If you have a personal injury claim in Salt Lake City, Utah, your case could go to several different courts. The right court depends on the amount of money involved, where the accident took place, where the defendant lives, and whether your case is based on state or federal law.
Below, you will find contact information for local courts and details on how each court may handle a personal injury case.
Third District Court — Matheson Courthouse
The Third District Court is the main state trial court for personal injury lawsuits in Salt Lake County. This court handles cases such as car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defective products, dog bites, workplace injuries caused by someone other than your employer, and wrongful death claims.
Address: 450 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: (801) 238-7300
Website: Utah Third Judicial District
The Matheson Courthouse also hears felony criminal cases, including those involving drunk driving accidents or serious assaults. Keep in mind, a criminal case is separate from your right to seek compensation through a civil lawsuit.
Salt Lake City Justice Court
The Salt Lake City Justice Court handles small claims, certain misdemeanor charges, minor offenses, and traffic tickets that occur within city limits.
If you are seeking $20,000 or less in compensation, you may be able to file your injury claim in small claims court. It is important to understand the rules and strategies before choosing this option.
Courthouse: John L. Baxter Courthouse
Address: 333 South 200 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: (801) 535-6300
Website: Salt Lake City Justice Court
Small claims information: Salt Lake City Small Claims
Salt Lake County Justice Court
The Salt Lake County Justice Court handles small claims and certain criminal or traffic matters within its area. This court covers unincorporated Salt Lake County and several specific communities, but not every city in the county.
This court may be the right place to file if the defendant resides within its jurisdiction or if the incident occurred there.
Address: 2001 South State Street, Suite S4-300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114
Phone: (385) 468-8200
Email: [email protected]
Website: Salt Lake County Justice Court
Small claims information: Salt Lake County Small Claims
U.S. District Court for the District of Utah
Most personal injury lawsuits are filed in Utah state court. However, some cases can go to federal court if there is a special reason, such as the parties being from different states, the case involving federal law, or the federal government being involved.
Courthouse: Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse
Address: 351 South West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Phone: (801) 524-6100
Website: U.S. District Court for the District of Utah
Case information: Federal Court Case Information
Federal court has its own rules and requirements, which are different from those of Utah state courts. A serious injury alone does not mean your case will be heard in federal court.
Utah Court of Appeals and Utah Supreme Court
Utah’s appellate courts review decisions made by lower courts. They do not hold a new trial or hear new witnesses. Instead, they look at the existing record to decide if a legal mistake was made.
Both appellate courts are located in the Matheson Courthouse.
Address: 450 South State Street, Fifth Floor, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: (801) 578-3900
Utah Court of Appeals: Court of Appeals Information
Utah Supreme Court: Supreme Court Information
Appellate case search: Utah Appellate Docket Search
Which Court Handles a Salt Lake City Personal Injury Case?
The appropriate court varies by claim:
- Most personal injury lawsuits: Third District Court
- Claims seeking no more than $20,000: A justice court with proper geographic jurisdiction
- Qualifying cases involving federal jurisdiction: U.S. District Court for the District of Utah
- Appeals from state trial-court decisions: Utah Court of Appeals or Utah Supreme Court
- Related misdemeanor or traffic charges: The appropriate municipal or county justice court
- Related felony proceedings: Third District Court
Deciding where to file your lawsuit is a legal question. Courthouse staff can answer questions about procedures, but they cannot advise you on which court is best for your situation.
Finding Utah Court Records
The Utah State Courts provide several online resources for locating court information:
- Public state case search: Utah Courts Xchange
- Access to your own eligible case: Utah Courts MyCase
- Court locations: Utah State Court Directory
- Federal cases: PACER Case Search
Some records are protected or sealed and may not be available to the public. There may also be fees for searching or copying court documents.
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
Contact our Personal Injury Attorneys for Legal Help After an Injury in Salt Lake City
Figuring out where and how to file your personal injury claim can be confusing. If you were hurt because of someone else’s negligence, McMinn Law Firm can review your case, explain your options, and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Salt Lake City personal injury lawyer.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Salt Lake City, UT
McMinn Law Firm – Salt Lake City, UT Office
650 S 500 W Suite 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
(385) 462-7630
