What is the statute of limitations for my lawsuit?

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Accepted Answer

Arizona's statute of limitations depends on the type of claim. The general periods are:

One year — malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, libel or slander, seduction or breach of promise of marriage, breach of an employment contract (including claims based on employee handbooks or policy manuals that set no deadline), wrongful termination, and liability created by statute .

Two years — personal injury (including medical malpractice), wrongful death (which accrues at the death of the injured party), injury to property, taking or converting personal property, and forcible entry or detainer .

Three years — debt not evidenced by a written contract, stated or open accounts, and claims for fraud or mistake (which accrue only when the aggrieved party discovers the facts constituting the fraud or mistake) .

Six years — debt evidenced by a written contract executed in Arizona, or debt founded on a credit card .

Four years (catch-all) — any action other than for recovery of real property for which no other limitation period is prescribed must be brought within four years after the cause of action accrues .

These statutes do not state when most causes of action accrue, beyond the specific accrual rules noted above for wrongful death, fraud or mistake, and forcible entry or detainer .

Specific claim types can carry their own deadlines under other statutes; this page covers the general periods. Because the correct period depends on the exact nature of your claim and when it accrued, consider consulting a licensed Arizona attorney.