If you are looking to file a wrongful death claim, it is extremely important to know what the statute of limitations is in your state. Even when you are unsure whether or not you want to press charges for a wrongful death case, it is wise to contact a wrongful death lawyer to discuss your options. Lawyers can help you understand how your case would go with the evidence you have and what limitations you might have. They can give excellent advice about your situation that you may not be able to find elsewhere.
However, for those who have wrongfully lost a loved one, how long do they have to file a legal statement? That is what we are going to discuss, but first, you need to understand what a statute of limitations is.
What is a Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is the timeframe in which somebody has the ability to file a claim against another party. Depending on the claim and the state, the statute of limitations vary. These time limits were created so that people are not accusing people down the road for things from faulty memories that would be much harder to prove. Statute of limitations helps people to file claims while the evidence and the events are still clear in people’s memories. There have been many examples of cases not being able to move forward because of the statute of limitations in their state, particularly in cases of sexual assault.
Timing
Before filing any claims or speaking with attorneys, it is important to understand whether or not you are within the statute that is set. Many cases are settled out of court through arbitration or a settlement. This means that attorneys are corresponding back and forth to reach an agreement before having to go to court with the case. Whatever the situation is, be sure that you do not have to rush anything when it comes to staying within any sort of statute of limitations.
Wrongful Death and Utah’s Statute of Limitations
Wrongful death is a lawsuit filed when someone intentionally or unintentionally causes the death of someone. The family members of the deceased individual can file a case against the guilty party. Depending on the state, the time limit differs, but most states are anywhere between 2-4 years. Utah grants the family of a wrongful death victim four years to file their case.
Again, if you need help with a wrongful death case, speak with one of our trusted attorneys, we can help you! For more on wrongful death, check our full blog or contact us today.
