Alaska
Alaska Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 18, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 18, 2026. · 15 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Alaska sets a 2-year deadline for personal injury lawsuits and a 3-year deadline for most contract disputes under AS 09.10.053 and AS 09.10.070. Murder, kidnapping, and felony sexual abuse of a minor carry no time limit under AS 12.10.010, while most other felonies and misdemeanors allow 5 years.
Understanding Alaska's statute of limitations is essential for anyone considering a lawsuit or facing criminal charges in the state. These legal deadlines determine how long you have to file a case before you lose the right to do so. Missing a filing deadline can permanently bar your claim, regardless of its merits.
This guide covers every major civil and criminal statute of limitations in Alaska, organized by case type, with direct references to the Alaska Statutes so you can verify each deadline yourself.
Hurt in Alaska? If you are still within the deadline above, you can estimate what your injury claim may be worth with our free Alaska personal injury settlement calculator. It gives an instant range based on your medical costs and Alaska's fault rule (general information, not legal advice).
Alaska Civil Statute of Limitations
Alaska's civil statutes of limitations set strict deadlines for filing lawsuits. The clock typically starts on the date of the injury, breach, or harmful event. In some cases, the "discovery rule" applies, meaning the deadline starts when you knew or should have known about the harm.
If you miss the filing deadline, the defendant can ask the court to dismiss your case. Once dismissed on statute of limitations grounds, you lose the right to pursue that claim permanently.
Personal Injury (2 Years)
You have 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Alaska. This deadline covers claims for bodily harm caused by another person's negligence or intentional conduct, including car accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, and assault.
The 2-year period is set by AS 09.10.070 and begins on the date of injury. Under the discovery rule, the clock may start later if you did not immediately know about the injury.
Wrongful Death (2 Years)
Wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years from the date of death under AS 09.55.580. The personal representative of the deceased person's estate is the one who must file this action.
Alaska courts have applied the discovery rule in wrongful death cases, so the 2-year clock may be delayed if the cause of death was not immediately apparent.
Defamation: Libel and Slander (2 Years)
Claims for defamation, including both libel (written) and slander (spoken), must be filed within 2 years under AS 09.10.070. The clock starts on the date the defamatory statement was published or spoken.
Medical Malpractice (2 Years)
Medical malpractice lawsuits must be filed within 2 years of the alleged negligent act or omission under AS 09.10.070.
Special rules apply in certain situations:
- If the injured person was under 8 years old at the time of the injury, the years before the child's 8th birthday do not count against the deadline. Under AS 09.10.140(c), that pre-birthday time "is not a part of the time limit imposed under AS 09.10.070(a)," so the 2-year clock starts on the 8th birthday. This rule covers personal injury actions generally, not only medical malpractice
- The clock is paused (tolled) during any period of fraud, intentional concealment, or the undiscovered presence of a foreign body left during a medical procedure
Product Liability (2 Years)
Product liability claims follow the same 2-year deadline as other personal injury cases under AS 09.10.070. The clock starts when the injured party discovers, or through reasonable diligence should have discovered, the facts giving rise to the claim.
Contracts (3 Years)
Breach of contract lawsuits, whether based on written or oral agreements, must be filed within 3 years under AS 09.10.053. This applies to both express and implied contracts.
The 3-year deadline does not apply to actions on judgments or sealed instruments (which get 10 years under AS 09.10.040) or to other specific actions with their own deadlines.
UCC Sale of Goods (4 Years)
For contracts involving the sale of goods governed by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), Alaska provides a 4-year statute of limitations under AS 45.02.725. The parties may agree to reduce this period to as short as 1 year, but they cannot extend it beyond 4 years.
The cause of action accrues when the breach occurs, regardless of whether the buyer knows about the breach at that time.
Trespass on Real Property (6 Years)
Actions for trespass or waste upon real property must be filed within 6 years under AS 09.10.050. This covers unauthorized entry or damage to land and buildings.
Fraud and Misrepresentation (2 Years)
Fraud and misrepresentation claims are torts in Alaska, so they fall under the 2-year deadline in AS 09.10.070, which covers an action "for personal injury or death, or injury to the rights of another not arising on contract and not specifically provided otherwise." The Alaska Supreme Court applied that two-year period to fraud and misrepresentation claims in Bauman v. Day, 892 P.2d 817 (Alaska 1995), holding that such claims "are tort claims, and thus are subject to the two-year statute of limitations."
The 10-year period in AS 09.10.100 does not apply. That section reaches only "an action for a cause not otherwise provided for," and fraud is otherwise provided for by AS 09.10.070(a)(2).
Because fraud is usually concealed, the discovery rule often delays the start of the clock until the plaintiff knew or reasonably should have known of the fraud. Alaska's 10-year statute of repose also does not apply to fraud-based claims. When the fraud was a business deceiving you in a sale, Alaska's consumer protection law may give you a separate claim with its own clock, which our guide to Alaska scam and fraud laws explains along with where to report the scam.
