What Is the Deadline to File a Personal Injury Claim in Arizona?
Key Takeaways
- Most personal injury lawsuits: Arizona generally allows two years from when the cause of action accrues to file a lawsuit.
- Government-related claims: Claims against public entities or employees generally require a formal notice of claim within 180 days and a lawsuit within one year.
- Wrongful death claims: The two-year period generally begins on the date of death.
- Medical malpractice: Arizona generally applies a two-year statute of limitations to medical malpractice claims.
- Injuries involving minors: Certain filing deadlines may be paused while the injured person is under 18.
- Insurance negotiations: Communicating with an insurance company does not automatically extend or pause the legal filing deadline.
- Exceptions matter: The discovery rule, legal disabilities and other circumstances may affect when a deadline begins or expires.
In most Arizona personal injury cases, you have two years from the date your cause of action accrues to file a lawsuit under Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 12-542. However, certain claims have shorter deadlines, additional notice requirements or exceptions that can change the filing period.
An Arizona personal injury attorney can help you understand the filing deadlines that apply to your case and protect your ability to pursue compensation. Missing an applicable deadline can prevent you from taking legal action through the court system. Even if you have a valid injury claim, waiting too long to act may put your ability to recover damages at risk.
Arizona’s filing deadlines depend on several factors, including the type of injury, who caused it and when the injury was discovered. Claims involving government entities have particularly strict requirements. If you were injured in an accident, speaking with an Arizona personal injury attorney can help you identify the applicable deadline and understand the steps to protect your legal rights.
How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Arizona?
Arizona generally gives injured individuals two years from the date their cause of action accrues to file a personal injury lawsuit.
A.R.S. § 12-542 sets the two-year deadline for injuries to another person’s body, including negligence and medical malpractice claims.
For many accident claims, the filing period begins when the injury occurs. However, the date a claim legally accrues can depend on the circumstances.
Examples of personal injury claims generally subject to the two-year deadline include:
- Car and motorcycle accidents.
- Truck and commercial vehicle accidents.
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
- Slip-and-fall injuries.
- Premises liability claims.
- Medical malpractice claims.
- Other negligence-related injuries.
For example, if a driver is injured in a Phoenix car accident on March 15, 2026, the general two-year deadline would ordinarily fall on March 15, 2028, assuming the claim accrued on the accident date and no exception applies. However, you should not assume every injury claim follows the same timeline.
Note: Arizona applies a one-year deadline to statutory dog-bite claims. A separate common-law claim may have a two-year deadline.
What Are the Different Personal Injury Filing Deadlines in Arizona?
Arizona’s personal injury filing deadlines vary depending on the type of claim and the parties involved.
The following table summarizes several important deadlines under Arizona law.
Type of Legal Action | General Filing Deadline | Relevant Law |
General personal injury | 2 years after the cause of action accrues | A.R.S. § 12-542 |
Medical malpractice | 2 years after the cause of action accrues | A.R.S. § 12-542 |
Wrongful death | 2 years after the date of death | A.R.S. § 12-542 |
Lawsuit against a government entity or employee | 1 year after the cause of action accrues | A.R.S. § 12-821 |
Notice of claim against a government entity or employee | 180 days after the cause of action accrues | A.R.S. § 12-821.01 |
Certain personal injury claims involving minors | Generally, the applicable period is tolled during minority | A.R.S. § 12-502 |
These are general statutory periods, not a determination of the deadline for any particular case. Exceptions, special statutes and other procedural requirements may apply.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Lawsuit Against an Arizona Government Entity?
Arizona law generally requires you to file a notice of claim within 180 days after the claim accrues if your claim is against an Arizona public entity, public school, or public employee. File the notice with the person authorized to accept service for that party under the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure. The notice must explain the facts supporting liability, state a specific settlement amount, and give the facts supporting that amount. A separate one-year deadline generally applies to filing the lawsuit.
The notice must include:
- Facts explaining the basis of the claim.
- Information sufficient for the government entity or employee to understand the alleged liability.
- A specific amount for which the claim can be settled.
- Facts supporting the proposed settlement amount.
A.R.S. § 12-821 generally requires the lawsuit itself to be filed within one year after the cause of action accrues.
