How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Utah?

In Utah, strict deadlines govern when you can file a personal injury claim, known as the statute of limitations. Missing these deadlines means losing your right to compensation—no matter how strong your case might be. If you have been hurt in an unexpected accident, it is important to contact a St. George personal injury lawyer and get started on your case right away.

Utah’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

Differing filing deadlines apply to different types of personal injury lawsuits. For most common accidents including car crashes and slip-and-fall incidents, you have four years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit. This timeframe is outlined in Utah Code § 78B-2-307.

However, certain claims operate under much tighter deadlines: 

• If you are pursuing a wrongful death claim, you have only two years from the date of death to take legal action, as specified in Utah Code § 78B-2-304.
• Product liability cases also follow a two-year deadline. The clock starts when you discovered—or reasonably should have discovered—both the injury and its cause, according to Utah Code § 78B-6-706.
• For medical malpractice claims, you generally have two years from when the injury was or should have been discovered to file a lawsuit. There is a four-year limit from when the negligent act occurred, regardless of when you discovered it. This timeline is established in Utah Code § 78B-3-404.

Exceptions That May Extend or Shorten the Filing Deadline

Several exceptions can affect the statute of limitations in Utah:

• The Discovery Rule: In cases involving hidden injuries, the clock starts running on the day when you reasonably could have discovered your injury through due diligence. 
• Claims Against Government Entities: If your injury involves a government entity or employee, you must provide the government with notice of your claim and allow 60 days for a response before filing. This applies to claims involving public schools, police departments, and social service agencies. 
• Underage or Cognitively Disabled Victims: Utah law pauses the statute of limitations for minors and individuals deemed mentally incompetent to file on their own behalf. Once the person reaches adulthood or regains competency, the statute of limitations begins running.

Why Acting Quickly Protects Your Right to Compensation

Waiting too long to file a personal injury claim can seriously damage your case. First, the court will likely dismiss your case and prevent you from seeking compensation for your losses. This can lead to significant financial hardship in the future. 

As time goes on, evidence disappears, witnesses forget important details, and documentation becomes harder to obtain. Taking immediate action allows your attorney to preserve critical evidence while it’s still available and build a stronger case on your behalf.

Quick action also demonstrates the seriousness of your claim and positions you to negotiate from strength rather than desperation.

Contact a Utah Personal Injury Attorney to Discuss Your Claim Today

The clock starts ticking the moment your injury occurs, and waiting too long can mean losing your right to compensation entirely. The sooner you act, the stronger your case becomes.

We Win Injury Law can immediately begin preserving critical evidence, documenting your damages, and building a compelling claim while the details are still fresh. Contact us at (435) 688-9558 now for a free consultation, and let’s make sure your claim gets filed correctly and on time.