Utah Dog Bite & Animal Attack Attorneys

Statute of Limitations

4 years

4 years from the date of the bite/attack (Utah Code § 78B-2-307)

Dog-Bite Statute

Strict liability

Strict liability — Utah Code § 18-1-1 — owner liable for any injury caused by the dog; reaches owners and keepers

Comparative Fault Rule

50%

Modified comparative fault, 50% bar (Utah Code § 78B-5-818) for common-law claims

Dangerous Dog Law

Local ordinance

Set by municipal/county ordinance (SLC, West Valley, Provo);

Leash Law

Local ordinance

Set by municipal/county ordinance; violation supports negligence per se

Typical attorney fee

33%

33%–40% contingency — no fee unless you win

Utah Code § 18-1-1 imposes strict liability on dog owners for any injury caused by the dog — bites, knockdowns, scratches — regardless of prior knowledge of viciousness. The statute reaches “every person owning or keeping a dog.” Utah applies modified comparative fault with a 50% bar (Utah Code § 78B-5-818) to common-law claims; the § 18-1-1 strict-liability claim is largely insulated. Most claims are paid through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Utah has an equine-activity statute (Utah Code § 78B-4-201 et seq.). An attorney enforces § 18-1-1 and pursues the homeowner’s carrier.