These requirements may apply when an injury involves:
- A city or municipal government.
- A county government.
- A state agency.
- A public school district.
- A government employee acting within the scope of employment.
For example, if a pedestrian is struck by a government-owned vehicle or injured because of an alleged dangerous condition on public property, special government-claim requirements may apply. Failing to submit a proper notice of claim within the required period can bar the lawsuit.
Important: Government claims require careful attention to both deadlines. Filing a notice of claim does not eliminate the separate requirement to file a lawsuit within the applicable period.
See A.R.S. § 12-821 and A.R.S. § 12-821.01
Arizona Personal Injury Filing Deadlines
Most personal
injury claims
Generally, from when
the claim accrues.
Government notice
of claim
Generally required after
the claim accrues; file with
the authorized recipient.
Lawsuit against a
public entity or employee
Generally, from when
the claim accrues.
Statutory dog-bite
claim
A separate common-law
claim may have a different
deadline.
Important: Exceptions and accrual rules can change the deadline. Government notice and lawsuit deadlines are separate. Get legal advice about your specific situation.
Does the Two-Year Arizona Statute of Limitations Apply to Wrongful Death Claims?
Arizona generally allows two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit, measured from the date of the injured person’s death.
A.R.S. § 12-542 specifically addresses injuries that result in death and provides that the cause of action accrues when the injured person dies.
Wrongful death claims may arise from:
- Fatal motor vehicle accidents.
- Commercial truck collisions.
- Pedestrian accidents.
- Dangerous property conditions.
- Medical negligence.
- Other incidents involving wrongful conduct.
Arizona law also identifies who may bring a wrongful death action.
Under A.R.S. § 12-612, eligible parties include the surviving spouse, child, parent or guardian, or the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of the statutory beneficiaries.
For example, if a person dies on June 1, 2026, from injuries suffered in a Phoenix crash, the general two-year wrongful death deadline would ordinarily fall on June 1, 2028, assuming no special deadline or exception applies.
Under A.R.S. § 12-612, a surviving spouse, child, parent, or guardian, or the deceased person’s personal representative, may bring the action on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, or parents. If none survive, the action is brought on behalf of the estate.
Families should understand that wrongful death claims have their own legal requirements. The deadline for filing a wrongful death action may differ from deadlines that applied to the injured person’s individual claims before death.
See A.R.S. § 12-612: Wrongful Death; Parties Plaintiff; Recovery
Does Arizona Have Different Filing Deadlines for Medical Malpractice Claims?
Arizona generally applies a two-year statute of limitations to medical malpractice claims under A.R.S. § 12-542.
Medical malpractice claims involve allegations that a healthcare provider failed to meet the applicable standard of care and caused an injury.
These claims may involve:
- Surgical errors.
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.
- Medication errors.
- Birth injuries.
- Anesthesia mistakes.
- Other alleged medical negligence.
The date a medical malpractice claim accrues can be affected by when the injured person discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury and its connection to the alleged negligence.
Medical malpractice cases can involve complicated medical and legal questions. Determining the applicable deadline may require a careful review of medical records and the circumstances surrounding the injury.
See A.R.S. § 12-542 and A.R.S. § 12-561.
Does the Arizona Statute of Limitations Change if the Injured Person Is a Minor?
Arizona law generally pauses the statute of limitations for certain personal injury claims while the injured person is under 18.
Under A.R.S. § 12-502, a person who is under 18 when a cause of action accrues generally receives the applicable filing period after reaching adulthood.
For example, if a 15-year-old suffers an injury in a car accident, the general two-year personal injury period may be tolled during the person’s minority.
If the person entitled to bring the claim was under 18 when it accrued, Arizona law generally pauses the lawsuit deadline during minority. For a minor’s claim against an Arizona public entity or public employee, the notice of claim generally may be filed within 180 days after the minor turns 18. The separate one-year lawsuit deadline can also be paused during minority.
Certain claims involving injuries to minors may also fall under other specialized statutes.
Parents and guardians should not assume that a child’s injury automatically allows a lawsuit to be filed at any time before adulthood.
What Is the Discovery Rule Under Arizona Personal Injury Law?
