JURY TRIALS IN UTAH SMALL CLAIMS COURT

Prior to June 1, 2016, Utah citizens did not have the right to a jury trial in Utah Small Claims. This all changed with the Utah Supreme Court’s decision in Simler v. Chilel, 2016 UT 23.

As a result, Utah Small Claims Rules were changed adding Rule 4A and changing Rule 12. The consequence for injured people in the State of Utah is that now insurance carriers, on smaller personal injury cases, will ask for a jury trial–every time. This will decrease access to justice on smaller personal injury cases where serious damage can still occur.

On the positive side, letting the people decide civil disputes via the jury system is the greatest check against arbitrary business practices that harm the consumer. Letting the people speak is a good thing, but it will slow things down and decrease access to justice.

If you have been injured in a car accident, call personal injury attorney Jacob S. Gunter at (801) 373-6345 for a completely free consultation.

Injury Trial Lawyer