A Claim Against the Government
A.R.S. 12-821.01 — a claim within 180 days, and suit within one year
A person with a claim against an Arizona public entity, a public school or a public employee files the claim with the person authorized to accept service for it, as the Arizona rules of civil procedure set out, within 180 days after the cause of action accrues.
Who handles this in Arizona: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Arizona directory.
The claim contains facts enough for the entity to understand the basis on which liability is claimed, and a specific amount for which it can be settled with the facts supporting that amount. A claim not filed within 180 days is barred, and no action may be maintained on it.
A cause of action accrues when the damaged person realizes the damage and knows, or reasonably should know, what caused or contributed to it.
One year to sue. All actions against a public entity or public employee are brought within one year after the cause of action accrues, and not afterward.
Whether a claim must first go through another dispute or claims process, which delays when it accrues, and whether an immunity applies, are questions for a licensed Arizona attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- A.R.S. 12-821.01 — Authorization of claim against public entity, public school or public employee
- A.R.S. 12-821 — Authorization of action against public entity or public employee
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Arizona attorney.