1. To come into existence as an enforceable claim or right; to arise (the plaintiff’s cause of action for silicosis did not accrue until the plaintiff knew or had reason to know of the disease). [Cases: Action 61; Limitation of Actions 43–114. C.J.S. Actions §§ 230–234; Contracts § 582; Employ-er–Employee Relationship § 87; Limitations of Actions §§ 21, 81–195, 197–212, 303; Physicians, Surgeons, and Other Health-Care Providers § 108; RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) § 16.]
“The term ‘accrue’ in the context of a cause of action means to arrive, to commence, to come into existence, or to become a present enforceable demand or right. The time of accrual of a cause of action is a question of fact.” 2 Ann Taylor Schwing, California Affirmative Defenses § 25:3, at 17–18 (2d ed. 1996).
2. To accumulate periodically (the savings-account interest accrues monthly). — accrual, n.