Debt Collection (3 Years)
Creditors have 3 years to file lawsuits to collect ordinary debts on account, credit cards, and unpaid loans under AS 09.10.053, the same contract-liability deadline that applies to written and oral contract disputes generally. The 10-year period under AS 09.10.100 is a residual catch-all that applies only to claims not otherwise covered by a more specific statute, and ordinary consumer debt collection is covered by AS 09.10.053, so it does not get the longer 10-year window.
Judgments (10 Years)
A party has 10 years to enforce or renew a judgment under AS 09.10.040. After a court issues a judgment, the winning party must act within this window to collect on it.
Civil Sexual Offense Claims (No Limit or 3 Years)
Under AS 09.10.065, civil lawsuits based on conduct that constitutes certain sexual offenses may be filed at any time with no deadline. Other sexual offense claims must be brought within 3 years of when the claim accrued.
Summary Table: Alaska Civil Statutes of Limitations
| Case Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years | AS 09.10.070 |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years | AS 09.55.580 |
| Libel / Slander | 2 years | AS 09.10.070 |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 years | AS 09.10.070 |
| Product Liability | 2 years | AS 09.10.070 |
| Contracts (Written/Oral) | 3 years | AS 09.10.053 |
| UCC Sale of Goods | 4 years | AS 45.02.725 |
| Trespass on Real Property | 6 years | AS 09.10.050 |
| Fraud / Misrepresentation | 2 years | AS 09.10.070 |
| Debt Collection | 3 years | AS 09.10.053 |
| Judgments | 10 years | AS 09.10.040 |
| Civil Sexual Offenses | None or 3 years | AS 09.10.065 |
Alaska's Statute of Repose
Alaska has a 10-year statute of repose under AS 09.10.055. This provides an absolute outer deadline for personal injury, death, and property damage claims, measured from the date of substantial completion of construction or the last act alleged to have caused the harm.
Unlike the statute of limitations, the statute of repose cannot be extended by the discovery rule. Even if you did not know about your injury, the statute of repose cuts off your right to sue after 10 years.
Important exceptions to the statute of repose include:
- Claims based on fraud or misrepresentation
- Claims resulting from intentional or reckless disregard of project design plans, specifications, or building codes
Tolling Provisions: When the Clock Pauses
Alaska law recognizes several situations where the statute of limitations clock is paused (tolled):
Minority (Under 18): Under AS 09.10.140, if the injured person is a minor, the statute of limitations may be tolled until they reach the age of majority. However, the 10-year statute of repose still applies even to minors in most cases.
Mental Incapacity: If a person lacks the mental capacity to understand their legal rights at the time the cause of action accrues, the statute of limitations may be tolled during the period of incapacity.
Discovery Rule: For claims where the injury or wrongdoing is not immediately apparent, Alaska courts apply the discovery rule. The clock starts when the plaintiff knew or reasonably should have known about the injury and its cause.
Fraud or Concealment: If the defendant actively conceals the wrongful conduct, the statute of limitations is tolled until the plaintiff discovers or should have discovered the fraud.
Employment-Related Deadlines
Alaska has specific deadlines for employment-related claims:
Employment Discrimination: You must file a complaint with the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights within 300 days of the alleged discriminatory act. If you file with the EEOC, the same 300-day deadline applies because Alaska has a work-sharing agreement with the federal agency. Court lawsuits for employment discrimination must be filed within 2 years.
Workers' Compensation: Under AS 23.30.105, you must file a workers' compensation claim within 2 years after you become aware of the nature of your disability and its connection to your employment. The absolute maximum filing deadline is 4 years from the date of injury for non-occupational disease claims. Death benefit claims must be filed within 1 year of the death.
Alaska Criminal Statute of Limitations
Alaska's criminal statutes of limitations determine how long prosecutors have to bring criminal charges. These deadlines are found in AS 12.10.010 and related sections.
Crimes With No Time Limit
Under AS 12.10.010(a), the following crimes may be prosecuted at any time, with no deadline:
- Murder
- Attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit murder
- Hindering the prosecution of murder
- Felony sexual abuse of a minor
- Sexual assault (unclassified, class A, or class B felony)
- Kidnapping
- Distribution of child pornography (AS 11.61.125)
- Sex trafficking (unclassified, class A, or class B felony under AS 11.66.110 - 11.66.130)
- Sex crimes committed against someone under 18 (AS 11.41.425, 11.41.427, 11.41.450 - 11.41.458)
Felonies With a 10-Year Limit
Certain violent felonies carry a 10-year statute of limitations. These include assault in the first and second degree, robbery, extortion, and other crimes under AS 11.41.120 through 11.41.330 and specific subsections of AS 11.41.425.
Other Felonies and Misdemeanors (5 Years)
All other felonies and all misdemeanors carry a 5-year statute of limitations under AS 12.10.010(b)(2).
Extended Deadlines for Fraud-Related Crimes
For a criminal offense that includes a material element of fraud or breach of fiduciary obligation, and for an offense based on misconduct in office by a public officer or employee, AS 12.10.020 allows a prosecution to begin within 1 year after discovery of the offense even if the general time limit has already expired. That provision cannot extend the otherwise applicable period by more than 3 years.
