Orem Workers Compensation Lawyer

Workers’ compensation laws in Orem, Utah, are designed to protect employees who suffer injuries or illnesses while on the job. These laws ensure that workers receive medical care, wage replacement, and other necessary benefits.

However, navigating the claims process can be complex, and many injured workers face challenges such as denied claims or employer disputes.

Hiring an Orem workers’ compensation lawyer can make a significant difference in securing the benefits you deserve. Let our experts at Valley Law Accident and Injury Lawyers guide help guide you on the importance of legal representation and how to find the right lawyer for your case.

Why You Need an Orem Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Filing a workers’ compensation claim may seem straightforward, but many workers encounter obstacles that make it difficult to obtain benefits. Some common issues include:

Employer disputes regarding whether the injury happened at work.
Denied claims due to missed deadlines or incomplete paperwork.
Insufficient compensation that does not cover medical bills or lost wages.

A skilled workers’ compensation lawyer can help injured employees:

Gather medical evidence and documentation to strengthen their claim.
Negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation.
Appeal denied claims and represent them in hearings if necessary.

Qualities to Look for in a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

When choosing a workers’ compensation lawyer, it is important to consider:

Experience: Look for an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation cases.
Knowledge of Utah laws: Understanding state-specific regulations is crucial.
Success record: A lawyer with a strong history of winning cases can provide better results.
Client reviews: Testimonials from past clients can offer insight into the lawyer’s reputation and effectiveness.

What Qualifies As a Workplace Injury?

A workplace injury is any injury that occurs while an employee is performing tasks related to their job. However, it’s important to understand the specific criteria that determine whether an injury qualifies for workers’ compensation benefits.

Here are some key points to consider:

Injury Must Occur During Work-Related Activities

For an injury to be covered by workers’ compensation, it must occur while you are engaged in activities directly related to your job. This includes physical tasks such as lifting, operating machinery, or even sitting at a desk if your work involves long hours of computer use.

The injury must happen during work hours or in the course of work duties.

Common Examples of Workplace Injuries

Some examples of injuries that commonly qualify for workers’ compensation include:

Slips, trips, and falls: These can occur in any workplace environment, whether in an office, warehouse, or construction site.
Repetitive strain injuries: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome from typing, or back injuries from repetitive lifting, are also covered.
Machinery accidents: Employees operating heavy machinery are at risk for serious injuries if safety protocols are not followed.
Vehicle accidents: If you are injured while driving for work, such as during a delivery or transportation task, this can qualify as a workplace injury.
Exposure to hazardous substances: Injuries from chemicals, toxic fumes, or other hazardous materials in the workplace may also qualify.

Injuries That Happen While Traveling for Work

In some cases, injuries that occur while traveling for work, such as driving to a job site or meeting with clients, may be considered work-related. This includes accidents during work-related travel, whether in your own car or a company vehicle.

Mental Health Injuries

Workers’ compensation claims aren’t limited to physical injuries. Mental health injuries, such as stress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may also qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, especially if they are caused by a specific work-related event or ongoing work conditions.

However, these claims are more difficult to prove and often require thorough medical evidence.

Injuries During Breaks

In general, injuries that happen during lunch or break times are not covered under workers’ compensation. However, if you are injured while performing a task related to your job during these breaks—such as eating at your desk or running an errand for your employer—there may be exceptions that allow the injury to be covered.

Preexisting Conditions

If you already had a medical condition that worsened due to your work activities, it might still be considered a workplace injury. For example, if you have a pre-existing back condition and a work-related task aggravates it, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation Claims in Orem

Workers’ compensation is a vital program designed to provide financial and medical assistance to employees who are injured while performing their job duties. This state-mandated insurance program helps employees recover from workplace injuries without having to file a lawsuit against their employer.

In Orem, as well as the rest of Utah, workers’ compensation claims are governed by specific laws, and understanding the benefits available can help injured workers get the support they need. Here is a breakdown of the benefits typically provided through a workers’ compensation claim:

Medical Coverage

When you are injured on the job, one of the first benefits you are entitled to is medical coverage. Workers’ compensation pays for the medical treatment needed to address the injury, including:

Doctor visits for diagnosis and treatment.
Hospital stays for surgeries, emergencies, or longer-term care.
Prescription medications to manage pain or treat the injury.
Physical therapy if the injury requires rehabilitation.
Diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRIs to assess the extent of the injury.

The goal of medical coverage is to ensure that workers can receive the necessary care to recover and return to their normal lives as quickly as possible. It is important to follow the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider and keep thorough records of all medical care received.

