Slip and Fall Statute of Limitations in Alaska
Last verified 2026-07 · Source: Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070(a) ✓ verified · 3 sources
The deadline
2 years
from Date of injury or date plaintiff discovered (or should have discovered) the injury, under Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070(a).
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If you're researching slip and fall injury claims in Alaska, the single most important number is 2 years. That's how long Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070(a) gives you to file a slip and fall lawsuit, counted from Date of injury or date plaintiff discovered (or should have discovered) the injury. File even one day late and the court will almost certainly dismiss the case, no matter how strong it is.
Alaska Deadlines for Related Claims
| Claim type | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Slip and Fall | 2 years | Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070(a) |
| Car Accident | 2 yrs | Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070(a) |
| Credit Card Debt | 3 yrs | Alaska Stat. § 09.10.053 |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 yrs | Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070 |
| Wrongful Death | 2 yrs | Alaska Stat. § 09.55.580 |
| Personal Injury | 2 yrs | Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070(a) |
| Dog Bite | 2 yrs | AS 09.10.070 (2-year personal injury SOL); no specific dog bite statute — common law one-bite rule applies |
| Defamation | 2 yrs | AS 09.10.070(a)(1) |
| Breach of Contract | 3 yrs | Alaska Stat. § 09.10.053 |
| Medical Debt | 3 yrs | Alaska Stat. § 09.10.053 |
When the Clock Starts
In Alaska, the limitations period for slip and fall injury claims generally begins on Date of injury or date plaintiff discovered (or should have discovered) the injury. Alaska recognizes a discovery rule for this claim type: Alaska applies the discovery rule; the SOL is tolled until the plaintiff knew or should have known of the injury and its cause.
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Exceptions That Can Extend the Deadline
- Minors: the clock is generally paused while the injured person is under 18.
- Fraudulent concealment: if the defendant actively hid the wrongdoing, the deadline may be extended until it was or should have been uncovered.
- Defendant leaves the state: absence can pause the clock in many circumstances.
- Government-claim trap: Administrative claim to Attorney General required before suit against the State (AS 09.50.250); notice to municipality required under AS 09.68.050
- Damage caps: Non-economic damages capped at $400,000 or $8,000 multiplied by plaintiff's life expectancy in years, whichever is greater (AS 09.17.010)
Alaska applies a discovery rule for personal injury. Statewide non-economic damage caps apply. Claims against the State require filing an administrative claim with the Attorney General before suit may be commenced.
Source: Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070(a), official Alaska statute · verified 2026-07
What to Do Before the Deadline Runs
- Pin down your accrual date — the day the clock started — and calendar the deadline conservatively.
- Preserve evidence now: photos, records, witness contacts, bills. Evidence decays faster than deadlines.
- Send preservation/notice letters where required (especially for Alaska government defendants).
- If the deadline is inside 6 months, treat it as urgent — filing suit is the only reliable way to stop the clock.
How Alaska Compares to Nearby States
| State | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 2 years | Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070(a) |
| Washington | 3 yrs | Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.080(2) |
| Oregon | 2 yrs | Or. Rev. Stat. § 12.110(1) |
| California | 2 yrs | Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in Alaska?
You have 2 years from Date of injury or date plaintiff discovered (or should have discovered) the injury, under Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070(a).
Can I still sue after 2 years in Alaska?
Usually no — courts dismiss claims filed after the statute of limitations expires. Narrow exceptions (the discovery rule, tolling for minors, fraudulent concealment) can extend the deadline; whether one applies depends on your facts.
Does the discovery rule apply to slip and fall injury claims in Alaska?
Yes. Alaska applies the discovery rule; the SOL is tolled until the plaintiff knew or should have known of the injury and its cause.
What if the victim was a minor?
Alaska generally pauses ("tolls") the deadline while the injured person is under 18, giving them time to file after reaching adulthood. Special limits can still apply, so check the statute.
Is the deadline different for claims against the government?
Administrative claim to Attorney General required before suit against the State (AS 09.50.250); notice to municipality required under AS 09.68.050
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Sources
- Official AS 09.10.070 — Alaska Legislature
- Corroborating Alaska Personal Injury Laws — Nolo
- Corroborating AS 09.10.070 — Justia
- Verified 2026-07 under our 4-step process — every line checked against the sources above. How we verify
This page is legal information, not legal advice. Deadlines have exceptions that depend on your facts — confirm with a licensed Alaska attorney.