What to Do After a Workplace Injury in Utah: The First 72 Hours

Most denied Utah workers' comp claims are not denied because the worker wasn't actually hurt. They are denied because the worker made a procedural mistake in the first 72 hours — usually one of three: didn't report it in writing, didn't see a doctor immediately, or kept working through the pain trying to be tough.

Here is the exact sequence to follow if you got hurt on the job in Utah.

Hour 0: Get medical attention

If it's an emergency (broken bone, head injury, severe bleeding, anything that requires an ambulance), call 911. Get to an ER. Worry about paperwork later.

If it's not an emergency but you're hurt, see a doctor the same day. Walk-in clinic, urgent care, or your primary care if they can see you that day. Do NOT wait until tomorrow.

What to tell the doctor

• Be specific: "I was lifting a 70lb box at work at 2:30pm today and felt a pop in my lower back."
• List every body part that hurts, even if minor. Pain that seems small now can grow.
• Use the words "work injury" and "workers' compensation." Ask them to document it as such.

Hour 0–4: Report to your employer in writing

Utah law (Utah Code 34A-2-407) gives you up to 180 days to report, but do it the same day if possible. Verbal notice is not enough — get it in writing.

What "in writing" means:

• A text message to your supervisor: "Hi [name], I hurt my back at 2:30pm today while lifting boxes in the warehouse. I'm going to urgent care. This is my notice of work injury."
• An email to HR or your supervisor with the same content.
• A filled-out company injury report form (some employers have one).

Keep a copy. Screenshot the text. Save the email in a folder. If the employer later claims you never reported it, this is your evidence.

Hour 24: Save everything

Start a folder (physical or Google Drive). Put in it:

• Photos of the injury (visible bruising, swelling, equipment that caused it)
• Photos of the accident scene
• Names and phone numbers of any coworkers who witnessed it
• All medical paperwork (ER discharge, prescription receipts)
• Copies of all texts/emails about the injury
• The names of every adjuster, nurse case manager, or HR person who contacts you

Hour 24–72: Decisions that affect your case value

1. Do NOT use your own health insurance

Workers' comp pays 100% of medical care with no deductible. If you bill your own insurance, you can complicate or even forfeit benefits. Tell the medical provider "this is a workers' comp injury, bill the employer's WC carrier." If you don't know the carrier, the provider can find it.

2. Do NOT sign anything from the insurance adjuster

Within days, an insurance adjuster will call. They'll ask for a recorded statement. They'll send forms.

Don't give a recorded statement without an attorney. Anything you say can and will be used to reduce your benefits. You're not required to give one in Utah.

3. Do NOT post on social media

Adjusters monitor Facebook, Instagram, TikTok. A photo of you laughing at a birthday party, holding your kid up, or doing yard work can be used to argue you're not really hurt — even if you were in pain the whole time. Take a break from social posting until the case closes.

4. Decide if you need an attorney

You don't need one for every case. Skip it if:

• Injury is minor (a sprain that heals in 1-2 weeks)
• Employer is cooperative
• Insurance pays TTD and medical promptly

Get one if:

• Injury is serious (surgery, PPD likely > 5%)
• Claim is denied or delayed
• Adjuster pressures you to settle fast
• You're being pushed back to "modified duty" before you feel ready

Utah caps attorney fees at 25% of the recovery. Browse vetted Utah workers' comp attorneys.

Days 4–14: Follow through

• Attend every medical appointment. No-shows are used against you.
• Follow doctor's restrictions exactly. If you're told "no lifting > 10lb," don't lift the dog food bag.
• Save every receipt for medications, parking at appointments, and mileage. Utah pays mileage back at the IRS rate.
• Check your TTD payment — it should arrive within 14 days of when wages were lost. If not, follow up with the adjuster in writing.

What if your employer fires you for reporting it?

Utah Code 34A-2-114 makes retaliation for filing a workers' comp claim illegal. If you're fired, demoted, or harassed for reporting an injury, you may have a separate retaliation case beyond the WC claim. Document everything.

The free 5-minute tool

Once you have your AWW and (if you've reached MMI) impairment %, use the CVR Quick Calculator to estimate what your case is worth. It helps you spot when a settlement offer is too low.