Temporary or Permanent Disability Benefits

In cases where workplace injury results in a temporary or permanent disability, workers’ compensation benefits provide income replacement to help support you while you recover or adjust to your new condition.

Temporary disability benefits are available if your injury prevents you from working for a short period of time. These benefits typically cover a portion of your lost wages while you recover, often around two-thirds of your average weekly earnings.
Permanent disability benefits are available if the injury results in long-term or permanent effects that prevent you from performing your job duties. Depending on the severity of the disability, the benefits may be paid for a specific period or for the rest of your life.

Disability benefits are based on the extent of the injury and how it impacts your ability to work. An evaluation of your medical condition and work capacity will help determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to.

Lost Wage Compensation

Workers’ compensation also provides compensation for lost wages if your injury prevents you from working. These benefits help maintain your financial stability while you are recovering.

Temporary total disability benefits cover a percentage of your lost income while you are unable to work at all.
Temporary partial disability benefits may be available if you are able to work in a limited capacity or at a reduced wage due to your injury.
Permanent total disability benefits provide long-term wage replacement if the injury leaves you unable to work permanently.

These benefits are essential for covering living expenses during your recovery period. The amount of lost wage compensation varies depending on factors such as your average wage, the severity of your injury, and your ability to return to work.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury

If you are injured at work, taking the right steps early on can significantly affect the outcome of your workers’ compensation claim. Here’s a more detailed look at what you should do to protect your rights:

Report the Injury

It’s crucial to notify your employer of your injury immediately. Most workers’ compensation systems have strict time limits for reporting injuries, and failure to report your injury promptly could result in the denial of your claim.

Inform your supervisor or manager, and be sure to document the date and time you made the report. In some cases, you may be required to submit a written report, so keep a copy for your records.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injury seems minor, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away. Some injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time.

A medical professional can assess your injury, provide necessary treatment, and create a record that will be important for your claim. Be sure to follow all medical instructions, attend follow-up appointments, and retain all documents related to your treatment, such as doctor’s notes, bills, and medical records.

Document Evidence

Gathering evidence early on is key to supporting your workers’ compensation claim. Take clear photos of your injury and the scene of the accident, as this can provide visual proof of what happened.

If there were any witnesses to the accident, obtain their names and contact information and ask them to provide statements about what they saw. Additionally, ask your employer for a copy of the incident report, if one was filed, or document the details of the incident yourself.

The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.

Consult a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

After an injury, the insurance company may offer you a settlement, but it’s essential to be cautious before accepting any offer. Initial offers are often lower than what you may be entitled to.

Consulting with an Orem personal injury attorney ensures that you fully understand your rights and the value of your claim. An attorney can review your medical records, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and ensure that you are not shortchanged in the settlement process.

A lawyer can also help if your claim is denied or if you face difficulties with your employer.

Death Benefits

In the unfortunate event of a fatal workplace injury, workers’ compensation can provide death benefits to the surviving dependents of the deceased worker. These benefits can help cover funeral expenses and provide financial support to spouses, children, or other dependents who relied on the worker’s income.

How Long Do I Have to File My Workers’ Comp Claim?

In Utah, including Orem, workers must adhere to strict deadlines when filing a workers’ compensation claim. The statute of limitations determines how long an injured worker has to report their injury and file a claim to receive benefits.

Reporting the Injury: Injured workers must report their injury to their employer within 180 days of the accident. Failing to report within this timeframe may result in the loss of benefits.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim: The official workers’ compensation claim must be filed within one year from the date of injury or the last payment of medical benefits. For occupational diseases, such as exposure-related illnesses, the claim must be filed within three years from the date the worker became aware of the condition.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances:
- If the employer fails to report the injury to their insurance provider, the deadline may be extended.
- In cases where the injury leads to permanent disability, additional deadlines may apply for seeking extended benefits.
- If a claim is denied, there is a six-year limit to request a hearing before the Utah Labor Commission.

Because missing these deadlines can result in claim denial, it is crucial for injured workers to act quickly and consult a workers’ compensation lawyer from Valley Law to ensure all paperwork is filed on time.

Get the Help of Our Orem Workers’ Compensation Law Firm

If you have been injured at work in Orem, you deserve fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and recovery. However, the workers’ compensation process can be complicated, and insurance companies often try to minimize payouts.

That’s why having the right legal representation is crucial.

At Valley Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, we specialize in helping injured workers navigate the claims process and fight for the benefits they deserve. Our experienced team understands Utah’s workers’ compensation laws and is dedicated to protecting your rights.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Don’t face the claims process alone. Contact Valley Law Accident and Injury Lawyers today at (801) 810-9999 to get the legal support you need and the compensation you deserve.