Time can pass quickly after an injury, but your right to seek justice has a hard limit. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Let our team act swiftly to protect your future and pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to under Arizona law.
You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, whether from a car crash on Loop 202, a fall at Tempe Marketplace, or a dog bite near Sabino Canyon. However, time is one critical factor determining whether your case is even considered. Specifically, Arizona law imposes strict legal deadlines for pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to seek justice and financial recovery.
Understanding the Arizona personal injury statute of limitations is essential for protecting your legal rights. Whether you’re filing a claim for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, acting within the appropriate timeframe is key. On this page, we’ll walk you through the rules, exceptions, and important considerations surrounding injury claim deadlines in Arizona and explain how an experienced Arizona personal injury lawyer can ensure your case stays on track.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Arizona?
A statute of limitations is a law that sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. In Arizona, most personal injury claims, including car accidents, slips and falls, and product liability cases, must be filed within two years from the date of the injury. This applies whether the harm occurred on a major roadway like I-10, in a neighborhood near South Mountain, or at a public venue such as Chase Field.
If you fail to file your claim within these two years, the court will likely dismiss your case, no matter how strong your evidence may be. That’s why it’s crucial to speak with an Arizona personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.
Standard Timeframe:
- Two years from the date of the injury
This time limit applies to most personal injury claims, including:
- Auto accidents
- Premises liability (slip and fall)
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Product liability
- Medical malpractice (with exceptions)
Why Do Statutes of Limitations Exist?
The statute of limitations serves several purposes in Arizona’s legal system:
- Preserves Evidence: Over time, witness memories fade, and physical evidence may be lost.
- Promotes Fairness: Defendants shouldn’t face the threat of legal action indefinitely.
- Encourages Timely Resolution: Prompt claims lead to faster resolution for victims and insurers alike.
While these laws are meant to create legal efficiency, they can pose major risks for injury victims who wait too long to act.
Special Circumstances That Can Affect the Deadline
While the two-year limit is the standard, there are several exceptions and nuances to be aware of. Understanding these details can be the difference between a valid claim and a dismissed case.
Discovery Rule
In some cases, a victim may not immediately realize they were injured or that their injury was caused by negligence. Arizona recognizes the “discovery rule,” which allows the statute of limitations to start when the injury, or its cause, should have reasonably been discovered.
Example: A patient experiences pain months after surgery and later discovers a surgical instrument was left inside. The clock may start when the injury was identified, not when the surgery occurred.
Claims Involving Minors
When the injured person is a minor (under 18 years old), the two-year deadline is typically paused (or “tolled”) until their 18th birthday. This means they generally have until age 20 to file a personal injury claim.
Claims Against Government Entities
If your injury involves a city bus accident near Old Town Scottsdale, a hazardous sidewalk in Tucson, or negligence by a government worker, you face a much shorter timeline. You must file a Notice of Claim within 180 days of the incident and file a lawsuit within one year.
Filing deadlines are strict and enforced. If you’re unsure whether your case involves a public entity, consult a knowledgeable Arizona personal injury lawyer immediately.
Injury Claim Deadlines in Arizona by Case Type
Here’s a breakdown of the most common injury claim deadlines in Arizona:
- Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents: You must file your claim within 2 years of the accident date.
- Slip and fall accidents (premises liability): The deadline is 2 years from the date the injury occurred.
- Dog bite injuries: Victims have 2 years from the date of the attack to pursue a claim.
- Product liability claims: You have 2 years from the date of injury, or from when the defect was reasonably discovered.
- Medical malpractice (adults): You typically have 2 years, but the clock may begin when the injury is discovered (discovery rule).
- Injuries to minors: The statute of limitations is paused until the minor turns 18. They then have 2 years, until age 20, to file a claim.
- Claims against government entities: A Notice of Claim must be filed within 180 days of the injury. A formal lawsuit must then be filed within 1 year.
Even by a few days, delayed action can eliminate your right to compensation. Don’t risk it.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Unfortunately, courts in Arizona are not forgiving when it comes to missed deadlines. If the statute of limitations has expired:
- The court will likely dismiss your case
- You will lose the ability to recover any compensation, even if you were clearly injured due to someone else’s negligence
This is one of the biggest mistakes injury victims make, especially if they assume the insurance company is working in their best interest. Insurers may delay responses or lull you into a false sense of security, hoping you’ll miss the deadline.
Consulting a trusted Arizona personal injury lawyer early ensures your case is filed on time and that no detail is overlooked.
How Arizona’s Legal Climate Affects Personal Injury Timelines
Arizona’s legal system is generally considered favorable to injury victims, but that doesn’t mean it’s without complexity. Factors such as rapid urban growth, heavy traffic corridors like Grand Avenue and Broadway Boulevard, and the presence of multiple government jurisdictions can influence how personal injury cases unfold. Local court backlogs in counties like Maricopa and Pima may also impact how quickly your case progresses once filed.
These regional nuances matter when planning your case strategy and meeting important deadlines. For example, claims involving accidents on public transportation in Phoenix or construction site injuries in Tucson may involve additional notice requirements if government agencies are involved.
You can avoid procedural missteps and delays by working with an Arizona personal injury lawyer familiar with the state’s evolving legal climate. Your attorney will help ensure that your claim is filed not only on time but in the right venue, with the strongest legal foundation possible.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Helps You Meet Deadlines
Deadlines are just one piece of the puzzle. An experienced lawyer does much more than just keep track of the calendar; they actively manage your case to protect your rights and build your claim for maximum compensation.
Your attorney will:
- Track all relevant deadlines, including statutes of limitations, notice requirements, and response periods
- Conduct timely investigations, collecting crucial evidence before it disappears
- Preserve your right to sue while working toward a substantial settlement
- Handle legal filings and communications to ensure compliance with Arizona law
The best time to hire a lawyer is immediately after an injury occurs. The longer you wait, the more likely key evidence will be lost or overlooked, and the closer you get to missing the opportunity to file.
Over $100 Million Recovered for Injury Victims
Injury victims throughout Arizona and the U.S. have relied on us to achieve results when it matters most. Our team has successfully recovered over $100 million for clients involved in car accidents, premises liability claims, dog bites, defective product injuries, and more.
We understand how to navigate the Arizona personal injury statute of limitations, and we’re prepared to take action quickly, whether your injury occurred yesterday or several months ago. Our innovative structure as an Alternative Business Structure law firm enables us to serve clients with a level of flexibility and efficiency that traditional firms cannot match.
Whether your case involves a freeway crash on I-17, a fall in a grocery store in Tucson, or a defective product that caused serious harm, our legal team has the experience and track record to pursue the justice you deserve before time expires.
Call National Injury Attorneys Before Time Runs Out
If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t delay—every day counts when it comes to Arizona’s legal deadlines. The Arizona personal injury statute of limitations can make or break your case, and missing the deadline means forfeiting your right to compensation.
At National Injury Attorneys, we understand the urgency of injury cases. With over 40 years of combined legal experience and more than $100 million recovered for clients, we are ready to act swiftly and strategically on your behalf. Whether your accident happened in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, or anywhere across the state, we’re here to help.
Contact us today by calling 1 (800) 214-1010 or fill out our secure online form for a free consultation. Don’t let a missed deadline stand between you and the justice you deserve. Let our Arizona personal injury lawyers take immediate action to protect your rights and pursue full compensation.