A separate rule applies to life insurance. Under AS 12.10.020(d), a prosecution for an offense related to life insurance may also be commenced within 1 year after discovery, with an outer extension of up to 20 years beyond the otherwise applicable period.
Tolling in Criminal Cases
Under AS 12.10.040, the criminal statute of limitations is paused when the suspect is outside the state or absent from their usual place of abode within the state with a purpose to avoid detection, apprehension, or prosecution. This tolling can extend the deadline by a maximum of 3 years.
Summary Table: Alaska Criminal Statutes of Limitations
| Offense Category | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Murder | No limit | AS 12.10.010(a)(1) |
| Kidnapping | No limit | AS 12.10.010(a)(6) |
| Felony Sexual Abuse of Minor | No limit | AS 12.10.010(a)(3) |
| Sexual Assault (Class A/B Felony) | No limit | AS 12.10.010(a)(4) |
| Sex Trafficking (Class A/B Felony) | No limit | AS 12.10.010(a)(8) |
| Child Pornography Distribution | No limit | AS 12.10.010(a)(7) |
| Certain Violent Felonies | 10 years | AS 12.10.010(b)(1) |
| Other Felonies | 5 years | AS 12.10.010(b)(2) |
| All Misdemeanors | 5 years | AS 12.10.010(b)(2) |
| Fraud / Breach of Fiduciary Duty / Official Misconduct | General limit + 1 yr after discovery (max 3 yr extension) | AS 12.10.020 |
Recent Legal Developments
In 2025, the Alaska Supreme Court adopted the "continuous representation" rule for legal malpractice claims. Under this rule, established in Sheldon-Lee v. Birch Horton Bittner, Inc., the statute of limitations for a legal malpractice claim is tolled as long as the attorney continues to represent the client in the same matter. Once the representation ends, the standard limitation period begins to run.
This aligns Alaska with the majority of U.S. jurisdictions that follow the continuous representation rule and provides additional protection for clients who may not realize their attorney has made an error while the representation is still ongoing.
Important Considerations
Filing early is always better. Even if you believe you have time remaining, evidence can be lost, witnesses' memories can fade, and circumstances can change. Filing your claim as soon as possible gives you the strongest case.
The discovery rule has limits. While Alaska courts apply the discovery rule in many situations, the 10-year statute of repose creates an absolute cutoff for most personal injury, death, and property damage claims regardless of when you discovered the harm.
Consult an attorney. Statute of limitations questions often involve complex legal analysis. Tolling provisions, accrual dates, and exceptions can vary based on the specific facts of your case. Consider consulting with an Alaska attorney to confirm the deadline that applies to your situation.
State laws are always subject to change. While our goal is to provide the most current information available, please verify the state law(s) you are researching through the Alaska State Legislature website or by consulting with a licensed Alaska attorney.
More Alaska Laws
- Alaska Car Accident Laws
- Alaska Dog Bite Laws
- Alaska Expungement Laws
- Alaska Slip and Fall Laws
- Alaska Workers Compensation Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Alaska?
Alaska gives you 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under AS 09.10.070. If you did not immediately discover the injury, the discovery rule may delay the start of this 2-year period. However, the 10-year statute of repose under AS 09.10.055 creates an absolute outer deadline in most cases.
Is there a statute of limitations on murder in Alaska?
No. Under AS 12.10.010(a)(1), there is no statute of limitations for murder in Alaska. Prosecutors can bring murder charges at any time, no matter how many years have passed since the crime was committed. The same applies to kidnapping, felony sexual abuse of a minor, and certain sexual assault offenses.
How long do I have to file a breach of contract lawsuit in Alaska?
You have 3 years to file a breach of contract lawsuit in Alaska under AS 09.10.053. This applies to both written and oral contracts. For contracts involving the sale of goods under the UCC, you have 4 years under AS 45.02.725. Actions on judgments and sealed instruments get 10 years under AS 09.10.040.
Can the statute of limitations be paused or extended in Alaska?
Yes. Alaska law allows the statute of limitations to be tolled (paused) in several situations, including when the injured person is a minor, when the person lacks mental capacity, when the defendant has concealed the wrongdoing, and under the discovery rule when the injury was not immediately apparent. In criminal cases, the clock pauses when the suspect is absent from the state or hiding, for up to 3 additional years.
What is Alaska's statute of repose and how does it differ from the statute of limitations?
Alaska's statute of repose under AS 09.10.055 sets a hard 10-year outer deadline for personal injury, death, and property damage claims. Unlike the statute of limitations, the statute of repose cannot be extended by the discovery rule or tolling provisions. Even if you did not know about your injury, the statute of repose bars your claim after 10 years from the date of the last harmful act or substantial completion of construction. Exceptions exist for fraud, misrepresentation, and intentional building code violations.
Updates
Corrected the fraud filing deadline to 2 years under AS 09.10.070 (it was listed as 10 years), fixed the under-8 personal injury rule, which excludes the years before a child's 8th birthday from the clock rather than setting that birthday as a deadline, repointed the criminal fraud and official-misconduct extension to AS 12.10.020, and removed a damages-cap statute that had been cited as a limitations provision.
