At Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, our Salt Lake City workplace injury attorneys know that Utah’s workforce is the backbone of our communities. From construction crews and warehouse employees to healthcare professionals and office workers, every employee deserves a safe work environment. Unfortunately, workplace accidents are all too common, leaving employees with painful injuries, medical expenses, and the stress of lost income.
When an injury happens on the job, questions about workers’ compensation, employer responsibilities, and third-party liability can quickly become overwhelming. With more than 90 years of combined experience, our Salt Lake County attorneys understand how to navigate these challenges and are dedicated to protecting the rights of Utah’s workers, beginning with a free consultation.
Workplace Injury Risks in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City’s growing economy includes booming industries like construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. While these sectors bring opportunity, they also come with increased risk of injury. High-demand environments often mean long hours, heavy equipment, and fast-paced work that can lead to serious accidents. Even office workers face hazards such as repetitive strain injuries or unsafe premises.
The reality is that accidents can occur in any workplace, from downtown high-rises to suburban distribution centers. When they do, workers and their families deserve support, both medically and legally.
Common Causes of Workplace Injuries in Utah
Workplace accidents can result from a wide range of circumstances. Some stem from unsafe practices, while others are linked to defective equipment or inadequate training. Regardless of the cause, the impact on injured employees is often severe, requiring extended time off work or permanent lifestyle changes.
Our Salt Lake City workplace injury attorneys frequently see claims arising from:
Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops.
Being struck by falling tools, equipment, or materials.
Machinery malfunctions or defective equipment.
Repetitive motion injuries from daily tasks.
Exposure to harmful substances or toxic chemicals.
Unsafe work practices or lack of safety training.
Vehicle-related accidents, including forklifts and company cars.
Who May Be Liable for a Workplace Accident?
While Utah’s workers’ compensation system provides benefits for injured employees, not all cases end there. In some situations, additional parties may be liable, opening the door to broader recovery beyond basic workers’ compensation benefits.
For example, if defective machinery caused the injury, the manufacturer may be held accountable. Or, if a negligent third party was involved, they may also share liability.
Depending on the facts of the case, potentially liable parties may include:
Employers who fail to maintain safe working conditions.
Third-party contractors or subcontractors responsible for unsafe practices.
Manufacturers or distributors of defective equipment or tools.
Property owners or managers, if unsafe premises contributed to the accident.
Our attorneys investigate every angle to identify who is responsible and pursue all available avenues of compensation.
Damages Available for Injured Workers in Utah
Workplace injuries can create financial and emotional strain that extends far beyond the initial incident. While workers’ compensation benefits provide medical coverage and partial wage replacement, they often fall short of addressing the full impact. Our attorneys explore every option for recovery to ensure injured employees and their families are not left struggling.
Compensation may include:
Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs.
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
Pain and suffering.
Emotional distress.
Long-term care or disability-related costs.
Wrongful death damages for families who have lost a loved one.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Accident in Salt Lake City
The actions you take immediately after a workplace accident can affect your health, your claim, and your future. Many workers are unsure of their rights or feel pressured not to report injuries, but protecting yourself starts with taking the proper steps.
If you are injured on the job in Salt Lake City:
Report the accident to your supervisor or employer immediately.
Document the scene with photos of equipment, conditions, and injuries.
Gather contact information from witnesses.
Seek medical care right away, even if injuries seem minor.
Keep detailed records of medical treatment, expenses, and missed work.
Contact an experienced workplace injury attorney before dealing with insurance representatives.
At Waddoups Law, we can step in quickly to preserve evidence, advise you of your rights, and begin building your case.
Why Choose Waddoups Law for Your Workplace Injury Case?
Workplace injury cases can be complicated by overlapping insurance policies, employer defenses, and workers’ compensation laws. At Waddoups Law, we know how to navigate these complexities while keeping the focus on your recovery. With decades of experience handling injury claims across Utah, our attorneys bring proven trial experience and compassionate advocacy to every case.
We represent injured workers under a contingency arrangement, which means no legal fees are owed unless we win your case. Even then, we ensure your net recovery exceeds our fee percentage, because doing right by our clients is at the core of how we practice law.
Contact Our Salt Lake City Workplace Injury Attorneys Today
If you have been injured on the job in Salt Lake City or anywhere in Utah, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Our attorneys are ready to protect your rights, pursue all available avenues of compensation, and fight for the justice you deserve.
Contact Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys today to schedule your free consultation with our Salt Lake City workplace injury attorneys. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you.
Frequetly Asked Questions for Workplace Injuries Lawyers in Salt Lake City
Can I sue my employer directly for a workplace injury in Utah?
In most cases, Utah’s workers’ compensation system is the exclusive remedy against your employer, meaning you typically cannot sue them directly. However, this does not mean workers’ compensation is your only option for recovery. If a third party contributed to your injury, such as a negligent contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against that party. Our Salt Lake City workplace injury attorneys carefully examine every workplace accident to identify all potentially liable parties and pursue maximum compensation through both workers’ compensation and third-party claims when applicable.
What if my employer pressures me not to report my workplace injury?
