Medical Liens in Utah
A lien is a legal claim against your personal injury settlement by a third party who paid for your medical treatment. In Utah, liens from hospitals, health insurers, Medicare, and Medicaid must be addressed before you receive your net settlement funds.
For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney.
Modified comparative fault (50% bar)
Fault System
4 years
Filing Deadline
$12,000 – $58,000
Avg Settlement
Types of Medical Liens in Utah
Hospital Liens
Utah hospitals that treated you for accident injuries may file a hospital lien against your settlement to recover unpaid bills. The lien attaches to your recovery before you are paid.
Health Insurance Subrogation
If your health insurer paid your medical bills, they have a subrogation right to be reimbursed from your settlement. Many states allow negotiation to reduce these amounts.
Medicare & Medicaid
Federal law requires Medicare and Medicaid liens to be paid in full — with limited exceptions. Your attorney must resolve these before settlement funds are distributed.
Workers' Compensation
If workers' comp covered your treatment for a work-related injury in Utah, they have a lien on any third-party recovery you obtain.
Utah Injury Law Overview
Utah combines mandatory no-fault PIP insurance with a modified comparative fault system featuring a 50% bar. PIP covers initial medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. The statute of limitations is 4 years, one of the more generous periods in the country. Utah's growing population and expanding outdoor recreation sector — skiing, mountain biking, off-road sports — generate significant recreation-related personal injury claims. Ski resort liability is subject to the Utah Inherent Risks of Skiing Act, which limits resort liability for inherent risks. Utah has no general cap on compensatory damages for most personal injury cases. Medical malpractice claims in Utah have a 2-year statute of limitations under Utah Code Ann. § 78B-3-404 and are subject to a preliminary screening panel process. Utah caps punitive damages at the greater of 3 times compensatory damages or $500,000 under Utah Code Ann. § 78B-8-201. Workers' compensation in Utah is administered by the Utah Labor Commission.