Are Part-Time Workers Eligible for Compensation in a Work Injury?

If you work part-time and get hurt on the job, you might assume you are not eligible for workers’ compensation. This is a common misconception, and one that keeps too many injured workers from pursuing the benefits they are entitled to. Part-time employees in Utah generally have the same protections as their full-time counterparts.

Utah Workers’ Compensation Covers Most Part-Time Employees

Utah law requires nearly every employer to carry workers’ compensation insurance for all of their employees—and that includes part-time workers. There are only a handful of narrow exceptions to this rule, which apply to specific categories such as certain agricultural laborers, licensed real estate brokers, sole proprietors, business partners, and LLC members.

How Benefits Are Calculated Based on Part-Time Wages

You can secure several categories of compensation when you file a work injury claim. All medically necessary treatment tied to your workplace injury is covered, including emergency visits, surgeries, prescriptions, and ongoing rehabilitation.

You may also qualify for disability benefits, depending on the severity of your injury and how it affects your ability to earn a living. Temporary disability benefits provide financial support while you heal, whether you are unable to work at all or are earning less due to reduced hours or lighter duties. Permanent disability benefits, on the other hand, apply when a work-related injury leaves you with a lasting impairment, with compensation determined by a physician’s assessment of your condition.

Because these benefits are calculated using your average weekly wage, they reflect what you actually earned as a part-time worker rather than a full-time salary. This means your compensation is proportional to your real income.

Steps to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim as a Part-Time Worker

If you were hurt at work, report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Utah law technically allows up to 180 days to file a report, but it is always best to act immediately. Make sure every report is documented in writing and keep copies of all paperwork for your own records. Once notified, your employer must alert their insurance carrier within seven days.

The insurer then has fourteen days to submit the required injury report to the state’s Industrial Accidents Division and provide you with copies along with a summary of your rights. You will also need to seek medical treatment. For emergency care, you can go to the nearest hospital or urgent care facility. For non-emergency appointments, you will need to see a provider approved by your employer’s insurance network.

What If Your Employer Says You’re Not Covered?

Some employers incorrectly tell part-time staff that they are not eligible for workers’ compensation, whether out of ignorance or an attempt to avoid a claim. However, the law is clear: employers must provide coverage for their workers, and your scheduled hours do not change that obligation. If your employer refuses to acknowledge your claim or if the insurance company denies or stalls your benefits, contact a Utah workers’ compensation attorney right away to protect your rights.

Find Out If You’re Eligible—Talk to a Workers’ Comp Attorney

If you’ve been injured at work and are unsure whether your part-time status affects your eligibility, the smartest step you can take is reaching out to a workers’ compensation attorney. A lawyer will fight to make sure you receive every benefit you are owed. To learn about your options, schedule a free legal consultation with a Utah work injury attorney today.