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes
Corrected the debt-collection deadline from 10 years to 3 years; ordinary consumer debt is a contract-liability claim, not a residual catch-all claim.
Corrected the medical-malpractice minor-tolling threshold from under 6 to under 8 years old (AS 09.10.140(c)), fixed the criminal absence/concealment tolling citation from AS 12.10.020 (the fraud-discovery provision) to the correct AS 12.10.040, and removed a fabricated 'extra year' statute-of-repose exception not found in AS 09.10.055's actual exception list.
Corrected the Sources list, which still mislabeled AS 12.10.020 (Alaska's fraud/fiduciary-breach/official-misconduct/life-insurance discovery provision) as the criminal tolling statute. The article body already correctly cites the real tolling provision, AS 12.10.040, which was missing from the Sources list entirely.
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Reviewed and approved by an editor
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Alaska Statutes, Title 9. Code of Civil Procedure, Chapter 10. Limitations of Actions
§ 09.10.070Actions for torts, for injury to personal property, for certain statutory liabilities, and against peace officers and coroners to be brought in two yearsIn forcecited in 14 of our articles
(a) Except as otherwise provided by law, a person may not bring an action (1) for libel, slander, assault, battery, seduction, or false imprisonment, (2) for personal injury or death, or injury to the rights of another not arising on contract and not specifically provided otherwise; (3) for taking, detaining, or injuring personal property, including an action for its specific recovery; (4) upon a statute for a forfeiture or penalty to the state; or (5) upon a liability created by statute, other than a penalty or forfeiture; unless the action is commenced within two years of the accrual of the cause of action. (b) A person may not bring an action against a peace officer or coroner upon a liability incurred by the doing of an act in an official capacity or by the omission of an official duty, including the nonpayment of money collected upon an execution, unless brought within two years. This subsection does not apply to an action for an escape.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Cited in 228 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
In the courts (editorial summary, independently checked):Alaska courts apply the two-year limit of AS 09.10.070(a) to personal injury and other tort claims. Cikan v. ARCO Alaska, Inc. (2005) held mental incompetency under AS 09.10.140(a) can toll it, with the competency dispute resolved at a pretrial hearing. Robinson v. Alaska Hous. Fin. Corp. (2019) applied it to dismiss untimely tort claims.
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Adkins v. Nabors Alaska Drilling, Inc. (Alaska Supreme Court 1980, 609 P.2d 15)✓A worker who suffered a head injury tripping over a hose at a drilling site added a new defendant eight months after AS 09.10.070's two-year period ran. The court held his evidence of concussion and amnesia raised a fact issue on tolling, so summary judgment was improper.
- Evans Ex Rel. Kutch v. State (Alaska Supreme Court 2002, 56 P.3d 1046)✓Injured plaintiffs facially challenged Alaska's 1997 tort reform, including how AS 09.10.070's two-year limit works with the minors tolling rule. The court held the narrower tolling given to children hurt before their eighth birthday is rationally based and upheld the scheme.
- Cikan v. ARCO Alaska, Inc. (Alaska Supreme Court 2005, 125 P.3d 335)✓A woman who slipped on ice outside an office building and hit her head sued nearly nine years later. The court held AS 09.10.070(a)'s two-year limit would ordinarily bar the claim, but her evidence of post-concussion incompetency required a pretrial evidentiary hearing.
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Alaska Dog Bite Laws: Liability and Victim Rights, Alaska Hit and Run Laws: Penalties and What to Do, Alaska Recording Laws (2026): One-Party Consent Rules
§ 09.10.053Contract actions to be brought in three yearsIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
Unless the action is commenced within three years, a person may not bring an action upon a contract or liability, express or implied, except as provided in AS 09.10.040, or as otherwise provided by law, or, except if the provisions of this section are waived by contract.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Cited in 51 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Robinson v. Alaska Hous. Fin. Corp. (Alaska Supreme Court 2019, 442 P.3d 763)“…could be granted). See AS 09.10.070(a). See AS 09.10.053. Clemensen v. Providence Alaska…”
- Gefre v. Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP (Alaska Supreme Court 2013, 306 P.3d 1264)“…14- 6804 AS 09.10.053.16 We have held previously that actions…”
- Christianson v. Conrad-Houston Insurance (Alaska Supreme Court 2014)“…rguing that Christianson’s malpractice action was barred by AS 09.10.053 because the statute of limitations bega…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Debt Collection Laws by State: Garnishment, SOL, and Repossession Rules, Alaska Debt Collection Laws: Wage Garnishment, Statute of Limitations, and Repossession
§ 09.10.100Other actions in 10 yearsIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
An action for a cause not otherwise provided for may be commenced within 10 years after the cause of action has accrued.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Cited in 16 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Heustess v. Kelley-Heustess (Alaska Supreme Court 2011, 259 P.3d 462)“…1991 to 1997 because the 10-year statute of limitations in AS 09.10.100 bars the claim. Bonnie contends that th…”
