How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Salt Lake City?
You have four years from the date of your injury to file most personal injury lawsuits in Utah. This deadline applies to car accidents, slip and fall cases, and most other injury claims.
Medical malpractice cases have a shorter deadline of two years from when you discovered or should have discovered the injury. Product liability and wrongful death cases also have two-year filing deadlines.
Missing these deadlines means losing your right to seek compensation. Contact a lawyer immediately if you're unsure about your filing deadline.
Do I need to pay upfront for a personal injury lawyer in Salt Lake City?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. Many firms offer "no-fee guarantees" where legal fees are only charged if you receive compensation.
During your free consultation, the lawyer will explain their fee structure. Good Guys Injury Law and other local firms typically offer free, no-obligation consultations to evaluate your case.
You should never pay hourly fees or retainers for a standard personal injury case.
What types of personal injury cases do Salt Lake City lawyers handle?
Local attorneys handle a wide range of injury cases including:
- Car and truck accidents - the most common type of personal injury case
- Medical malpractice - when healthcare providers fail to meet standards of care
- Slip and fall accidents - injuries on someone else's property
- Wrongful death - when negligence causes a fatality
- Product liability - defective products that cause harm
- Dog bites - animal attacks resulting in injury
- Workplace accidents - injuries occurring on the job
Each year in Utah, there are more than 181,000 emergency department visits due to unintentional injuries, showing how common these cases are.
How do I choose the best personal injury lawyer in Salt Lake City?
Look for attorneys with specific experience in your type of case. Established firms like Cutt, Kendell & Olson have recovered over $700 million for clients since 2000, demonstrating proven results.
Key factors to consider:
- Track record - Ask about recent settlements and verdicts
- Specialization - Choose lawyers who focus primarily on personal injury
- Resources - Larger firms can handle complex cases requiring expert witnesses
- Communication - You should feel comfortable discussing your case
What should I expect during my first meeting with a Salt Lake City personal injury lawyer?
Your initial consultation is typically free and lasts 30-60 minutes. The lawyer will review your case details, medical records, and any evidence you have.
They'll explain:
- Whether you have a viable claim
- The potential value of your case
- How long will the process take
- Their fee structure and what costs you might face
Bring all relevant documents, including medical records, police reports, photos, and insurance correspondence. This helps the attorney provide an accurate assessment.
Come prepared with questions about their experience, approach to your case, and expected timeline.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for my injury?
Yes, Utah follows a comparative fault system. You can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident, as long as you were less than 50% at fault.
Your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation. For example, if you're awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you'd receive $80,000.
This makes it crucial to have experienced legal representation to minimize your assigned fault percentage and maximize your recovery.
How long does a personal injury case take to resolve in Salt Lake City?
Most personal injury cases take three years or more to resolve, though simple cases with clear liability may settle faster.
Factors affecting timeline:
- Severity of injuries - Complex medical issues take longer to evaluate
- Liability disputes - Contested fault can extend negotiations
- Insurance company cooperation - Some insurers delay settlements
- Court schedules - If a trial is necessary, court backlogs can add time
Your attorney should provide regular updates and realistic expectations about timing based on your specific case circumstances.
What damages can I recover in a Salt Lake City personal injury case?
You may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages:
Economic damages include:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
Non-economic damages cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Experienced attorneys like those at top firms have helped secure millions in settlements and verdicts, including cases with seven and eight-figure recoveries for severe injuries.
Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?
Almost never accept the first offer without consulting a lawyer. Insurance companies typically start with lowball offers hoping you'll accept quickly.
An experienced personal injury lawyer knows the true value of your case and can negotiate with insurance companies to secure maximum compensation.
Initial offers rarely account for:
- Future medical expenses
- Long-term impacts on earning capacity
- Full extent of pain and suffering
- Complications that may develop later
Even if you think your case is simple, a consultation can reveal whether you're being fairly compensated.
