Arizona Statute of Limitations

By Samuel Strom, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed October 24, 2024

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Plaintiffs have time limits for filing civil lawsuits, which generally differ by the type of claim. These time limits and statutes of limitations help preserve the integrity of evidence and witness testimony. State legislatures enact statutes of limitations to ensure that plaintiffs file their claims while the evidence is fresh. They also prevent the constant threat of a lawsuit long after a claim happened.

Arizona law imposes a two-year statute of limitations for many civil actions, like personal injury claims and wrongful death cases. Some civil cases, like libel or slander, have a one-year limitation period. Some exceptions may apply when it takes longer than a year for a person to reasonably realize an injury has happened.

A plaintiff who fails to file their claim within the applicable time period can't pursue the claim. So, anyone with a potential civil claim must know the applicable statute of limitations for their cause of action.

This article provides a brief overview of Arizona's civil statute of limitations. For more specific information, consider contacting an Arizona civil litigation attorney.

Arizona Civil Statute of Limitations Laws: At a Glance

The table below lists Arizona's statute of limitations laws for civil causes of action. For more information, visit the links in the table or the Related Resources section below.

Code sections

Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.), Title 12, Chapter 5 §§ 12-501 — 12-599.03
Breach of employment contract (oral contract or written contract)

One year (A.R.S. § 12-541(3))
False imprisonment

One year (A.R.S. § 12-541(1))
Libel or slander

One year (A.R.S. § 12-541(1))
Malicious prosecution

One year (A.R.S. § 12-541(1))
Wrongful termination

One year (A.R.S. § 12-541(4))
Detaining personal property

Two years (A.R.S. § 12-542(5))
Forcible entry or detainer

Two years (A.R.S. § 12-542(6))
Medical malpractice

Two years (A.R.S. § 12-542(1))
Personal injury

Two years (A.R.S. § 12-542(1))
Trespass/injury to real property

Two years (A.R.S. § 12-542(3))
Wrongful death

Two years (A.R.S. § 12-542(2))
Debt collection

Oral contract: Three years (A.R.S. § 12-543(1))

Open account: Three years (A.R.S. § 12-543(2))

Written contract: Six years (A.R.S. § 12-548(A))
Fraud

Three years after the discovery of the fraud (the discovery rule) (A.R.S. § 12-543(3))
Judgments

Four years (A.R.S. § 12-544(3))
If no statute of limitations is specified

Four years (other than for recovery of real property/real estate) (A.R.S. § 12-550)

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts, ballot initiatives, and other means. Consult an Arizona civil litigation attorney or conduct your own legal research.

Arizona Civil Statute of Limitations Related Resources

For more information about Arizona law, visit the links below:

You can also visit FindLaw's State Statute of Limitations Laws article for more information about other states' time limits for filing legal actions.

Contact an Arizona Attorney About Time Limits for Your Civil Complaint

The applicable Arizona statute of limitations laws depend on the nature of your claim. Whether you have a slip-and-fall case in Phoenix or a medical malpractice claim in Scottsdale, you must follow the state's time limits for filing your case. If you are dealing with a personal injury or another dispute that may merit compensation, contact an Arizona litigation attorney for legal advice as soon as possible. Hiring experienced legal counsel ensures you get the best representation and advice on your case.

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