Understanding Arizona’s Statutes of Limitation for Injury and Wrongful Death Claims
When it comes to filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Arizona, time matters. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to compensation—even if your case is strong. At Budge Law Firm, PLLC, we help injured victims and grieving families act before legal deadlines expire.
⏳ What Is a Statute of Limitation?
A statute of limitation is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. If you don’t file in time, your claim may be permanently barred—even if the other party was clearly at fault.
In Arizona, these deadlines are set by state law and vary depending on the type of case.
🚗 Personal Injury: 2-Year Deadline (A.R.S. § 12-542)
If you were injured in a car accident, motorcycle crash, slip and fall, or any other incident caused by someone else’s negligence, you generally have:
🗓 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
This time limit applies to claims involving:
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Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
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Pedestrian or bicycle accidents
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Premises liability (e.g., slip and fall)
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Dog bites
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Medical negligence
🔔 Important: The clock starts ticking on the date of injury, not when you discover how serious it is—so don’t delay.
⚖️ Wrongful Death: 2 Years from the Date of Death
If you’ve lost a loved one due to another’s negligence or misconduct, Arizona law gives surviving family members:
🗓 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
Eligible claimants may include:
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Spouse
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Children
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Parents
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Personal representative of the estate
- See: A.R.S. § 12-612
We know it’s difficult to think about legal issues during grief. But these cases often depend on timely investigations and evidence. Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
⛔ Exceptions That Can Shorten or Extend the Deadline
In some cases, the statute of limitation may be shorter or extended depending on specific factors:
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Claims against a government agency (city, county, state):
→ Must file a formal notice of claim within 180 days (A.R.S. § 12-821.01) -
Injuries to minors or mentally incapacitated persons:
→ Time may be extended until the person turns 18 or regains capacity -
Discovery rule:
→ If the injury wasn’t immediately discoverable, the clock may start when it is reasonably discovered
🛑 Don’t Miss Your Chance to Recover Compensation
Failing to file on time can mean:
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Losing the right to sue
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No compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering
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Insurance companies refusing to negotiate
Protect your rights now—speak with an experienced Arizona personal injury lawyer.
📞 Contact Our Arizona Injury Lawyers Today
At Budge Law Firm, PLLC, we help injury victims and families across Arizona meet crucial deadlines and get the compensation they deserve. We offer:
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Free consultations
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No fee unless we win
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Responsive, experienced legal help
📍 Proudly serving Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and all of Arizona.
👉 Call (480) 246-8050 to schedule your free case review.