Wyoming’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims typically requires accident victims to file a lawsuit within four years of the day they were hurt. While there are some exceptions that can change the timeline, missing this deadline could mean losing your ability to pursue compensation after getting injured in an accident.
It’s important to get started on your claim as soon as possible to ensure you can pursue the compensation you deserve. If you have questions about the personal injury statute of limitations in Wyoming, the knowledgeable attorneys with Olson Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help.
Table of Contents
- What Types of Personal Injury Cases Are Covered by the Four-Year Deadline in Wyoming?
- Are There Exceptions to the Four-Year Statute of Limitations in Wyoming?
- What’s the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Wyoming?
- What Happens If You Miss the Statute of Limitations in Wyoming?
- How Our Wyoming Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
What Types of Personal Injury Cases Are Covered by the Four-Year Deadline in Wyoming?
Wyoming’s four-year time limit applies to nearly all types of personal injury claims, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents, including those involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles
- Premises liability claims, such as slip and fall accidents and negligent security injuries
- Dog bite injuries
- Product liability cases
The statute applies to injuries caused by negligence, including physical harm and associated emotional distress in many cases.
Are There Exceptions to the Four-Year Statute of Limitations in Wyoming?
Wyoming’s personal injury statute of limitations includes some exceptions commonly featured in similar laws. These exceptions will “toll” the deadline, starting the clock at a later date in certain circumstances:
- When the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations can be extended up to three years after the date of their 18th birthday.
- When the victim has a legal disability, the deadline can be set three years after the date the disability ends.
- If you were not immediately aware of your injuries, the clock can instead start on the date you learned about them or reasonably should have known. This is known as the “discovery rule.”
- If the liable party flees the state or hides to prevent you from serving your lawsuit, the time limit can be paused for any delay they cause.
While these exceptions can be helpful in the right situation, they are heavily dependent on the facts of your case, and you should not rely on them unless absolutely necessary. Contact an experienced attorney immediately if you’re uncertain whether an exception applies or have questions about the Wyoming personal injury statute of limitations.
Some other types of injury claims have entirely separate deadlines under Wyoming law. Medical malpractice suits have a two-year time limit in Wyoming, while intentional torts, which are lawsuits for purposefully harmful acts like assault and battery, allow for only one year. Claims against government entities must be presented in writing within two years and may have additional limitations depending on the agency’s response.
What’s the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Wyoming?
Many states have similar filing deadlines for personal injury and wrongful death claims. However, Wyoming’s statute of limitations for wrongful death is two years after the date of the victim’s passing, giving the personal representative of the victim’s estate only half the time to file a lawsuit.
With the shortened time limit compared to Wyoming’s personal injury statute of limitations, it’s critical to start a wrongful death claim as soon as possible to ensure your family is fully compensated for your tragic loss.
What Happens If You Miss the Statute of Limitations in Wyoming?
If you fail to file a personal injury claim by the time limit set by Wyoming’s statute of limitations, courts will likely dismiss any lawsuit you file—even if you suffered serious injuries, the other party is clearly liable, or both.
Insurers are usually aware of the statute of limitations and may strategically deny claims or withdraw from negotiations once the legal window has closed. Having experienced legal assistance is important for dealing with underhanded insurance companies and ensuring you meet all legal deadlines.
How Our Wyoming Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
Olson Personal Injury Lawyers is committed to treating every client with the individual focus they deserve. To us, you’re a person, not just a case. If you have concerns about the personal injury statute of limitations in Wyoming, we’ll go the extra mile to answer any questions you have, minimize your stress, and secure you the outstanding results you deserve.
We can meet with you at your home, at a medical facility, or over Zoom, helping you get started on your claim as quickly as possible. Contact us online or call (307) 317-3374 today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with our trusted attorneys.