Wyoming Statutes of Limitations

In Wyoming, the statutes of limitations for civil and criminal cases are as follows:

Civil Cases:

• Personal injury: 4 years
• Property damage: 4 years
• Breach of contract: 8 years
• Medical malpractice: 2 years
• Libel/slander: 1 year
• Fraud: 4 years
• Product liability: 4 years

Criminal Cases:

• Murder: no statute of limitations
• Sexual assault: no statute of limitations
• Felony: 5 years
• Misdemeanor: 1 year

It is important to note that statutes of limitations can vary depending on the specific circumstances of a case and can be subject to various exceptions and tolling provisions. It is always best to consult with a qualified attorney for guidance on the applicable statute of limitations in a particular case.

Personal injury

In Wyoming, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 4 years. This means that a person who has suffered a personal injury must file a lawsuit within 4 years from the date of the injury, or they may lose their right to pursue compensation for their damages.

Personal injury cases can arise from a variety of situations, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, and product liability. The damages that may be recovered in a personal injury case may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.

It is important to note that there may be exceptions to the 4-year statute of limitations in certain cases. For example, if the injured person is a minor at the time of the injury, the statute of limitations may be extended until the minor reaches the age of majority. Additionally, if the injury was not immediately apparent or was caused by exposure to a toxic substance, the statute of limitations may be tolled until the injury is discovered or should have been discovered through reasonable diligence.

It is always best to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney for guidance on the applicable statute of limitations and other legal considerations in a particular case.

Property damage

In Wyoming, the statute of limitations for property damage claims is also 4 years. This means that a person must file a lawsuit within 4 years from the date of the property damage, or they may lose their right to pursue compensation for their damages.

Property damage claims can arise from various situations, including car accidents, environmental contamination, fires, and natural disasters. The damages that may be recovered in a property damage case may include the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged property, as well as any related costs, such as loss of use or rental expenses.

As with personal injury cases, there may be exceptions to the 4-year statute of limitations in certain circumstances. For example, if the property damage is not immediately apparent or was caused by exposure to a toxic substance, the statute of limitations may be tolled until the damage is discovered or should have been discovered through reasonable diligence.

It is important to consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in property damage claims in Wyoming for guidance on the applicable statute of limitations and other legal considerations in a particular case.

Breach of contract

In Wyoming, the statute of limitations for breach of contract claims is 8 years. This means that a person must file a lawsuit within 8 years from the date of the breach, or they may lose their right to pursue compensation for their damages.

A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to fulfill its obligations under a legally binding agreement. Breaches of contracts can arise in a wide range of situations, including employment contracts, real estate contracts, construction contracts, and business agreements.

The damages that may be recovered in a breach of contract case may include compensation for any losses suffered as a result of the breach, including lost profits, consequential damages, and other costs associated with the breach.

It is important to note that there may be exceptions to the 8-year statute of limitations in certain circumstances. For example, if the contract includes a specific deadline for filing a lawsuit, the statute of limitations may be shorter than 8 years. Additionally, if the breach was not immediately apparent or was caused by fraudulent or deceptive conduct, the statute of limitations may be tolled until the breach is discovered or should have been discovered through reasonable diligence.

It is always best to consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in breach of contract cases in Wyoming for guidance on the applicable statute of limitations and other legal considerations in a particular case.

Medical malpractice

In Wyoming, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is 2 years from the date of the alleged malpractice or 2 years from the date the patient discovered or should have discovered the injury resulting from the malpractice. However, the statute of limitations cannot be extended for more than 4 years from the date of the alleged malpractice, regardless of when the injury was discovered.

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide the appropriate standard of care and, as a result, causes harm to a patient. Examples of medical malpractice include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, and failure to obtain informed consent.

The damages that may be recovered in a medical malpractice case may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.

It is important to note that medical malpractice cases can be complex and require a significant amount of evidence to prove. It is always best to consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in medical malpractice cases in Wyoming for guidance on the applicable statute of limitations and other legal considerations in a particular case.

Libel/slander

In Wyoming, the statute of limitations for libel and slander claims is 1 year. This means that a person must file a lawsuit within 1 year from the date of the publication of the defamatory statement, or they may lose their right to pursue compensation for their damages.

Libel and slander refer to false statements that are made about a person that harms their reputation. Libel refers to written or published false statements, while slander refers to spoken false statements.

The damages that may be recovered in a libel or slander case may include compensation for harm to reputation, emotional distress, and other related costs.

It is important to note that proving a libel or slander case can be challenging, as the plaintiff must demonstrate that the statement in question is false, was made with actual malice, and caused harm to their reputation.

It is always best to consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in libel and slander cases in Wyoming for guidance on the applicable statute of limitations and other legal considerations in a particular case.

Fraud

In Wyoming, the statute of limitations for fraud claims is 8 years. This means that a person must file a lawsuit within 8 years from the date of the fraudulent act or within 8 years from the date they discovered, or should have discovered, the fraud, or they may lose their right to pursue compensation for their damages.

Fraud occurs when one party intentionally deceives another party to induce them to enter into a contract or take some other action. Examples of fraud include lying about the quality of a product, misrepresenting financial information, and providing false information to obtain a loan.

The damages that may be recovered in a fraud case may include compensation for any losses suffered as a result of the fraudulent act, including financial losses, emotional distress, and other related costs.

It is important to note that proving fraud can be challenging, as the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant made a material misrepresentation, the misrepresentation was made with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard for its truth, the plaintiff justifiably relied on the misrepresentation, and the reliance caused damage.

It is always best to consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in fraud cases in Wyoming for guidance on the applicable statute of limitations and other legal considerations in a particular case.

Product liability

In Wyoming, the statute of limitations for product liability claims is 4 years from the date of the injury or damage caused by the product. However, in cases where the injury or damage was not immediately apparent or was caused by a latent defect, the statute of limitations may be tolled until the injury or damage is discovered or should have been discovered through reasonable diligence.

Product liability claims arise when a product is defective or dangerous and causes harm to a person or property. Examples of product liability claims include defects in manufacturing, design defects, and inadequate warning labels or instructions.

The damages that may be recovered in a product liability case may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other related costs.

It is important to note that product liability cases can be complex and require a significant amount of evidence to prove. It is always best to consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in product liability cases in Wyoming for guidance on the applicable statute of limitations and other legal considerations in a particular case.