As experienced Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen too many potential clients lose their right to compensation because they waited too long to take action. If you’ve been injured in Utah, understanding the statute of limitations is crucial. Here’s what you need to know:
- What is a Statute of Limitations? It’s a law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated.
- General Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in Utah For most personal injury cases in Utah, you have four years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.
- Exceptions to the Rule Some types of cases have different time limits:
- Medical Malpractice: Generally two years from discovery of the injury, but no more than four years from the date of the medical error
- Wrongful Death: Two years from the date of death
- Product Liability: Two years from the date of injury
- Claims Against Government Entities: One year to file a notice of claim, then one year from denial to file a lawsuit
- Discovery Rule In some cases, the clock doesn’t start ticking until you discover (or reasonably should have discovered) your injury. This often applies in medical malpractice or toxic exposure cases.
- Tolling the Statute of Limitations Certain circumstances can “pause” the statute of limitations:
- If the injured person is a minor, the clock typically doesn’t start until they turn 18
- If the defendant leaves the state or conceals themselves, the time they’re gone might not count towards the limit
- Why Acting Quickly is Crucial Even if you have years to file, it’s best to start your claim process as soon as possible:
- Evidence can disappear or degrade over time
- Witnesses’ memories may fade
- You’ll have more time to build a strong case
- The Danger of Waiting If you file your lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the court will likely dismiss your case, no matter how strong it is.
- Insurance Company Tactics Be aware that insurance companies may try to delay your claim, hoping the statute of limitations will run out.
- Multiple Deadlines to Consider Remember, the deadline for filing an insurance claim is often much shorter than the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit.
- Complexities in Some Cases Determining the correct statute of limitations can be complex, especially in cases involving:
- Multiple defendants
- Ongoing or cumulative injuries
- Injuries that worsen over time
- The Importance of Legal Counsel An experienced attorney can:
- Accurately determine which statute of limitations applies to your case
- Ensure all necessary legal actions are taken before deadlines
- Identify any exceptions or tolling factors that might apply to your case
At Christian Burridge Law Firm, we have extensive experience navigating Utah’s statutes of limitations. We understand the complexities of these laws and how to ensure our client’s rights are protected.
Don’t let time rob you of your right to compensation. If you’ve been injured in Utah, contact Christian Burridge Law Firm today at 877-BURRIDGE or click here for a free consultation.
We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and ensure that all necessary legal actions are taken before any deadlines expire. Remember, you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Time is not on your side when it comes to personal injury claims. Don’t wait – reach out to us today and let our experienced legal team protect your rights to compensation.
The clock is ticking on your injury claim. Don’t risk losing your right to fair compensation because of a missed deadline. Call now for your free, confidential consultation, and let us help you navigate Utah’s complex statute of limitations laws.
