Utah Workers' Compensation: Deadlines, Benefits and How to File
Utah workers' comp rules: who must carry it, deadlines to report and file, weekly benefit rate and maximum, choosing a doctor, appeals and retaliation.
Quick answers for Utah
- Deadline to report the injury
- An injured employee must promptly notify the employer of the injury (next of kin or an attorney may do so if the employee cannot). Utah Code § 34A-2-407; Utah Labor Commission, Injured Workers
- Deadline to file a claim
- If benefits are disputed, a claim for disability compensation is barred unless the employee files an Application for Hearing with the Labor Commission's Division of Adjudication within six years of the accident and proves entitlement within 12 years of the accident (with limited… Utah Code § 34A-2-417
- Weekly benefit rate
- Temporary total disability is 66⅔% of the employee's average weekly wage at the time of injury, up to 100% of the state average weekly wage, and not less than $45 per week plus $20 for a dependent spouse and $20 for each dependent child under 18 (up to four), but not more than the… Utah Code § 34A-2-410
- Maximum weekly benefit
- For injuries from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, the state average weekly wage is $1,376. Maximum weekly benefits are $1,376 for temporary total and temporary partial disability, $917 for permanent partial disability, and $1,169 for permanent total disability and death benefits. Utah Labor Commission, Quick Reference Guide to Workers' Compensation Benefits Effective July 1, 2026
Last verified: 2026-10-27
Coverage and deadlines
| Which employers must carry it | Every person or business that regularly employs one or more workers in the same business is an employer under Utah's workers' compensation law, as are the state and local governments. A domestic employer is not covered unless it employs at least one employee for at least 40 hours per week. Agricultural employers are not covered for immediate family members, and are not covered for other employees if their prior-year payroll for those workers was under $8,000 (or under $50,000 if they carry specified liability and health insurance). Casual employment outside the employer's usual business is excluded. |
|---|---|
| Deadline to report the injury | An injured employee must promptly notify the employer of the injury (next of kin or an attorney may do so if the employee cannot). A claim for benefits is barred if the employee does not notify the employer or the Industrial Accidents Division within 180 days after the injury (occupational hearing loss has its own time limit). The Labor Commission advises reporting immediately to a physician, supervisor, manager or human resources. |
| Deadline to file a claim | If benefits are disputed, a claim for disability compensation is barred unless the employee files an Application for Hearing with the Labor Commission's Division of Adjudication within six years of the accident and proves entitlement within 12 years of the accident (with limited exceptions). A claim for death benefits must be filed within one year of the death. Medical bills must be submitted to the employer or insurer within one year of the later of when they were incurred or when the worker knew they were related to the work injury. Source: Utah Code § 34A-2-417 |
| Waiting period | No compensation is paid for the first three days after the injury, unless temporary total disability lasts more than 14 days, in which case the first three days are also paid. Medical, hospital and funeral expenses are payable from the first day. The Labor Commission notes the waiting period does not apply to temporary partial payments. |
Benefits
| Weekly benefit rate | Temporary total disability is 66⅔% of the employee's average weekly wage at the time of injury, up to 100% of the state average weekly wage, and not less than $45 per week plus $20 for a dependent spouse and $20 for each dependent child under 18 (up to four), but not more than the employee's own average weekly wage. Benefits may not exceed 312 weeks within 12 years of the injury. Source: Utah Code § 34A-2-410 |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | For injuries from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, the state average weekly wage is $1,376. Maximum weekly benefits are $1,376 for temporary total and temporary partial disability, $917 for permanent partial disability, and $1,169 for permanent total disability and death benefits. The minimum is $45 per week plus $20 per dependent spouse and child (up to the limits described above). |
| How long benefits last | Temporary total disability benefits are paid as long as the disability is total, but may not exceed 312 weeks over a period of 12 years from the date of injury. Temporary partial disability benefits likewise may not exceed 312 weeks and may not continue more than 12 years after the injury. Permanent total disability benefits have an initial 312-week entitlement; for injuries on or after July 1, 1994, the insurer or self-insured employer is responsible for lifetime permanent total benefits. |
