona for most purposes, but the shorter deadline reflects the difficulty of proving the terms of an unwritten agreement after a long period of time.
UCC Sales of Goods
For contracts involving the sale of goods, Arizona's version of the Uniform Commercial Code (A.R.S. § 47-2725) sets a 4-year statute of limitations. The parties may reduce this to not less than 1 year, but may not extend it beyond 4 years.
Note: Arizona is one of the more generous states for written contract claims, with a 6-year limit compared to 4 years in many other states. However, the clock generally starts on the date of the breach, not the date the breach was discovered.
Medical Malpractice in Arizona
Unlike many states, Arizona does not have a separate statute of limitations specifically for medical malpractice claims. Instead, medical malpractice claims fall under the general personal injury statute of limitations at A.R.S. § 12-542, which provides a 2-year deadline from the date of the injury.
Key Features of Arizona Medical Malpractice Law
- No damages cap: Arizona does not cap non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in medical malpractice cases. The Arizona Supreme Court struck down the state's previous medical malpractice damages cap as unconstitutional in Hilger v. Carr (1987) and reaffirmed this in Moragno v. Hovley Hospital (2001).
- No pre-suit affidavit required: Unlike some states, Arizona does not require a certificate of merit or expert affidavit before filing a medical malpractice lawsuit.
- No pre-suit review panel: Arizona does not require medical malpractice claims to go through a pre-suit screening panel before filing in court.
- Discovery rule: The 2-year clock may be delayed if the injury was not discovered immediately. The clock starts when the plaintiff knew or should have known of the injury and its cause.
Common Medical Malpractice Scenarios
- Surgical errors and wrong-site surgery
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Medication errors
- Birth injuries
- Anesthesia errors
- Failure to obtain informed consent
Note: While Arizona has no damages cap, plaintiffs must still prove that the healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care and that this deviation caused injury. Expert testimony is almost always required to establish the standard of care and causation in medical malpractice cases.
Property Damage Claims in Arizona
Under A.R.S. § 12-542, the statute of limitations for property damage claims in Arizona is 2 years. This applies to:
- Damage to real property (land, buildings, structures)
- Damage to personal property (vehicles, equipment, belongings)
- Trespass to real property
- Conversion (theft or unauthorized use of personal property)
- Vandalism and intentional property damage
The clock generally starts on the date the damage occurred. For latent damage that is not immediately discoverable (such as construction defects or environmental contamination), the discovery rule may apply, delaying the start of the clock until the damage was or should have been discovered.
Note: Arizona also has a statute of repose for construction-related claims. Under A.R.S. § 12-552, actions against developers, contractors, and others involved in the design or construction of improvements to real property must generally be filed within 8 years of substantial completion, regardless of when the defect was discovered.
Debt Collection in Arizona
The statute of limitations for debt collection in Arizona depends on the type of debt:
| Type of Debt | Statute of Limitations | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Written contract (loans, promissory notes) | 6 years | A.R.S. § 12-550 |
| Oral contract | 3 years | A.R.S. § 12-543 |
| Open-ended account (credit cards) | 6 years | A.R.S. § 12-550 |
| Auto loan deficiency | 4 years (UCC) | A.R.S. § 47-2725 |
| State tax liability | 3 years from filing or 6 years if no return filed | A.R.S. § 42-1122 |
When Does the Clock Start?
For most debts, the statute of limitations starts from the date of last payment or the date of default, whichever is later. Each payment on an account may restart the clock in Arizona.
Important: After the statute of limitations expires, debt collectors can still attempt to collect the debt, but they cannot successfully sue you. However, making a partial payment or acknowledging the debt in writing may restart the clock. Do not make any payment or written acknowledgment on an old debt without first consulting an attorney.
Wrongful Death Claims in Arizona
Under A.R.S. § 12-542, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Arizona is 2 years from the date of the decedent's death. This applies when a person's death is caused by the wrongful act or negligence of another.
Wrongful death claims may be filed by the decedent's surviving spouse, personal representative, or the surviving children. If there is no surviving spouse or children, the claim may be filed by other heirs who were entitled to inherit under Arizona's intestacy laws.
Common Wrongful Death Scenarios
- Fatal car or truck accidents
- Medical malpractice resulting in death
- Workplace fatalities
- Defective products causing death
- Intentional acts of violence
If the wrongful death claim is against a government entity, the 180-day notice of claim deadline under A.R.S. § 12-821.01 applies instead.
Claims Against Government Entities in Arizona
Arizona imposes a significantly shorter deadline for claims against government entities under the Arizona Revised Statutes Title 12, Chapter 7. The process has specific requirements:
Notice of Claim
Under A.R.S. § 12-821.01, you must file a written notice of claim with the relevant government agency within 180 days of the date the claim arises. The notice must include:
- A statement of facts sufficient to describe the claim
- The specific legal basis for the claim
- The amount of damages sought
- A demand for settlement (a specific dollar amount)
This applies to claims against:
- The State of Arizona
- Cities and towns
- Counties
- Public school districts and universities
- Public hospitals and transit authorities
- Any other state or local government entity
Government Response
After receiving the notice of claim, the government entity has 60 days to investigate and respond. The entity may accept the claim, reject it, or offer a settlement. If the claim is rejected or no response is received, the claimant may then file a lawsuit.
Critical: Missing the 180-day notice of claim deadline almost always permanently bars your claim against a government entity. Unlike private lawsuits, there is very little room for late filings or exceptions. If you believe you have a claim against a government entity, act immediately and consult with an Arizona attorney.
