Should you sustain a work-related injury or illness in Utah, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The workers’ compensation system in Utah is designed to offer employees medical benefits, wage replacement, and other benefits that can help them recover from a work-related injury or illness. However, filing a workers’ compensation claim in Utah can be a complex and intimidating process, especially if the injury is severe. This article outlines the steps that an injured worker must follow to file a workers’ compensation claim in Utah.
Table of Contents
Step One: Report The Injury
The first step to filing a workers’ compensation claim in Utah is to immediately report the injury or illness to your employer. Ideally, Salt Lake City workers should report the injury within 24 hours and no more than 180 days after the injury occurred. The purpose of the report is to notify your employer about your injury so that they can provide you with the necessary medical treatment while submitting a workers’ compensation claim to their insurance carrier. Failure to notify the employer within 180 days can result in the denial of your claim.
Step Two: Seek Medical Attention
The second step in filing a workers’ compensation claim in Utah is to seek medical attention from an approved healthcare provider. Your employer has the right to control the medical treatment you receive. Utah workers’ compensation law sets out a list of approved healthcare providers that can provide medical treatment for work-related injuries. It is important to note that seeking medical treatment from an unapproved healthcare provider can result in the denial of your claim.
Step Three: Complete The Application
After you have reported your injury to your employer and sought medical attention, you need to complete the workers’ compensation application. This application can be obtained from your employer or online from the Utah Labor Commission website. The application form requires you to provide basic information about yourself, including your full name, social security number, the date of your injury, and the details of the incident that led to your injury. You will also need to provide details about your employer such as name, place of work, and contact information.
Step Four: Submit The Application
After you have filled out the application, you must submit it to the Utah Labor Commission or your employer’s insurance company. Your employer will submit the application to their insurance company, and the insurance company will send a copy of the application to the Utah Labor Commission. The Utah Labor Commission will review the application and notify you and your employer when the claim is approved.
Step Five: Wait For A Decision
Once the Utah Labor Commission receives your application, they will investigate your claim and make a decision. You will receive a written notice detailing the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to and the payment amounts. If your claim is denied, you have a right to appeal the decision.
Step Six: Appeal The Decision
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Utah Labor Commission. To appeal the decision, you must file a Petition for Hearing within 30 days of the decision being made. A hearing will be held to resolve the dispute between you and your employer’s insurance company. You are allowed to submit evidence to prove your case, such as medical records and testimony from witnesses.
Conclusion
Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be a daunting process, especially if the injuries sustained are severe. It is therefore important for Salt Lake City workers to follow the right procedure when filing a workers’ compensation claim. The six steps outlined above should guide you through the process and help you secure the workers’ compensation benefits that you are entitled to. Remember to report the injury to your employer immediately, seek medical attention from an approved healthcare provider, complete and submit the application form, wait for a decision, and appeal if your claim is denied.