| Permanent disability | Permanent partial disability is paid when a doctor finds the worker has reached medical stability with a permanent impairment, based on an impairment rating, at 66⅔% of the average weekly wage up to 66⅔% of the state average weekly wage. Permanent total disability is paid when the worker cannot return to former work or any other reasonably available work; for the first 312 weeks it is 66⅔% of the average weekly wage up to 85% of the state average weekly wage, and for injuries on or after July 1, 1994 the insurer or self-insured employer is responsible for lifetime benefits. |
| Death benefits | If a work injury causes death, wholly dependent survivors receive 66⅔% of the worker's average weekly wage plus $20 per week for the dependent spouse and each dependent child under 18 (up to $100), not more than 85% of the state average weekly wage or the worker's own wage. Benefits last 312 weeks and may continue afterward, reduced by 50% of any Social Security death benefits and subject to a dependency determination. A spouse who remarries receives 52 weeks of compensation in a lump sum (or the balance, if less). Burial expenses are paid up to $12,500 in ordinary cases. |
Doctors, filing, settlements and appeals
| Choosing a doctor | An employer or its insurer may require the injured employee to be treated first by a preferred medical provider; if there is no preferred provider, the employee may choose a doctor who accepts workers' compensation. After the initial visit, the employee may make a one-time change of medical providers during the claim and must immediately tell the insurer or self-insured employer. A referral from one provider to another does not count as a change. |
|---|---|
| How to file | Report the injury to your employer immediately. The employer must report it to its insurance carrier within seven days, and the carrier files the Employer's First Report of Injury (Form 122) with the Industrial Accidents Division within 14 days and sends you a copy with the Injured Workers' Rights and Responsibilities (Form 100). The insurer must decide whether to accept the claim within 21 days, with up to 24 more days if needed. If the claim is denied, you can file an Application for Hearing with the Labor Commission's Adjudication Division (in person, by mail, fax or email). The Industrial Accidents Division can help at 801-530-6800. |
| Settlements | Claims can be settled in two ways: a compromise settlement, used when there is a real dispute over whether a benefit is owed, and a commutation, used when the parties agree a benefit is owed and replace the regular payments with a lump-sum estimate of future compensation and medical costs. The Labor Commission says the law requires the Commission to approve these agreements even when the worker and insurer have agreed. For a compromise, the Commission checks that the claim was denied for a legally allowed reason, that a real dispute exists and that the compromise is fair; a commutation is allowed only under special circumstances, considering factors such as future medical needs, the worker's age and ability to return to work. |
| Appealing a denial | An administrative law judge decides the Application for Hearing; the decision becomes final 30 days after it is issued unless a party files a motion for review with the Division of Adjudication within 30 days. The Labor Commissioner hears the review unless a party asks for the Appeals Board. Within 30 days after the Commissioner's or Appeals Board's decision, an aggrieved party may seek judicial review in the Utah Court of Appeals. Source: Utah Code § 34A-2-801 |
| Deadline to challenge a denial | To contest a denial by the employer or its insurer, the worker files an Application for Hearing with the Labor Commission's Division of Adjudication; disability claims are barred unless filed within six years of the accident (and proven within 12 years), and death claims within one year of the death. An administrative law judge's decision becomes final 30 days after it is issued unless a party files a motion for review with the Division within 30 days; the Labor Commissioner hears it unless a party asks for the Appeals Board. The Commissioner's or Appeals Board's decision is final unless further appeal is started within 30 days. |
| Retaliation for filing | An employer may not knowingly or intentionally impede an employee's efforts to claim or receive benefits, or intimidate, coerce or harass an employee to prevent a claim. An employer also may not suspend, fire, discipline, threaten or otherwise retaliate against an employee solely because the employee claims or tries to claim benefits, reports the employer's noncompliance, or testifies or intends to testify in a workers' compensation proceeding. The Industrial Accidents Division may fine an employer up to $5,000 per violation. The section does not affect employees' or employers' rights under common law. |
