Alaska Personal Injury Laws

When an injury could not reasonably have been discovered at the time it occurred, the statute begins running from the date the injury was or should have been discovered.

The statute of limitations is tolled (paused) for minors until they reach the age of 18, at which point the standard limitation period begins.

Wrongful death actions must be commenced within 2 years after the date of death. The personal representative of the deceased may bring the action.

Alaska does not impose a statutory cap on compensatory (economic) damages in general personal injury cases.

Punitive damages are capped at the greater of three times the compensatory damages or $500,000. Higher caps apply when the defendant acted for financial gain with knowledge of adverse consequences (greater of 4x compensatory, $7 million, or 4x financial gain). 50% of punitive awards go to the state general fund.

Each defendant is liable only for the percentage of damages equal to that defendant's percentage of fault. Alaska has abolished joint and several liability for most cases, meaning each defendant pays only their share.

When a death is caused by the wrongful act of another, the personal representative may bring an action within 2 years. Damages are for the benefit of the surviving spouse, children, or other dependents.

Product liability claims generally cannot be brought more than 10 years after the product was first purchased for use or consumption, with limited exceptions.