How long do I have to sue for personal injury in Utah?
In Utah, you generally have four years to sue for personal injury, but there are a few exceptions that you need to know about. If your claim is against a governmental entity, you must take specific steps within the first year after your injury. If you have a case for a defective product or medical malpractice, you must bring your claim within two years. Knowing which statute of limitations applies to any case can be tricky, so you should consult an attorney to determine how long you have to make your claim.
A statute of limitations is the time you are allowed to file a court case. In Utah, the most commonly used statute of limitations for a personal injury case is found in Utah Code § 78B-2-307. That statute says that, unless a different statute of limitations applies, you have four years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit to recover the medical costs of your injury and money for the pain and suffering that you have experienced as a result of your injury. Missing this critical deadline typically results in your case being barred from court.
There are many reasons to act quickly after being injured in a car accident, a dog bite, or a slip and fall case. One of the most important reasons is that establishing the circumstances of your case early on can lead to a more prompt settlement. If you don’t file in court within the right amount of time, you may lose your right to file a personal injury claim in Utah.
While many cases are settled out of court, it’s essential to work with an attorney immediately after an accident to build the best case possible to present a strong case to the insurance company that will be handling your case. Delays in pursuing a fair settlement can result in losing critical evidence, allow witness memories to fade, and lead to complications with insurance claims. Your team of attorneys and paralegals can help guide you every step of the way, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks. By building the strongest case possible, you can maximize case preparation and increase the chances of fair compensation.
Dealing with all of the details after an injury can be highly stressful. Our team at the Schriever Law Firm can help evaluate your case’s deadlines, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company so you don’t have to. Whether you were injured recently or over a year ago, contact us for a free injury case consultation. We’ll help you discover the following steps to receiving the compensation you deserve. Don’t miss any critical deadlines. Call today.