| Filing or checking a claim online | Report your injury or illness to your employer immediately (failing to report within 180 days may disqualify you). The employer has 7 days to report the claim to its insurance carrier, and the carrier has 14 days to file the First Report of Injury (Form 122) with the Labor Commission's Industrial Accidents Division; you should get a copy along with Form 100, Injured Workers' Rights and Responsibilities. The carrier must decide compensability within 21 days (plus 24 more days if it needs to investigate). For claim questions, contact your claims adjuster or the Industrial Accidents Division at (801) 530-6800. If a denial isn't resolved, contact the Division's Intake Claims Department, then file an Application for Hearing with the Adjudication Division. |
| Lawyer fees in comp cases | Industrial Accidents Division staff can explain an injured worker's rights under the Utah Workers' Compensation Act at no charge, but cannot give legal advice or represent you. Utah law also lets the Labor Commission award an "add-on" attorney fee, paid by the insurance carrier on top of the benefits and any agreed attorney fee, when a represented worker wins a medical claim the carrier unconditionally denied and any indemnity award is under $5,000; at the commission level it is the lesser of 25% of the medical expenses awarded or $25,000. Injured Workers page: https://laborcommission.utah.gov/divisions/industrial-accidents/injured-workers/ |
Lawsuits and uninsured employers
| Suing your employer | Generally no. The right to workers' compensation is the exclusive remedy against the employer and against its officers, agents and employees, in place of any other civil liability, and no lawsuit may be maintained against them for a work injury or death. The exclusive remedy also covers both the client and a professional employer organization, and a client company using workers from a temporary staffing company that carries coverage. An employer that fails to secure coverage loses this protection (see uninsured_employer). The statute read states no intentional-injury exception; none is described here. |
|---|---|
| Suing someone other than your employer | Yes. When a work injury is caused by someone other than the employer or its officers, agents or employees, the worker may claim workers' comp and also sue that third party. Before suing, the worker must give written notice of the intent to sue to the insurance carrier and anyone else paying compensation, and must notify them of any attempt to blame the employer. Once obligated to pay, the employer or carrier becomes trustee of the claim and may sue itself. From any recovery, costs and attorney fees are shared proportionately, the payer of compensation is reimbursed (reduced by the employer's share of fault if immune parties are 40% or more at fault), and the balance goes to the worker and is credited against future compensation. Source: Utah Code § 34A-2-106 |
| If your employer has no workers' comp | An employer that fails to carry required coverage loses the Act's protections and can be sued for damages; it may not use the fellow-servant, assumption-of-risk or contributory-negligence defenses, proof of the injury is prima facie evidence of the employer's negligence, and the worker gets costs and a reasonable attorney fee. Instead of suing, the worker may file an application for compensation with the Labor Commission's Division of Adjudication, and the employer must pay the award within 10 days of notice. Utah's Uninsured Employers' Fund helps pay benefits when a liable employer is insolvent, in receivership, or otherwise lacks sufficient funds or insurance. |
Where to get help in Utah
Workers' Compensation FAQ
Which employers must have workers' comp in Utah?
Every person or business that regularly employs one or more workers in the same business is an employer under Utah's workers' compensation law, as are the state and local governments. A domestic employer is not covered unless it employs at least one employee for at least 40 hours per week. Agricultural employers are not covered for immediate family members, and are not covered for other employees if their prior-year payroll for those workers was under $8,000 (or under $50,000 if they carry specified liability and health insurance). Casual employment outside the employer's usual business is excluded.
How long do you have to report a work injury in Utah?
An injured employee must promptly notify the employer of the injury (next of kin or an attorney may do so if the employee cannot). A claim for benefits is barred if the employee does not notify the employer or the Industrial Accidents Division within 180 days after the injury (occupational hearing loss has its own time limit). The Labor Commission advises reporting immediately to a physician, supervisor, manager or human resources.
What is the deadline to file a workers' comp claim in Utah?
If benefits are disputed, a claim for disability compensation is barred unless the employee files an Application for Hearing with the Labor Commission's Division of Adjudication within six years of the accident and proves entitlement within 12 years of the accident (with limited exceptions). A claim for death benefits must be filed within one year of the death. Medical bills must be submitted to the employer or insurer within one year of the later of when they were incurred or when the worker knew they were related to the work injury.
Is there a waiting period for workers' comp in Utah?
