Filing a Workers' Comp Claim 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.