- Krause v. Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Alaska Supreme Court 2010, 229 P.3d 168)“…er statutes of limitations-ten years under AS 09.10.0830 or AS 09.10.100, or six years under AS 09.10.050-apply.…”
- Bradshaw v. State, Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles (Alaska Supreme Court 2010, 224 P.3d 118)“…rgues that the ten-year statute of limitations contained in AS 09.10.100 prevents the state from enforcing the $…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 09.10.055Statute of repose of 10 yearsIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
(a) Notwithstanding the disability of minority described under AS 09.10.140(a), a person may not bring an action for personal injury, death, or property damage unless commenced within 10 years of the earlier of the date of (1) substantial completion of the construction alleged to have caused the personal injury, death, or property damage; however, the limitation of this paragraph does not apply to a claim resulting from an intentional or reckless disregard of specific project design plans and specifications or building codes; in this paragraph, substantial completion means the date when construction is sufficiently completed to allow the owner or a person authorized by the owner to occupy the improvement or to use the improvement in the manner for which it was intended; or (2) the last act alleged to have caused the personal injury, death, or property damage.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Cited in 20 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2023
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Evans Ex Rel. Kutch v. State (Alaska Supreme Court 2002, 56 P.3d 1046)“…s under AS 09.65.096; and (7) the "statute of repose" under AS 09.10.055. In addition to the specific challeng…”
- Turner Const. Co., Inc. v. Scales (Alaska Supreme Court 1988, 752 P.2d 467)“…The question in these consolidated cases is whether AS 09.10.055, the six-year statute of repose on suit…”
- Raymond Dapo v. State of Alaska, Office of Children's Services and Taun Lucas (Alaska Supreme Court 2019, 454 P.3d 171)“…lding that it was barred by the ten-year statute of repose, AS 09.10.055(a). The man appeals. We hold that the s…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Medical Malpractice Laws in Alaska (2026): Deadlines & Caps, Alaska Medical Records Retention Laws (2026 Guide)
§ 09.10.050Certain property actions to be brought in six yearsIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
Unless the action is commenced within six years, a person may not bring an action for waste or trespass upon real property.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Cited in 74 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2022
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Howarth v. First National Bank of Anchorage (Alaska Supreme Court 1975, 540 P.2d 486)“…r 11, 1967, at which time his cause of action was barred by AS 09.10.050.” The statute of limitations beg…”
- Lee Houston & Associates, Ltd. v. Racine (Alaska Supreme Court 1991, 806 P.2d 848)“…y brought within the six-year limitation period provided by AS 09.10.050. We have held that the "gravamen" o…”
- Fernandes v. Portwine (Alaska Supreme Court 2002, 56 P.3d 1)“…erference with the Portwines' real property rights and that AS 09.10.050 therefore applied. Alaska Statute 09.10…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Alaska Car Accident Laws: Fault, Insurance, and Your Claim
§ 09.10.065Commencement of actions for acts constituting sexual offensesIn force
(a) A person may bring an action at any time for conduct that would have, at the time the conduct occurred, violated provisions of any of the following offenses: (1) felony sexual abuse of a minor; (2) felony sexual assault; (3) unlawful exploitation of a minor; (4) felony sex trafficking; or (5) felony human trafficking. (b) Unless the action is commenced within three years of the accrual of the claim for relief, a person may not bring an action for conduct that would have, at the time the conduct occurred, violated the provisions of any of the following offenses: (1) misdemeanor sexual abuse of a minor; (2) misdemeanor sexual assault; (3) incest; or (4) felony indecent exposure.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Cited in 8 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2020
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Catholic Bishop of Northern Alaska v. John Does 1-6 (Alaska Supreme Court 2006, 141 P.3d 719)“…the law that applies to this case. We conclude that AS 09.10.065 does not revive civil claims that were…”
- Raymond Dapo v. State of Alaska, Office of Children's Services and Taun Lucas (Alaska Supreme Court 2019, 454 P.3d 171)“…of the “intentional act” exception and, separately, because AS 09.10.065(a) allows “[a] person [to] bring an act…”
- Reasner v. State, Department of Health & Social Services, Office of Children's Services (Alaska Supreme Court 2017, 394 P.3d 610)“…ey are timely as a matter of law under a different statute, AS 09.10.065(a). We disagree. Alaska S…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 09.10.040Action upon judgment or sealed instrument in 10 yearsIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) A person may not bring an action upon a judgment or decree of a court of the United States, or of a state or territory within the United States, and an action may not be brought upon a sealed instrument, unless the action is commenced within 10 years. (b) [Repealed, 54 ch 132 SLA 1998.]
