If you've been injured in an accident—a car crash, slip and fall, or dog bite—one of the most important things to know is this: you only have a limited amount of time to file your claim.
In Arizona, missing this window can mean forfeiting your right to compensation, no matter how valid your case may be.
Let’s break down what the Arizona statute of limitations means for your injury claim and what exceptions may apply.
What Is a Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is a legal deadline. It defines how long you must take legal action after an incident. In personal injury cases, this typically refers to the time you must file a lawsuit against the responsible party.
In Arizona, the standard deadline to file a personal injury claim is 2 years from the date of the injury.
If you were injured on March 1, 2025, you’d have until March 1, 2027, to initiate legal action. File one day late, and the court may dismiss your case entirely.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes—several key exceptions can either extend or shorten your time to file:
1. Claims Against a Government Entity
Suppose your injury involves a city, county, or state agency (e.g., a city bus accident or a fall on government-owned property). In that case, Arizona law requires a Notice of Claim to be filed within 180 days of the incident. After that, you must file your lawsuit within 1 year.
2. Delayed Discovery
If your injury or the cause of the injury wasn’t immediately apparent, the clock may start from the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the harm. This often applies in medical malpractice cases or toxic exposure situations.
3. Minors and the Mentally Incapacitated
If the injured person is under 18 or legally incapacitated at the time of injury, the statute of limitations may be “tolled” (paused) until they reach adulthood or regain capacity.
Why Acting Early Matters
Even though you may have two years to file, waiting is risky. Here’s why:
- Evidence can disappear – Surveillance footage may be deleted, and witnesses may forget details.
- Medical records may become harder to retrieve.
- Insurance companies may use delays against you, arguing that your injuries aren’t serious or you weren’t truly harmed.
Early legal action gives your attorney time to investigate thoroughly, negotiate effectively, and file before any deadlines arise.
How We Help You Stay on Track
At Wesbrooks Law, we take timing seriously. From the moment you contact us, we:
- Review your case timeline to assess key deadlines
- Preserve critical evidence before it’s lost
- Handle all filings to keep you in compliance with Arizona law
- Make sure no exceptions are overlooked that could benefit your case
Don’t Miss Out on the Compensation You Deserve
Arizona’s legal clock is ticking. If you’ve been injured, don’t wait until it’s too late to seek justice.
At Wesbrooks Law, we know every second counts. Contact us today at wesbrookslaw.com/contact-us
or call (602) 262-4357
to schedule your FREE consultation.
Let’s make sure your voice is heard before time runs out.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with Wesbrooks Law. Every case is unique, and legal outcomes may vary depending on the facts involved. If you need legal advice specific to your situation, please contact our office directly.
