Resolving civil disputes if damages are less than $3,500. Parties in a small claims action may be represented by an attorney only if both parties agree to the use of attorneys. Filers of small claims actions do not have the right to appeal or the right to a jury trial.
The statute of limitations in Arizona is set at two years for all personal injury claims. It is one year for libel or slander claims, which are a subset of personal injury law. Some exceptions may apply when it takes longer than a year for a person to reasonably realize an injury has occurred.
The plaintiff files a document (complaint) with the clerk of the court stating the reasons why the plaintiff is suing the defendant, and what action the plaintiff wants the court to take. A copy of the complaint and a summons are delivered to (served on) the defendant.
A civil action filed in a limited jurisdiction court is a claim against another party for damages of an amount up to $10,000.00. These lawsuits are designed to resolve civil disputes before a justice of the peace. Parties in a civil lawsuit may be represented by attorneys and appeal their case to a higher court.