No compensation is paid for the first three days after the injury, unless temporary total disability lasts more than 14 days, in which case the first three days are also paid. Medical, hospital and funeral expenses are payable from the first day. The Labor Commission notes the waiting period does not apply to temporary partial payments.
How much does workers' comp pay in Utah?
Temporary total disability is 66⅔% of the employee's average weekly wage at the time of injury, up to 100% of the state average weekly wage, and not less than $45 per week plus $20 for a dependent spouse and $20 for each dependent child under 18 (up to four), but not more than the employee's own average weekly wage. Benefits may not exceed 312 weeks within 12 years of the injury.
What is the maximum workers' comp benefit in Utah?
For injuries from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, the state average weekly wage is $1,376. Maximum weekly benefits are $1,376 for temporary total and temporary partial disability, $917 for permanent partial disability, and $1,169 for permanent total disability and death benefits. The minimum is $45 per week plus $20 per dependent spouse and child (up to the limits described above).
Can you choose your own doctor for workers' comp in Utah?
An employer or its insurer may require the injured employee to be treated first by a preferred medical provider; if there is no preferred provider, the employee may choose a doctor who accepts workers' compensation. After the initial visit, the employee may make a one-time change of medical providers during the claim and must immediately tell the insurer or self-insured employer. A referral from one provider to another does not count as a change.
How does permanent disability work under workers' comp in Utah?
Permanent partial disability is paid when a doctor finds the worker has reached medical stability with a permanent impairment, based on an impairment rating, at 66⅔% of the average weekly wage up to 66⅔% of the state average weekly wage. Permanent total disability is paid when the worker cannot return to former work or any other reasonably available work; for the first 312 weeks it is 66⅔% of the average weekly wage up to 85% of the state average weekly wage, and for injuries on or after July 1, 1994 the insurer or self-insured employer is responsible for lifetime benefits.
What workers' comp death benefits are available in Utah?
If a work injury causes death, wholly dependent survivors receive 66⅔% of the worker's average weekly wage plus $20 per week for the dependent spouse and each dependent child under 18 (up to $100), not more than 85% of the state average weekly wage or the worker's own wage. Benefits last 312 weeks and may continue afterward, reduced by 50% of any Social Security death benefits and subject to a dependency determination. A spouse who remarries receives 52 weeks of compensation in a lump sum (or the balance, if less). Burial expenses are paid up to $12,500 in ordinary cases.
How do you file a workers' comp claim in Utah?
Report the injury to your employer immediately. The employer must report it to its insurance carrier within seven days, and the carrier files the Employer's First Report of Injury (Form 122) with the Industrial Accidents Division within 14 days and sends you a copy with the Injured Workers' Rights and Responsibilities (Form 100). The insurer must decide whether to accept the claim within 21 days, with up to 24 more days if needed. If the claim is denied, you can file an Application for Hearing with the Labor Commission's Adjudication Division (in person, by mail, fax or email). The Industrial Accidents Division can help at 801-530-6800.
How do you appeal a denied workers' comp claim in Utah?
An administrative law judge decides the Application for Hearing; the decision becomes final 30 days after it is issued unless a party files a motion for review with the Division of Adjudication within 30 days. The Labor Commissioner hears the review unless a party asks for the Appeals Board. Within 30 days after the Commissioner's or Appeals Board's decision, an aggrieved party may seek judicial review in the Utah Court of Appeals.
Can you be fired for filing workers' comp in Utah?
An employer may not knowingly or intentionally impede an employee's efforts to claim or receive benefits, or intimidate, coerce or harass an employee to prevent a claim. An employer also may not suspend, fire, discipline, threaten or otherwise retaliate against an employee solely because the employee claims or tries to claim benefits, reports the employer's noncompliance, or testifies or intends to testify in a workers' compensation proceeding. The Industrial Accidents Division may fine an employer up to $5,000 per violation. The section does not affect employees' or employers' rights under common law.
How long can you receive workers' comp in Utah?
Temporary total disability benefits are paid as long as the disability is total, but may not exceed 312 weeks over a period of 12 years from the date of injury. Temporary partial disability benefits likewise may not exceed 312 weeks and may not continue more than 12 years after the injury. Permanent total disability benefits have an initial 312-week entitlement; for injuries on or after July 1, 1994, the insurer or self-insured employer is responsible for lifetime permanent total benefits.
