What is the personal injury statute of limitations in Arizona?

1. General Personal Injury

A.R.S. § 12-542 imposes a 2-year SOL for personal injury, running from when the cause of action accrues.

2. Wrongful Death

Wrongful death actions under A.R.S. § 12-542(2) have a 2-year SOL from the date of death.

3. Medical Malpractice

A.R.S. § 12-542 applies the 2-year SOL to medical negligence claims, subject to the common-law discovery rule. Arizona has no statute of repose for medical malpractice.

4. Discovery Rule

Arizona applies the discovery rule (Doe v. Roe) when an injury or its cause is not reasonably apparent; the SOL runs from when the plaintiff knew or should have known.

5. Minor / Disability Tolling

A.R.S. § 12-502 tolls SOL during minority (under 18) and unsound mind. Minors generally have until 2 years after their 18th birthday.

6. Government Defendant

A.R.S. § 12-821.01 requires a Notice of Claim served on the public entity within 180 days of accrual; A.R.S. § 12-821 requires suit within 1 year of accrual. The notice must include a specific settlement demand.

7. Product Liability

A.R.S. § 12-551 imposes a 2-year SOL with a 12-year statute of repose for products from first sale.

8. Equitable Tolling / Fraudulent Concealment

Arizona recognizes equitable tolling where defendant's misconduct or extraordinary circumstances justified delay; fraudulent concealment tolls accrual.

9. Borrowing Statute

A.R.S. § 12-506 bars actions on foreign causes of action that are time-barred in the state where they accrued.

This is legal information, not legal advice.