Dog Bite Statute of Limitations in Utah
Last verified 2026-07 · Source: Utah Code Ann. § 18-1-1; SOL: § 78B-2-307 ✓ verified · 3 sources
The deadline
4 years
from date of bite/injury, under Utah Code Ann. § 18-1-1; SOL: § 78B-2-307.
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If you're researching dog bite injury claims in Utah, the single most important number is 4 years. That's how long Utah Code Ann. § 18-1-1; SOL: § 78B-2-307 gives you to file a dog bite lawsuit, counted from date of bite/injury. File even one day late and the court will almost certainly dismiss the case, no matter how strong it is.
Utah Deadlines for Related Claims
| Claim type | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Bite | 4 years | Utah Code Ann. § 18-1-1; SOL: § 78B-2-307 |
| Car Accident | 4 yrs | Utah Code § 78B-2-307(4) |
| Credit Card Debt | 4 yrs | Utah Code § 78B-2-307(1) |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 yrs | Utah Code § 78B-3-404 |
| Wrongful Death | 2 yrs | Utah Code § 78B-2-304 |
| Personal Injury | 4 yrs | Utah Code Ann. § 78B-2-307 |
| Slip and Fall | 4 yrs | Utah Code Ann. § 78B-2-307(3) |
| Defamation | 1 yr | Utah Code Ann. § 78B-2-302 |
| Breach of Contract | 6 yrs | Utah Code Ann. § 78B-2-309 |
| Medical Debt | 6 yrs | Utah Code § 78B-2-309 |
When the Clock Starts
In Utah, the limitations period for dog bite injury claims generally begins on date of bite/injury. Utah recognizes a discovery rule for this claim type: Discovery rule may apply where injuries such as infection or nerve damage are not immediately apparent at the time of the bite.
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Exceptions That Can Extend the Deadline
- Minors: the clock is generally paused while the injured person is under 18.
- Fraudulent concealment: if the defendant actively hid the wrongdoing, the deadline may be extended until it was or should have been uncovered.
- Defendant leaves the state: absence can pause the clock in many circumstances.
- Government-claim trap: Claims against a governmental entity require written notice within 1 year under the Utah Governmental Immunity Act (Utah Code § 63G-7-401).
Utah Code § 18-1-1 imposes strict liability for dog bites regardless of prior bite history. The 4-year catch-all SOL under § 78B-2-307 generally applies; strict statutory liability claims may alternatively be 3 years under § 78B-2-305, so prompt filing is strongly advised.
Source: Utah Code Ann. § 18-1-1; SOL: § 78B-2-307, official Utah statute · verified 2026-07
What to Do Before the Deadline Runs
- Pin down your accrual date — the day the clock started — and calendar the deadline conservatively.
- Preserve evidence now: photos, records, witness contacts, bills. Evidence decays faster than deadlines.
- Send preservation/notice letters where required (especially for Utah government defendants).
- If the deadline is inside 6 months, treat it as urgent — filing suit is the only reliable way to stop the clock.
How Utah Compares to Nearby States
| State | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | 4 years | Utah Code Ann. § 18-1-1; SOL: § 78B-2-307 |
| Idaho | 2 yrs | Idaho Code § 5-219(4) (2-year personal injury SOL); no specific dog bite statute — common law one-bite rule applies |
| Wyoming | 4 yrs | Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(iv)(C) |
| Colorado | 2 yrs | C.R.S. § 13-80-102 |
| New Mexico | 3 yrs | NMSA 1978 § 37-1-8 |
| Arizona | 2 yrs | A.R.S. § 11-1025 (strict liability dog bite); SOL: A.R.S. § 12-542 |
| Nevada | 2 yrs | NRS 11.190(4)(e) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Utah?
You have 4 years from date of bite/injury, under Utah Code Ann. § 18-1-1; SOL: § 78B-2-307.
Can I still sue after 4 years in Utah?
Usually no — courts dismiss claims filed after the statute of limitations expires. Narrow exceptions (the discovery rule, tolling for minors, fraudulent concealment) can extend the deadline; whether one applies depends on your facts.
Does the discovery rule apply to dog bite injury claims in Utah?
Yes. Discovery rule may apply where injuries such as infection or nerve damage are not immediately apparent at the time of the bite.
What if the victim was a minor?
Utah generally pauses ("tolls") the deadline while the injured person is under 18, giving them time to file after reaching adulthood. Special limits can still apply, so check the statute.
Is the deadline different for claims against the government?
Claims against a governmental entity require written notice within 1 year under the Utah Governmental Immunity Act (Utah Code § 63G-7-401).
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Sources
- Official Utah Code § 18-1-1 - Utah State Legislature
- Corroborating Utah Dog Bite Laws - Robert J. DeBry & Associates
- Corroborating How Strict Liability Works in Utah Dog Bite Cases - BAM Injury Law
- Verified 2026-07 under our 4-step process — every line checked against the sources above. How we verify
This page is legal information, not legal advice. Deadlines have exceptions that depend on your facts — confirm with a licensed Utah attorney.