Opinion ID: 1293038
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: conclusion

Text: The claims statute, A.R.S. § 12-821(A) is not jurisdictional. Therefore, the trial court could not properly dismiss the case for lack of subject matter jurisdiction under Rule 12(b)(1). To the extent the motion was founded on Rule 12(b)(6) (failure to state a claim), it became a motion for summary judgment once materials outside the pleadings were considered. Summary judgment was not appropriate because material issues of fact exist as to plaintiff's competence and excusable neglect. Such issues of fact are matters properly left to the jury, and could not be resolved by the trial judge. The trial court judgment of dismissal is reversed, the opinion of the court of appeals is vacated, and the case is remanded to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. GORDON, C.J., FELDMAN, V.C.J., and CAMERON and CORCORAN, JJ., concur.