Arizona’s discovery rule can affect when a personal injury claim legally accrues if the injured person does not immediately know about the injury or its connection to another party’s conduct.
In general, a claim generally accrues when a person knows, or reasonably should know, that they have been injured and that the injury was caused by another party’s conduct. This distinction matters because some injuries are not immediately apparent.
Under Arizona’s discovery rule, a personal injury claim generally accrues when you know, or reasonably should know, enough about the injury and its cause to investigate whether someone may be at fault. A later diagnosis can help explain the extent of an injury, but it does not automatically start a new filing period.
In certain circumstances, the discovery rule may affect when the filing period begins. However, discovering a more serious injury later does not automatically restart the statute of limitations. The specific facts and applicable legal standards determine when the claim accrued.
An attorney can evaluate whether the discovery rule or another exception applies to your situation.
Does Filing an Insurance Claim Extend the Arizona Personal Injury Deadline?
Filing an insurance claim does not automatically extend or pause Arizona’s statute of limitations. This is one of the most important distinctions injured people should understand. After an accident, you may spend months communicating with insurance adjusters, submitting medical records, providing statements and negotiating a settlement.
However, those activities generally do not replace the requirement to file a lawsuit within the applicable statutory period.
Consider these important distinctions:
Action | Automatically Extends the Lawsuit Deadline? |
Filing an insurance claim | No |
Negotiating a settlement | No |
Sending medical records to an insurer | No |
Receiving an initial settlement offer | No |
Continuing medical treatment | No |
Filing a lawsuit in the appropriate court | Initiates the legal action |
Some circumstances may affect or extend a filing deadline under Arizona law, but ordinary insurance negotiations are not enough.
Do not assume an insurance company will protect your legal rights or remind you when your filing deadline approaches. If settlement negotiations are ongoing, speak with an attorney about the deadline that applies to your case.
What Happens if You Miss the Arizona Personal Injury Filing Deadline?
Missing the applicable Arizona statute of limitations can result in your lawsuit being dismissed or barred.
When a claim is filed after the statutory deadline, the defendant may raise the statute of limitations as a defense. If the defense succeeds, you may lose the ability to pursue compensation through that lawsuit, even if the other party caused your injuries.
Missing a deadline can also create additional challenges:
- Important evidence may become harder to obtain.
- Witnesses may become difficult to locate.
- Accident records may no longer be readily available.
- Medical documentation may become more difficult to gather.
- Insurance companies may have less incentive to negotiate.
There may be exceptions depending on the facts, but you should never assume that a missed deadline can be corrected.
If you believe your filing deadline has passed, consult an attorney promptly. A legal review can help determine whether an exception or other legal option may apply.
What Should You Do to Protect Your Personal Injury Claim in Arizona?
You can help protect your personal injury claim by documenting your injuries, preserving evidence and understanding the legal deadlines that apply to your situation.
Consider taking these steps after an accident:
- Seek medical attention: Get evaluated and follow appropriate treatment recommendations.
- Document the accident: Preserve photographs, videos, police reports and witness information.
- Keep medical records: Save bills, diagnoses, treatment plans and other documentation.
- Preserve financial records: Keep receipts, employment records and evidence of lost income.
- Save insurance communications: Maintain copies of letters, emails and settlement offers.
- Identify potentially responsible parties: Determine whether the accident involved a private individual, business or government entity.
- Understand your filing deadline: Identify the applicable statute of limitations and any additional notice requirements.
- Speak with an attorney early: Early legal guidance can help identify deadlines and preserve important evidence.
Taking these steps can help you avoid unnecessary delays and better understand your legal options.
How Can an Arizona Personal Injury Attorney Help With Filing Deadlines?
An Arizona personal injury attorney can help identify the applicable filing deadline, evaluate potential exceptions and take the necessary legal steps to protect your claim. Determining the correct deadline is not always as simple as adding two years to the date of an accident.
An attorney may need to evaluate:
- When the cause of action legally accrued.
- Whether the discovery rule applies.
- Whether a government entity or employee is involved.
- Whether the injured person was a minor.
- Whether multiple parties may be responsible.
- Whether additional statutory requirements apply.