Criminal Statute of Limitations in Arizona
Arizona's criminal statute of limitations is governed by A.R.S. § 13-107. The deadlines vary based on the severity of the offense:
Crimes with No Statute of Limitations
Arizona law permits prosecution at any time for the following offenses under A.R.S. § 13-107(A):
- Homicide (first-degree, second-degree, manslaughter)
- Violent sexual assault
- Sexual exploitation of a child
- Child sex trafficking
- Conspiracy to commit homicide that results in death
- Terrorism or engaging in/organizing/soliciting an act of terrorism
- Misuse of public money
- Falsifying public records
- Unlawful use of an infectious biological substance or radiological agent
- Any sexual offense classified as a Class 2 felony
Statute of Limitations by Offense Level
| Offense Type | Statute of Limitations | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Class 2–6 felonies (general) | 7 years | A.R.S. § 13-107(B)(1) |
| Misdemeanors | 1 year | A.R.S. § 13-107(B)(2) |
| Petty offenses | 6 months | A.R.S. § 13-107(B)(3) |
When Does Criminal Prosecution Officially Begin?
Under Arizona law, a criminal prosecution is considered officially commenced when the state files one of the following:
- Indictment — A formal charge issued by a grand jury
- Information — A formal charge filed by the prosecutor without a grand jury
- Complaint — A sworn statement alleging criminal conduct, typically used to initiate arrest warrant proceedings
Mere investigation, police questioning, or even an arrest does not start the prosecution. The formal charging document must be filed with the court before the statute of limitations expires.
Challenging Expired Criminal Charges
If you believe the statute of limitations has expired on criminal charges filed against you, your defense attorney can file a motion to dismiss under Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure. The court will examine:
- The date the alleged offense occurred
- The date the charging document was filed
- Whether any tolling provisions applied (absence from state, unknown identity in serious offenses)
If the court agrees the time limit has expired and no tolling applies, the charges must be dismissed with prejudice, meaning the state cannot refile them.
Note: Arizona has no statute of limitations for murder and certain serious violent and sexual offenses. For other felonies, the 7-year period may be extended if the defendant is absent from the state, has no reasonably findable home within Arizona, or if the offense is a "serious offense" and the identity of the perpetrator is unknown.
Tolling and Exceptions in Arizona
Under certain circumstances, Arizona law allows the statute of limitations to be "tolled" (paused or extended). Common tolling doctrines include:
Minority (Under 18)
If the plaintiff is under 18 at the time the cause of action accrues, the statute of limitations is tolled until they reach the age of majority. This is codified at A.R.S. § 12-502. The clock starts on the plaintiff's 18th birthday.
Mental Incapacity
If the plaintiff lacks the legal capacity to manage their own affairs at the time the cause of action accrues, the statute of limitations may be tolled under A.R.S. § 12-502. The tolling continues while the incapacity exists.
Defendant's Absence from the State
Under A.R.S. § 12-501, if the defendant is absent from the state after the cause of action accrues, the time of absence is not counted as part of the statute of limitations period. This means the clock effectively pauses while the defendant is out of Arizona.
Discovery Rule
Arizona courts recognize the discovery rule in many types of cases. Under this doctrine, the statute of limitations does not begin until the plaintiff discovered, or through reasonable diligence should have discovered, the facts giving rise to the claim. This is particularly relevant in:
- Medical malpractice (hidden injuries)
- Toxic exposure and environmental contamination
- Fraud and misrepresentation
- Professional malpractice (legal, accounting)
- Occupational diseases
Fraudulent Concealment
If the defendant fraudulently concealed the facts giving rise to the claim, the statute of limitations is tolled until the plaintiff discovered or should have discovered the claim.
Serious Offense with Unknown Identity (Criminal)
Under A.R.S. § 13-107(E), if the offense is a "serious offense" (as defined in A.R.S. § 13-706) and the identity of the person who committed the offense is unknown, the statute of limitations does not run. This means prosecution can begin at any time once the perpetrator is identified, regardless of how much time has passed since the crime.
Re-Filing After Dismissal (Criminal)
Under A.R.S. § 13-107(G), if the state files a complaint, indictment, or information before the statute of limitations runs, and the court then dismisses the case, the state may begin a new prosecution within 6 months of the dismissal—even if the statute of limitations had expired at the time of the dismissal or will expire within 6 months of the dismissal. This gives prosecutors a limited window to refile charges after a procedural dismissal.
Warning: Tolling doctrines are complex and fact-specific. Do not assume the statute of limitations has been extended in your case without consulting an Arizona attorney. Courts apply these doctrines narrowly, and the burden of proving tolling is on the plaintiff.
Legal References
All statute of limitations deadlines cited on this page are drawn from the following Arizona statutes and legal sources:
- A.R.S. § 12-541 — Libel and slander (1 year)
- A.R.S. § 12-542 — Injuries to person or property (2 years)
- A.R.S. § 12-542.01 — Sexual abuse of a minor (civil)
- A.R.S. § 12-543 — Oral contracts (3 years)
- A.R.S. § 12-548 — Fraud (4 years)
- A.R.S. § 12-550 — Written contracts (6 years)
- A.R.S. § 12-552 — Statute of repose for construction claims (8 years)
- A.R.S. § 12-821.01 — Claims against government entities (180 days notice)
- A.R.S. § 13-107 — Criminal statute of limitations
- A.R.S. § 12-501 — Tolling for defendant's absence
- A.R.S. § 12-502 — Tolling for minority or mental incapacity
Arizona Statute of Limitations: Frequently Asked Questions
Statute of Limitations in Other States
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Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statute of limitations laws are subject to change and may be affected by recent legislation, court decisions, or the specific facts of your case. Special rules may apply for claims against government entities, cases involving minors, construction-related claims, and other specific situations. Always consult with a qualified Arizona attorney for advice on your particular situation. CourtDateCalculator.online is not a law firm and is not engaged in the practice of law.