Wyoming Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Garrett Monteagudo, Esq. | Last reviewed December 21, 2022
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
You got rear-ended on I-80 near Cheyenne over a year ago, and your neck is still sore. And it turns out the repair shop didn't replace the bumper properly. Could you have a case for damages against the other driver or the auto shop? And even if you do, is there a deadline for filing your case in court?
This is a quick introduction to civil statutes of limitations in Wyoming.
Civil Statutes of Limitations Generally
Every state has statutes of limitations that set a timeline for filing lawsuits and other civil actions. Wyoming's statute of limitations laws range from one to five years depending on the type of case. The proverbial “statutory clock" starts ticking on either the date of the incident or the discovery of the harm.
The idea behind the statute of limitations laws is to create general fairness and practicability when filing lawsuits so that someone doesn't have an unfinished legal matter hanging over their head indefinitely. The injured party, on the other hand, is given a limited amount of time to decide whether or not to file a legal claim in order to recover damages. Therefore, statutes of limitations are the legal system's attempt to create a distinct deadline for each legal conflict so that each party involved can plan accordingly.
Statutes of Limitations Laws in Wyoming: At a Glance
Civil statutes of limitations in Wyoming are highlighted in the chart below.
Injury to Person |
Four years (W.Y. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(iv)) |
|---|---|
Libel/Slander |
One year (W.Y. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(v)(A)) |
Fraud |
Four years (W.Y. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(iv)(D)) |
Injury to Personal Property |
Four years (W.Y. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(iv)(B)) |
Professional Malpractice |
Two years or no more than two years upon discovering the alleged act, error, or omission (W.Y. Stat. § 1-3-107) |
Trespass |
Four years (W.Y. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(iv)(A)) |
Collection of Rents |
|
Contracts |
|
Collection of Debt on Account |
Five years for foreign claims, judgments, or contracts; otherwise it follows the contract statute of limitations (W.Y. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(iii)) |
Judgments |
Five years for foreign claims, judgments, or contracts (W.Y. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(iii)) |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Related Resources for Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
Being aware of the legal limits on filing lawsuits can be difficult. If you would like legal assistance with a possible lawsuit or statute of limitations matter, you can contact Wyoming personal injury attorney using the link below. You can also visit FindLaw's statute of limitations section for more articles and resources on this topic.
Contact a Lawyer to Learn More About Wyoming Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
If you want to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation allowable by law, you'll want to file your case on time and in the right court. Contact a litigation attorney in Wyoming today to get help meeting your filing deadline and to get answers to the important questions you have about your case.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.