- Whether a lawsuit or formal notice must be filed within a shorter period.
At Ramos Law, we understand that an unexpected injury can create significant physical, emotional and financial challenges. Our approach combines medical knowledge with legal experience. Founder Dr. Joseph Ramos, MD, JD, brings a background in emergency medicine and law to the firm’s approach to personal injury cases.
Our attorneys work to understand the circumstances surrounding an injury, evaluate the available evidence and help clients navigate the legal process. You should not have to guess about an important legal deadline. Getting answers early can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Arizona Personal Injury Filing Deadlines FAQs
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Arizona?
You generally have two years from the date your cause of action accrues to file a personal injury lawsuit in Arizona under A.R.S. § 12-542. Certain exceptions and special filing requirements may apply.
Does the Arizona two-year statute of limitations start on the accident date?
The two-year period generally starts when the cause of action accrues, which is often the accident date in a typical injury case. However, the discovery rule or other circumstances may affect when the legal clock begins.
How long do I have to sue a government entity in Arizona?
You generally have one year from the date your cause of action accrues to file a lawsuit against an Arizona government entity or public employee. You must also generally submit a formal notice of claim within 180 days.
Can I still file a personal injury lawsuit after two years in Arizona?
You may still have legal options after two years if a recognized exception or different filing period applies. An attorney can evaluate when your claim accrued and whether any tolling provisions or other exceptions affect your deadline.
Does filing an insurance claim stop the statute of limitations in Arizona?
No, filing an insurance claim does not automatically stop or extend Arizona’s statute of limitations. Settlement negotiations and communications with an insurance adjuster generally do not replace the requirement to file a lawsuit on time.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Arizona?
You generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Arizona under A.R.S. § 12-542. Eligible parties must also comply with the requirements outlined in A.R.S. § 12-612.
Does Arizona extend the filing deadline for injured children?
Yes, Arizona generally tolls the statute of limitations for certain personal injury claims while the injured person is under 18. However, government-related claims and other specialized cases may have different requirements.
How long do I have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Arizona?
You generally have two years from the date the medical malpractice cause of action accrues to file a lawsuit in Arizona. The discovery rule may affect when the period begins, depending on the circumstances.
What happens if I miss the statute of limitations in Arizona?
Missing the applicable statute of limitations can result in your lawsuit being barred or dismissed. Certain exceptions may apply, so you should consult an attorney to determine whether you still have legal options.
Can an Arizona personal injury attorney help determine my filing deadline?
Yes, an Arizona personal injury attorney can review the facts of your case, identify the applicable statutes and determine whether special deadlines or exceptions may apply. Early legal guidance can help protect your ability to pursue compensation.
Does negotiating a settlement extend my deadline to file a lawsuit?
No, negotiating a settlement with an insurance company does not automatically extend your legal filing deadline. You should understand your deadline even when settlement discussions are ongoing.
When should I contact an Arizona personal injury attorney?
You should contact an Arizona personal injury attorney as soon as reasonably possible after an accident. Early guidance can help preserve evidence, identify responsible parties and ensure that important filing deadlines are not overlooked.
Injured in Arizona? Ramos Law Can Help
An unexpected injury can turn your life upside down. Between medical appointments, missed work and insurance complications, understanding your legal rights may feel overwhelming.
At Ramos Law, we believe injured people deserve compassionate guidance and strong legal representation. Our team combines medical insight with legal experience to help clients navigate the challenges of personal injury claims. Whether you were injured in a car accident, truck collision, slip and fall or another incident, understanding your legal deadlines is an important first step.
Don’t let uncertainty about a filing deadline put your legal rights at risk. Contact Ramos Law today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your options and work toward getting back to happy.
Reviewed by: Ezekiel Denison, Attorney, Ramos Law*
Legal Disclaimer: *Pursuant to the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 5.5 and Comment 2, the named lawyer is not licensed to practice Arizona law and the lawyer’s practice is limited to federal legal matters and the laws of Colorado and Wyoming. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes of limitations and other filing requirements depend on the specific facts of each case. The information provided should not be relied upon as a determination of an individual’s filing deadline. Consult an Arizona-licensed attorney regarding your circumstances.