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Cited in 30 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State, Department of Revenue, Child Support Enforcement Division, Ex Rel. Valdez v. Valdez (Alaska Supreme Court 1997, 941 P.2d 144)“…mitations pertaining to “an action upon a judgment,” former AS 09.10.040. AS 09.10.040, amended, ch…”
- Heustess v. Kelley-Heustess (Alaska Supreme Court 2011, 259 P.3d 462)“…allments that were more than ten years old, reasoning that "AS 09.10.040, the statute of limitations applicable…”
- State, Department of Revenue, Child Support Enforcement Division Ex Rel. Inman v. Dean (Alaska Supreme Court 1995, 902 P.2d 1321)“…before the date of the motion. Each court held that former AS 09.10.040, 1 the statute of limitati…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 09.10.140Disabilities of minority and incompetencyIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
(a) Except as provided under (c) of this section, if a person entitled to bring an action mentioned in this chapter is at the time the cause of action accrues either (1) under the age of majority, or (2) incompetent by reason of mental illness or mental disability, the time of a disability identified in (1) or (2) of this subsection is not a part of the time limit for the commencement of the action. Except as provided in (b) of this section, the period within which the action may be brought is not extended in any case longer than two years after the disability ceases.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Cited in 49 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Adkins v. Nabors Alaska Drilling, Inc. (Alaska Supreme Court 1980, 609 P.2d 15)“…on is whether Adkins could, under Alaska’s tolling statute, AS 09.10.140, add Nabors as a party defendant after…”
- Evans Ex Rel. Kutch v. State (Alaska Supreme Court 2002, 56 P.3d 1046)“…The Limitations Tolling Procedure for Minors, Defined by AS 09.10.140, Is Facially Constitutional. Alaska…”
- Cikan v. ARCO Alaska, Inc. (Alaska Supreme Court 2005, 125 P.3d 335)“…10.070(a). 9 But Cikan claimed mental incompetency. Under AS 09.10.140(a), mental incompetency tolls the two-y…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Alaska Statutes, Title 9. Code of Civil Procedure, Chapter 55. Special Actions and Proceedings
§ 09.55.580Action for wrongful deathIn forcecited in 6 of our articles
(a) Except as provided under (f) of this section and AS 09.65.145, when the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act or omission of another, the personal representatives of the former may maintain an action therefor against the latter, if the former might have maintained an action, had the person lived, against the latter for an injury done by the same act or omission. The action shall be commenced within two years after the death, and the damages therein shall be the damages the court or jury may consider fair and just. The amount recovered, if any, shall be exclusively for the benefit of the decedent's spouse and children when the decedent is survived by a spouse or children, or other dependents. When the decedent is survived by no spouse or children or other dependents, the amount recovered shall be administered as other personal property of the decedent but shall be limited to pecuniary loss. When the plaintiff prevails, the trial court shall determine the allowable costs and expenses of the action and may, in its discretion, require notice and hearing thereon.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-06 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Cited in 72 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Atkinson v. Haldane (Alaska Supreme Court 1977, 569 P.2d 151)“…a Indian Community by virtue of 28 U.S.C. § 1360 (a) 1970, AS 09.55.580 and AS 09.65.070. [2] The superior cou…”
- Haakanson v. Wakefield Seafoods, Inc. (Alaska Supreme Court 1979, 600 P.2d 1087)“…o extend the time limit for bringing an action set forth in AS 09.55.580, 2 the wrongful death stat…”
- L.D.G., Inc. v. Brown (Alaska Supreme Court 2009, 211 P.3d 1110)“…because it is relevant to Alaska's wrongful death statute, AS 09.55.580. That statute limits damages to "the na…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Motorcycle Accident Laws in Alaska (2026): Deadlines & Helmets, Alaska Punitive Damages Laws: Cap, Proof and State Share (2026), Truck Accident Laws in Alaska (2026): Deadlines & Liability
§ 09.55.549Limitation on damages from health care provider's servicesIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) Notwithstanding AS 09.17.010, noneconomic damages for personal injury or death based on the provision of services by a health care provider may only be awarded as provided in this section. (b) In an action to recover damages for personal injury or wrongful death based on the provision of services by a health care provider, damages may include both economic and noneconomic damages. (c) Damage claims for noneconomic losses shall be limited to compensation for pain, suffering, inconvenience, physical impairment, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and other nonpecuniary damage, but may not include hedonic damages. (d) Except as provided in (e) of this section, the damages awarded by a court or a jury under (c) of this section for all claims including a loss of consortium claim or other derivative claim arising out of a single injury may not exceed $250,000 regardless of the number of health care providers against whom the claim is asserted or the number of separate claims or causes of action brought with respect to the injury.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Cited in 4 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2023
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Nixola Jean Doan, Personal Representative of the Estate of Tristana Laurene Doan, and Nixola Jean Doan, Individually v. Banner Health, Inc., D/B/A Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Northern Hospital Assoc., LLC James W. Cagle, D.O. Golden Heart Emergency Physicians and Faye Lee, M.D. (Alaska Supreme Court 2023, 535 P.3d 537)“…AS 09.55.530-.560. 38 AS 09.55.549(b). 39 AS 09.55.549(…”
