Utah Workers’ Compensation Guide 2026
Understand immediate reporting, the 180-day outer limit, preferred providers, claim decisions, wage-loss benefits and hearings.
Most Utah employers must provide coverage
With limited exceptions, every Utah employer must maintain workers’ compensation coverage. The system is generally no-fault and protects employees from the start of employment, including part-time and newly hired workers.
Some individuals without employees may qualify for a coverage waiver. Verify the employer and carrier when status is uncertain; Utah also maintains an Uninsured Employers Fund for qualifying cases involving an uninsured and insolvent employer.
Report immediately and document it
Tell a supervisor, manager, human resources, physician or other designated recipient immediately. A worker who fails to report within 180 days may be disqualified, so the outer limit should never be treated as a recommended waiting period.
After notice, the employer generally has seven days to report to its carrier, and the carrier has 14 days to report the First Report of Injury to the Industrial Accidents Division. The worker should receive the report and Form 100 rights notice.
The employer may direct care to a preferred provider
The employer can direct the worker to a designated preferred provider. If there is no preferred provider, the worker may choose a doctor who accepts workers’ compensation insurance. Tell the provider how, when and where the work injury occurred.
The treating doctor generally submits Form 123 within seven days of the initial visit. Necessary accident-related medical care is payable, including mileage, and can remain available for life while treatment remains necessary and bills are timely submitted.
Temporary benefits depend on work capacity
TTD applies when the worker cannot do any work; TPD applies when the worker can work but cannot earn the full pre-injury wage. Both use two-thirds as a starting point, but dependent treatment and the waiting period differ.
The carrier generally decides compensability within 21 days after receiving the claim. If more investigation is needed, it may obtain an additional 24 days. Medical care, permanent partial disability, permanent total disability and death benefits use separate standards.
An Application for Hearing challenges a denial
A carrier denying all or part of a claim should issue Form 089 with a general explanation. The worker may challenge denied benefits by filing the appropriate Application for Hearing with the Adjudication Division. Separate injury dates require separate applications.
Do not delay while a deadline is being researched. Preserve notice proof, wage records, medical restrictions, reports, bills, the denial and all insurer communications.
Utah Labor Commission
Industrial Accidents Division: 801-530-6800 · Utah toll-free: 800-530-5090.
Open the official claims process →Official sources
- Utah injured-worker guidance.
- Workers’ compensation claims process.
- 2026 Quick Reference Guide.
- Adjudication forms.
Reviewed: September 1, 2026.