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.