Arizona Statute of Limitations
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Garrett Monteagudo, Esq. | Last reviewed January 17, 2023
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Plaintiffs have time limits for filing civil lawsuits, which differ by the type of claim (in most states). These time limits, referred to as the civil statute of limitations, are meant to help preserve the integrity of evidence and witness testimony. Statutes of limitations are enacted to ensure that claims are made while evidence is still relatively vital and to prevent the constant "threat" of a lawsuit long after the disputed event has occurred.
The statute of limitations in Arizona is set at two years for all personal injury claims. It is one year for libel or slander claims, which are a subset of personal injury law. Some exceptions may apply when it takes longer than a year for a person to reasonably realize an injury has occurred.
This article provides a brief overview of Arizona's civil statute of limitations.
Arizona Civil Statute of Limitations Laws: At a Glance
Take a look at the following table for a complete list of Arizona's civil statute of limitations laws. See Time Limit Considerations in Medical Malpractice Claims for additional information.
Injury to Person |
|
|---|---|
Libel/Slander |
One year (A.R.S. § 12-541) |
Fraud |
Three years (A.R.S. § 12-543(3)) |
Injury to Personal Property |
Two years (A.R.S. § 12-542) |
Professional Malpractice |
Medical: two years (A.R.S. § 12-542) |
Trespass |
Two years (A.R.S. § 12-542(3)) |
Collection of Rents |
Six years (A.R.S. § 12-548) |
Contracts |
|
Collection of Debt on Account |
Three years (A.R.S. § 12-543(2)) |
Judgments |
Four years foreign judgment (A.R.S. § 12-544(3)) |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research.
Arizona Civil Statute of Limitations Related Resources
- Arizona Legal Research
- Arizona Revised Statutes
- State Criminal Statutes of Limitations
- Lawsuits: A Practical Guide
- Official State Codes -- Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and D.C.
Contact an Arizona Attorney About the Time Limits for Your Civil Complaint
You might have a slip and fall case in Sedona, or perhaps a medical malpractice claim in Scottsdale. Either way, you will have to follow the state's time limits for filing your case. Arizona's civil statute of limitations often depends on the nature of your claim. If you are dealing with a personal injury or another dispute that may merit compensation, it's in your best interest to contact an Arizona litigation attorney as soon as possible.
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