Utah's Statute of Limitations
Preliminary Note: Statutes of limitations restrict the time period that a person can file a lawsuit. These statutes not only vary by state, but they also vary by cause of action. The following guide provides limitations periods for each state, but only for particular causes of action; specifically, those related to personal injury, medical malpractice, and products liability claims. The sections discussing special rules for minors only apply to the causes of action listed for that particular state.
Wrongful Death
A wrongful death action must be filed within two years of the date of death.
Personal Injury Actions
Generally, personal injury actions must be brought within four years of the date of the injury. Depending on the facts, however, some cases must be brought within two years. For example, in cases where the negligence of another caused death, the action must be brought within two years.
Medical Malpractice Actions
Actions against health-care providers must be filed within two years of the date that the act giving rise to the injury occurred or within two years from the date that the injury was, or should have been, discovered. In no event may a person file a medical malpractice action more than four years from the date of the act giving rise to the injury. These time limitations also apply to minors under 18.
Medical Malpractice Actions Based on Insertion of a Foreign Object
In these cases, suit must be filed within two years of insertion of the object or within two years from the date the plaintiff discovered, or should have discovered, the object. These time limitations also apply to minors under 18.
Products Liability Actions
Products liability actions must be brought within two years after the plaintiff suffers the injury or within two years from the date the plaintiff discovered, or should have discovered, the injury.
Special Rules for Minors
Except in cases of medical malpractice or wrongful death, the statute of limitations begins to run on the minor’s 18th birthday.
Please note: State law information collected from LexisNexis™ electronic database in 2005. All of our lawyers are licensed to practice in the state of Pennsylvania. We also have lawyers licensed to practice in Ohio, and West Virginia and we associate with experienced attorneys in other states.
The materials at this web site have been prepared by our Law Firm for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. These materials do not, and are not, intended to constitute legal advice. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. The information provided at this site is subject to change without notice. Although we try to keep our site current and accurate, you should not rely on this information or its applicability to any specific circumstances without speaking with an attorney.
