What Is a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
If you are hurt on the job, workers’ compensation is usually the first place you turn. It is designed to get you treatment and replace part of your lost income without a lawsuit, but it comes with trade-offs and limits. Here is what a workers’ comp claim is and how it works in Utah.
A workers’ compensation claim is a request for benefits after a work-related injury. It is a no-fault system. You generally get medical care and a portion of lost wages regardless of blame, in exchange for limits on suing your employer. In some cases, a separate third-party claim can recover more.
What workers’ comp provides
- Medical treatment for your work-related injury.
- A portion of lost wages while you cannot work.
- Permanent impairment benefits in some cases.
- Vocational help if you cannot return to your old job in certain situations.
How to file a claim in Utah
Report the injury
Notify your employer as soon as possible. Delays can jeopardize your claim.
Get medical care
Seek treatment and make sure your injury and its cause are documented.
Make sure it is filed
Confirm the claim is submitted and keep copies of everything.
When comp is not the whole story
Workers’ comp does not pay for pain and suffering and only covers part of your wages. If someone other than your employer such as a negligent driver, contractor, or product maker contributed to your injury, you may have a separate personal injury claim that can recover the losses comp leaves out.