What to Know About Filing Deadlines in Arizona Civil Cases
If you have a legal action you want to file, you need to know when to file it. There are many different time deadlines you could be dealing with. Called statutes of limitations, these deadlines are critically important. Missing them could mean you are out of luck with your claim. The best advice: speak to a legal paraprofessional right away to avoid possibly missing an important deadline.
At JNH Legal Services, PLLC, our legal paraprofessional keeps you on track. He can help you file your claim, negotiate a favorable resolution, and seek the compensation you deserve. While the following information can help you get an idea of Arizona time deadlines, understand that every case is different. Your limitations period could be even shorter depending on the circumstances, so please get in touch right away.
Statutes of Limitations in Arizona Civil Cases
The State of Arizona uses strict time deadlines for civil claims. Some common examples that may apply to you include:
- Personal Injury: 2 years from the date of injury
- Property Damage: 2 years from the date of damage
- Breach of Written Contract: 6 years from the breach
- Breach of Oral Contract: 3 years from the breach
- Medical Malpractice: 2 years from the date of injury or discovery
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death
- Defamation (Libel/Slander): 1 year from the date of publication
Even missing the deadline by a day can be a big problem. Your case could be dismissed even if you otherwise would have been successful.
Special Considerations: Tolling and Discovery Rule
There are also some exceptions that might extend these deadlines. These might include:
- Tolling for Minors or Incapacitated People: Statutes of limitations may be paused until the person turns 18 or regains capacity
- Discovery Rule: In cases like medical malpractice or fraud, the clock may start when the injury or wrongdoing is discovered, not when it occurred
Don’t assume these apply in your situation. They are highly limited and a legal paraprofessional should consult on your case before deciding if it applies.
When to Consult an Arizona Legal Paraprofessional
A legal paraprofessional (LP) can help you analyze your case and determine the best path forward. Jason Halper, the founder of JNH Legal Services, PLLC, is a dedicated LP with years of experience helping clients find cost-effective and efficient solutions. He is an accomplished paraprofessional and author, writing “Licensed to Lead: A Comprehensive Guide to Emerging as a Legal Paraprofessional.”
A legal paraprofessional is available to handle more cases than you might think. Consult with Jason to see if a legal paraprofessional is right for you.
File Your Case in Time with a Legal Paraprofessional
Knowing which time deadline applies to your case requires a consultation. The time deadlines above are general limitations that may or may not apply to your case. To avoid any wrong assumptions, simply get in touch with a legal paraprofessional quickly after your legal injury to pursue your claim.
Consult an experienced legal paraprofessional at JNH Legal Services, PLLC to learn more about how we can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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