You have a legal right to report workplace injuries, and your employer cannot retaliate against you for doing so. Utah law requires injured workers to report accidents to their employer as soon as possible, and delays in reporting can jeopardize your workers’ compensation claim. If you feel pressured to stay silent or fear retaliation, document everything in writing and reach out to an attorney immediately. We can advise you on how to protect your rights while preserving your claim. Contact our Salt Lake City workplace injury attorneys to discuss your situation in confidence during a free consultation.
How is a workplace injury case different from a regular personal injury claim?
Workplace injury cases involve navigating Utah’s workers’ compensation system, which operates differently from standard personal injury claims. Workers’ compensation provides benefits regardless of fault, but it limits the types of damages you can recover, typically medical expenses and partial wage replacement. Regular personal injury claims allow for broader damages including pain and suffering, but require proving negligence. In some workplace accidents involving third parties, you may pursue both types of claims simultaneously. The interplay between these systems can be complex, which is why having experienced legal guidance helps ensure you receive all benefits available under Utah law.
What should I do if workers' compensation denies my claim?
A denial does not mean your case is over. Workers’ compensation claims are frequently denied for reasons ranging from procedural issues to disputes over whether your injury is work-related. You have the right to appeal a denial through Utah’s Labor Commission, but strict deadlines apply. Our attorneys can review your denial letter, identify the reasons for rejection, and build a strong appeal on your behalf. We gather additional medical evidence, obtain witness statements, and present compelling arguments to overturn wrongful denials. The sooner you contact us after a denial, the more time we have to strengthen your case.
Can I receive compensation if my injury developed gradually over time rather than from one accident?
Yes. Utah workers’ compensation covers both sudden traumatic injuries and conditions that develop gradually through repetitive work activities. Repetitive strain injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic back problems, and hearing loss are examples of conditions that may qualify for benefits even without a single identifiable accident. However, proving these cases requires establishing a clear connection between your work duties and your medical condition. Our attorneys work with medical professionals to document how your job caused or significantly aggravated your injury, building the evidence needed to support your claim.
Will I lose my job if I file a workers' compensation claim?
Utah law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who file legitimate workers’ compensation claims. Your employer cannot fire, demote, reduce your hours, or otherwise punish you for exercising your legal rights. If you experience retaliation after filing a claim, you may have grounds for additional legal action against your employer. That said, navigating these situations requires careful documentation and legal strategy. If you are concerned about job security or have already faced adverse employment actions after reporting an injury, speak with our workplace injury attorneys in Salt Lake City right away. We can help protect your rights while pursuing the benefits you deserve.
How long do I have to file a workplace injury claim in Utah?
Time is critical in workplace injury cases. You must report your injury to your employer as soon as possible, Utah law requires notice within 180 days of the accident or from when you should have reasonably known your condition was work-related. For workers’ compensation benefits, you generally have one year from the date of injury to file a claim with Utah’s Labor Commission. If third-party liability is involved, different statutes of limitations apply depending on the type of claim. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your recovery, so do not wait to seek legal guidance. Schedule your free consultation with Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys today to ensure your claim is filed properly and on time.
What makes Waddoups Law different from other firms handling workplace injury cases?
Our firm brings more than 90 years of combined experience handling injury claims throughout Utah, giving us deep insight into how insurance companies, employers, and the workers’ compensation system operate. We take a comprehensive approach to every workplace injury case, investigating whether third-party liability exists beyond workers’ compensation benefits. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win your case, and we ensure your net recovery always exceeds our fee percentage. Most importantly, we treat every client with the respect and personal attention they deserve during a difficult time. When you work with Waddoups Law, you are working with dedicated attorneys who are genuinely committed to protecting Utah workers and their families.
I can’t say enough good things about Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys! I had some legal issues and decided to go with this firm. I’m so happy I did! The...
L L
These folks are amazing! Michelle is honest and upfront about the process and the different ways things can go. Thank you for all of your hardwork!
Mr Beasley
Looked over a contract for me. Was very professional and timely. Thanks George!
Chase Thomason
George and Jeri were incredible. I was riding my bike and was hit by a car and broke my back and had a TBI. I was so overwhelmed, but trying...
Sherie Christensen
George (& Geri) have repeatedly bested my expectations. After a car accident they took the majority of the pressure off so I could focus on getting the treatments I needed...
Natalie Clements
My wife and I had the privilege of working with Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, specifically Geri Kelley, and we cannot express our gratitude enough for their outstanding legal support....
Trent Covert
I am so grateful to George Waddoups and his team for effectively helping me through a very challenging legal matter. His knowledge and expert guidance made a significant difference in...
Leslie Fackrell
Verdicts & Settlements
$58.5 million
Wrongful Death involving semi-truck
Jury Verdict
$13 million
Slip & Fall
Settlement
$1.6 million
Semi-Truck Accident. Disputed Liability
Settlement
$1.5 million
DUI Rear-End
Settlement
$400,000
Auto Accident husband and wife. Policy Limits
Settlement
$310,000
Slip & Fall
Settlement
$300,000
Auto Accident. Policy Limits
Settlement
$250,000
Slip & Fall
Settlement
$240,000
Slip & Fall, fractured arm
Settlement
$205,000
Slip & Fall
Settlement
$140,000
Third-party work injury. Partially amputated fingertip