Forget these Utah workers comp deadlines at your own risk

Are you wondering how long-term injuries might affect your workers compensation benefits in Utah? If so, then you’re not alone.

Workers comp law is tricky, but we’re going to help explain what you need to know about receiving medical treatment and compensation after your injury.

Under Utah workers compensation, how many years following the initial accident can you get treatment?

You have no time limit to receive the medical care you need to treat your work-related illness or injury. However, there are other deadlines you need to be aware of.

Injury reporting deadlines

You must report your illness or injury to your employer within 180 days. Failure to do so could disqualify you from receiving workers compensation benefits.

Report your injury ASAP.

Better yet, report your injury as soon as it happens. The earlier you report your injury, the less suspicious it will look to insurance companies (and the lower your chance of having your claim denied).

Bill submission deadlines

Any medical bill you receive for treatment of your work-related injury must be submitted to the workers compensation insurance carrier within one year of the date of treatment.

Application for hearing

When disputes arise about the amount of compensation you should be receiving, applications must be filed with the Utah Labor Commission within six years of the date of your injury.

Less common deadlines

Although the above deadlines are the most common, other ones you should be aware of are:

• Death claims—must be filed within a year of the employee’s death
• Travel expenses—must be filed within one year

Travel expenses for medical evaluations are often pre-paid by insurance companies, but make sure beforehand.

How long do I have to work at a job to receive workers compensation protection?

You’re protected by workers compensation laws as soon as you start working.

Length of employment is not a valid reason to deny a workers compensation claim.

Even if you work part-time or you’ve only been working at your job for a short period of time, you’re still eligible for workers compensation benefits if you’re hurt at work.

When do workers compensation benefits start in Utah?

Your employer’s workers comp insurance carrier has 21 days to:

1. Accept your claim and begin payment
2. Deny your claim
3. Inform you that further investigation is needed for your claim

In situations where further investigation is needed, your carrier will have an additional 24 days to process your claim.

Once accepted, disability compensation checks are typically issued once every two weeks.

For how long will I receive disability compensation?

You’ll receive temporary disability compensation until:

1. You’re able to return to work in your normal capacity
2. Your employer offers you acceptable light-duty work
3. Your condition reaches medical stability
4. You reach the maximum time period of 312 weeks within a 12-year time period, starting from the date of your injury

Should I hire a workers comp lawyer?

If your workers compensation claim has been denied—and it happens frequently—it might be time to contact a workers compensation attorney in Utah.

Contact Davis & Sanchez today, and rely on our experience to help secure the compensation you deserve.