- Adkins v. Collens (Alaska Supreme Court 2019, 444 P.3d 187)“…ges in medical malpractice actions should apply here. See AS 09.55.549. But this is not a medical malpractice…”
- Thomas J. Knolmayer, M.D., Alaska Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, LLC. v. Charina McCollum and Jason McCollum (Alaska Supreme Court 2022, 520 P.3d 634)“…s and she is limited to $250,000 in non-economic damages by AS 09.55.549(d), McCollum asserts that she will be l…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Alaska Statutes, Title 45. Trade and Commerce, Chapter 02. Sales
§ 45.02.725Statute of limitations in contracts for saleIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) An action for breach of a contract for sale must be commenced within four years after the cause of action has accrued. By the original agreement the parties may reduce the period of limitation to not less than one year but may not extend it. (b) A cause of action accrues when the breach occurs, regardless of the aggrieved party's lack of knowledge of the breach. A breach of warranty occurs when tender of delivery is made, except that, if a warranty explicitly extends to future performance of the goods and discovery of the breach must await the time of performance, the cause of action accrues when the breach is or should have been discovered. (c) If an action commenced within the time limited by (a) of this section is so terminated as to leave available a remedy by another action for the same breach, the other action may be commenced after the expiration of the time limited and within six months after the termination of the first action unless the termination resulted from voluntary discontinuance or from dismissal for failure or neglect to prosecute.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Cited in 8 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Ranes & Shine, LLC v. MacDonald Miller Alaska, Inc. (Alaska Supreme Court 2015, 355 P.3d 503)“…ations period 2 and that Timmerman 2 See AS 45.02.725(a)-(b) (“An action for breach of a cont…”
- Armour v. Alaska Power Authority (Alaska Supreme Court 1988, 765 P.2d 1372)“…an individual, does the statute of limitations provided in AS 45.02.725 begin to run on the date the product is…”
- Kodiak Electric Ass'n v. Delaval Turbine, Inc. (Alaska Supreme Court 1984, 694 P.2d 150)“…y the Uniform Commercial Code, codified as AS 45.02. AS 45.02.725 provides in part: (a) An action…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Alaska Statutes, Title 12. Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 10. Limitations of Actions
§ 12.10.040When period of limitation does not runIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) The period of limitation does not run during any time when the accused, with a purpose to avoid detection, apprehension, or prosecution, is outside the state or is absent from the accused's usual place of abode within the state, but in no case shall this provision extend the period of limitation otherwise applicable by more than three years. (b) The period of limitation does not run during any time when a prosecution against the accused for the same conduct is pending in this state.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Cited in 3 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2006
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Shaw v. State (Court of Appeals of Alaska 1981, 634 P.2d 381)“…ations had expired. 2 This appeal requires us to interpret AS 12.10.040, which reads as follows: When perio…”
- Catholic Bishop of Northern Alaska v. John Does 1-6 (Alaska Supreme Court 2006, 141 P.3d 719)“…nd any period when the limitations period did not run under AS 12.10.040.[ 24 ] The plaintif…”
- O'Shea v. State (Court of Appeals of Alaska 1984, 683 P.2d 286)“…ime must commence within five years of the prohibited act); AS 12.10.040 (limitation period tolled for a maximum…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 12.10.020Specific time limitationIn force
(a) Even if the general time limitation has expired, a prosecution for any offense that includes a material element of fraud or breach of fiduciary obligation may be commenced within one year after the discovery of the offense by an aggrieved party or by a person who has legal capacity to represent an aggrieved party or a legal duty to report the offense and who is not a party to the offense, but in no case shall this provision extend the period of limitation otherwise applicable by more than three years. (b) Even if the general time limitation has expired, a prosecution for any offense based upon misconduct in office by a public officer or employee may be commenced within one year after discovery of the offense by a person having a duty to report such offense, but in no case shall this provision extend the period of limitation otherwise applicable by more than three years.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Cited in 14 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2022
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Creekpaum (Court of Appeals of Alaska 1987, 732 P.2d 557)“…re, in 1988, had extended the statute of limitations. See AS 12.10.020(c). The question is, could the amended…”
- Gottlieb v. State (Court of Appeals of Alaska 2008, 175 P.3d 664)“…If the crime involves a “material element of fraud,” AS 12.10.020(a) extends the general time limitation…”
- Jensen v. State (Court of Appeals of Alaska 1985, 707 P.2d 940)“…the general five-year statute of limitations created under AS 12.10.020(c), the superior court denied Jensen’s…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Alaska Statutes, Title 23. Labor and Workers' Compensation, Chapter 30. Alaska Workers' Compensation Act