How do workers' comp settlements work in Utah?
Claims can be settled in two ways: a compromise settlement, used when there is a real dispute over whether a benefit is owed, and a commutation, used when the parties agree a benefit is owed and replace the regular payments with a lump-sum estimate of future compensation and medical costs. The Labor Commission says the law requires the Commission to approve these agreements even when the worker and insurer have agreed. For a compromise, the Commission checks that the claim was denied for a legally allowed reason, that a real dispute exists and that the compromise is fair; a commutation is allowed only under special circumstances, considering factors such as future medical needs, the worker's age and ability to return to work.
How do I file or check a workers' comp claim online in Utah?
Report your injury or illness to your employer immediately (failing to report within 180 days may disqualify you). The employer has 7 days to report the claim to its insurance carrier, and the carrier has 14 days to file the First Report of Injury (Form 122) with the Labor Commission's Industrial Accidents Division; you should get a copy along with Form 100, Injured Workers' Rights and Responsibilities. The carrier must decide compensability within 21 days (plus 24 more days if it needs to investigate). For claim questions, contact your claims adjuster or the Industrial Accidents Division at (801) 530-6800. If a denial isn't resolved, contact the Division's Intake Claims Department, then file an Application for Hearing with the Adjudication Division.
How much can a workers' comp lawyer charge in Utah?
Industrial Accidents Division staff can explain an injured worker's rights under the Utah Workers' Compensation Act at no charge, but cannot give legal advice or represent you. Utah law also lets the Labor Commission award an "add-on" attorney fee, paid by the insurance carrier on top of the benefits and any agreed attorney fee, when a represented worker wins a medical claim the carrier unconditionally denied and any indemnity award is under $5,000; at the commission level it is the lesser of 25% of the medical expenses awarded or $25,000.
Can you sue your employer for a work injury in Utah?
Generally no. The right to workers' compensation is the exclusive remedy against the employer and against its officers, agents and employees, in place of any other civil liability, and no lawsuit may be maintained against them for a work injury or death. The exclusive remedy also covers both the client and a professional employer organization, and a client company using workers from a temporary staffing company that carries coverage. An employer that fails to secure coverage loses this protection (see uninsured_employer).
Can you sue a third party for a work injury in Utah?
Yes. When a work injury is caused by someone other than the employer or its officers, agents or employees, the worker may claim workers' comp and also sue that third party. Before suing, the worker must give written notice of the intent to sue to the insurance carrier and anyone else paying compensation, and must notify them of any attempt to blame the employer. Once obligated to pay, the employer or carrier becomes trustee of the claim and may sue itself. From any recovery, costs and attorney fees are shared proportionately, the payer of compensation is reimbursed (reduced by the employer's share of fault if immune parties are 40% or more at fault), and the balance goes to the worker and is credited against future compensation.
What if my employer doesn't have workers' comp insurance in Utah?
An employer that fails to carry required coverage loses the Act's protections and can be sued for damages; it may not use the fellow-servant, assumption-of-risk or contributory-negligence defenses, proof of the injury is prima facie evidence of the employer's negligence, and the worker gets costs and a reasonable attorney fee. Instead of suing, the worker may file an application for compensation with the Labor Commission's Division of Adjudication, and the employer must pay the award within 10 days of notice. Utah's Uninsured Employers' Fund helps pay benefits when a liable employer is insolvent, in receivership, or otherwise lacks sufficient funds or insurance.
How long do you have to appeal a denied workers' comp claim in Utah?
To contest a denial by the employer or its insurer, the worker files an Application for Hearing with the Labor Commission's Division of Adjudication; disability claims are barred unless filed within six years of the accident (and proven within 12 years), and death claims within one year of the death. An administrative law judge's decision becomes final 30 days after it is issued unless a party files a motion for review with the Division within 30 days; the Labor Commissioner hears it unless a party asks for the Appeals Board. The Commissioner's or Appeals Board's decision is final unless further appeal is started within 30 days.
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