Utah Personal Injury Statutes of Limitations

If you’ve been injured in Utah due to someone else’s negligence, time is not on your side. The state’s statutes of limitations impose strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims—and missing them could mean losing your right to compensation forever.

Whether you’re dealing with a car accident, medical malpractice, or slip and fall, this guide will help you:
✔ Understand Utah’s filing deadlines for different cases
✔ Learn exceptions that may extend your timeline
✔ Discover what steps to take immediately
✔ Avoid critical mistakes that could hurt your claim

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Statute of Limitations?

A statute of limitations is a legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. Once it expires, courts typically dismiss cases—no matter how strong your claim.

Why It Matters in Utah:

  • Insurance companies delay settlements hoping you’ll miss the deadline.

  • Evidence disappears over time (witness memories fade, security footage gets erased).

  • Judges strictly enforce these deadlines with few exceptions.

Utah’s Personal Injury Deadlines (2024 Update)

Type of CaseStatute of LimitationsUtah Code
Car Accidents4 years§78B-2-307
Slip and Fall4 years§78B-2-307
Medical Malpractice2 years (from discovery)§78B-3-404
Wrongful Death2 years§78B-2-304
Product Liability2 years§78B-6-706
Dog Bites4 years§78B-2-307
Government Claims1 year§63G-7-401

Key Takeaway:
Most injury claims in Utah must be filed within 2–4 years, but exceptions exist (see below).

Critical Exceptions That Extend Deadlines

1. The "Discovery Rule" (Delayed Injury Awareness)

  • Applies to medical malpractice and asbestos cases.

  • Deadline starts when you discover (or should have discovered) the injury.

  • Example: A surgeon leaves a sponge inside a patient. The 2-year countdown begins when the patient experiences symptoms, not the surgery date.

2. Minor Plaintiffs (Under 18 Years Old)

  • The clock pauses until the child turns 18.

  • Example: A 16-year-old injured in a crash has until age 22 to file (4 years after turning 18).

3. Defendant Leaves Utah

  • If the at-fault party moves out of state, the deadline may be paused until they return.

4. Mental Incapacity

  • If the victim is mentally incompetent, the deadline may be extended.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to File

Even with a 4-year window, acting fast is crucial because:
🔹 Evidence deteriorates (witnesses forget details, surveillance footage is deleted).
🔹 Insurance companies fight harder against older claims.
🔹 Lawyers need time to build a strong case.

Real Case Example:
A Utah cyclist waited 3.5 years to sue after a hit-and-run. By then, the driver’s insurance had destroyed evidence. The case settled for far less than it was worth.

Special Rules for Government Claims

Suing a city, state agency, or public employee? Utah has stricter rules:
✔ File a notice of claim within 1 year of the injury.
✔ The government has 90 days to respond.
✔ If denied, you then have 1 year to file a lawsuit.

Example: If you’re hurt by a Salt Lake City bus, you must notify the city within 365 days or lose your right to sue.

What to Do If You’re Injured in Utah

  1. Seek medical care (even for minor injuries—document everything).

  2. Report the incident (to police, employer, or property owner).

  3. Gather evidence (photos, witness contacts, medical records).

  4. Consult a personal injury lawyer before speaking to insurers.

  5. File before the deadline (don’t cut it close!).

How a Utah Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

An experienced attorney will:
✔ Identify all possible defendants (sometimes more than one party is liable).
✔ Handle paperwork and deadlines so you don’t miss a step.
✔ Negotiate with insurers while you focus on recovery.
✔ File a lawsuit if necessary before time runs out.

Did You Know?
Most injury firms offer free consultations and work on contingency fees (you pay only if they win).

Conclusion: Don’t Lose Your Right to Compensation

Utah’s statutes of limitations are strict but manageable—if you act fast. Whether you have 4 years or just 1, the sooner you start, the stronger your case will be.

Need Help?
🔹 Contact a top-rated Utah personal injury attorney today for a free case review.

Read also: https://sites.google.com/view/utahpersonalinjurystatutesofli/

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