§ 23.30.105Time for filing of claimsIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) The right to compensation for disability under this chapter is barred unless a claim for it is filed within two years after the employee has knowledge of the nature of the employee's disability and its relation to the employment and after disablement. However, the maximum time for filing the claim in any event other than arising out of an occupational disease shall be four years from the date of injury, and the right to compensation for death is barred unless a claim therefor is filed within one year after the death, except that, if payment of compensation has been made without an award on account of the injury or death, a claim may be filed within two years after the date of the last payment of benefits under AS 23.30.041, 23.30.043, 23.30.180, 23.30.185, 23.30.190, 23.30.200, or 23.30.215. It is additionally provided that, in the case of latent defects pertinent to and causing compensable disability, the injured employee has full right to claim as shall be determined by the board, time limitations notwithstanding.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Cited in 31 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2023
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Morrison-Knudsen Company v. Vereen (Alaska Supreme Court 1966, 414 P.2d 536)“…itations notwithstanding. 2 The purpose of AS 23.30.105(a)’s limitation as to the filing of a c…”
- W. R. Grasle Co. v. Alaska Workmen's Compensation Board (Alaska Supreme Court 1974, 517 P.2d 999)“…ust decide how the confusing limitation of actions section, AS 23.30.105, applies to Raith’s claim, and whether…”
- Suh v. Pingo Corp. (Alaska Supreme Court 1987, 736 P.2d 342)“…ensation order which may be appealed to the superior court. AS 23.30.105(a); 23.30.110. Alternatively, if the…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Alaska Workers' Compensation Laws: Benefits, Deadlines, and Your Rights
Alaska Statutes, Title 11: Criminal Law (Ch. 61, Offenses Against Public Order)
§ 11.61.125Distribution of child sexual abuse materialIn forcecited in 5 of our articles
(a) A person commits the crime of distribution of child sexual abuse material if the person distributes in this state or advertises, promotes, solicits, or offers to distribute in this state any material that is proscribed under AS 11.61.127. (b) This section does not apply to (1) acts that are an integral part of the exhibition or performance of a motion picture if the acts are performed within the scope of employment by a motion picture operator or projectionist employed by the owner or manager of a theater or other place for the showing of motion pictures, unless the motion picture operator or projectionist (A) has a financial interest in the theater or place in which employed; or (B) causes the performance or motion picture to be performed or exhibited without
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-02 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Also relied on in: Alaska Age of Consent Laws: Statutes, Penalties and Reporting, Alaska AI Laws and Regulation (2026), Alaska Sexting Laws: Legal Consequences and Penalties
Alaska Statutes, Title 11. Criminal Law, Chapter 66. Offenses Against Public Health and Decency
§ 11.66.110Sex trafficking in the first degreeIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) A person commits the crime of sex trafficking in the first degree if the person (1) induces or causes another person to engage in prostitution through the use of force; (2) as other than a patron of a prostitute, induces or causes another person who is under 20 years of age to engage in prostitution; or (3) induces or causes a person in that person's legal custody to engage in prostitution. (b) In a prosecution under (a)(2) of this section, it is not a defense that the defendant reasonably believed that the person induced or caused to engage in prostitution was 20 years of age or older. (c) Except as provided in (d) of this section, sex trafficking in the first degree is a class A felony. (d) A person convicted under (a)(2) of this section is guilty of an unclassified felony.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Cited in 8 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2019
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Bell v. State (Court of Appeals of Alaska 1983, 668 P.2d 829)“…promoting prostitution in the first degree in violation of AS 11.66.110(a)(2) and managing a prostitution enter…”
- Doe v. State (Alaska Supreme Court 2008, 189 P.3d 999)“…tion for that offense; (v) AS 11.61.125-11.61.127; (vi) AS 11.66.110 or 11.66.130(a)(2) if the person who wa…”
- Doe v. State, Department of Public Safety (Alaska Supreme Court 2004, 92 P.3d 398)“…n for that offense; (v) AS 11.61.125 or 11.61.127; (vi) AS 11.66.110 or 11.66.130(a)(2) if the person who wa…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Sources and References
- AS 09.10.070 - Actions for torts to be brought in two years(akleg.gov).gov
- AS 09.10.053 - Contract actions to be brought in three years(akleg.gov).gov
- AS 09.10.050 - Certain property actions to be brought in six years(akleg.gov).gov
- AS 09.10.100 - Other actions to be brought in ten years (fraud, debt, rent)(akleg.gov).gov
- AS 09.10.040 - Action upon judgment or sealed instrument in ten years(akleg.gov).gov
- AS 09.10.055 - Statute of repose of 10 years(akleg.gov).gov
- AS 09.10.065 - Actions for sexual offenses(akleg.gov).gov
- AS 09.55.580 - Wrongful death action limitation(akleg.gov).gov
- AS 09.55.549 - Medical malpractice limitation on damages(akleg.gov).gov
- AS 09.10.140 - Disabilities of minority and incompetency(akleg.gov).gov
- AS 12.10.010 - General criminal time limitations(akleg.gov).gov
- AS 12.10.040 - Tolling of criminal statute of limitations (defendant's absence from the state)(akleg.gov).gov
- AS 45.02.725 - Statute of limitations in contracts for sale (UCC)(akleg.gov).gov
- AS 23.30.105 - Time for filing workers compensation claims(akleg.gov).gov
- Alaska State Commission for Human Rights - Filing a Complaint(humanrights.alaska.gov).gov
- AS 12.10.020 - Specific time limitation (fraud, breach of fiduciary obligation, official misconduct, life insurance offenses)(akleg.gov)
- Bauman v. Day, 892 P.2d 817 (Alaska 1995) - fraud and misrepresentation are tort claims subject to the two-year statute of limitations(courtlistener.com)