J
By
John Quigley, Legal Content Director · Reviewed against current A.R.S. · Last reviewed 2026-06-11
Medical malpractice claims in Arizona are among the most technically demanding injury cases. They require proof that a provider fell below the accepted standard of care — and a qualified expert to say so.
What Arizona law says
A.R.S. § 12-542 — Two-year statute of limitations, generally from when the injury was or should have been discovered.
A.R.S. § 12-563 — Sets the elements: the provider failed to meet the standard of care, and that failure caused the injury.
A.R.S. § 12-2604 — Strict qualification requirements for the standard-of-care expert witness who must support the claim.
⏱ Key deadline
Most claims must be filed within 2 years of discovering the injury (A.R.S. § 12-542).
How medical malpractice cases work in Maricopa County
Malpractice suits are filed in Maricopa County Superior Court and require a preliminary expert opinion early in the case. The expert must generally practice in the same specialty as the defendant provider.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an expert witness?
Yes. Arizona requires a qualified standard-of-care expert (A.R.S. § 12-2604) to establish that the provider was negligent.
What is the deadline?
Generally two years from when you discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury.
What must I prove?
That the provider breached the accepted standard of care and that the breach caused your injury and damages.
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Disclaimer: AZAttorneyFinder is an independent attorney directory, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. This page is general legal information about Arizona law, reviewed against the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.). It is not a substitute for advice from a licensed Arizona attorney about your specific situation. Statutes change — verify current law before relying on it.