How much is a back injury worth in Utah workers' comp?
Utah does not use a fixed number of weeks for a back injury. Your doctor gives a whole-person impairment rating and the award follows the state formula (whole-person % × 312 weeks).
How a back injury is paid in Utah
Not on the schedule; rated by impairment against 312 weeks for total loss of bodily function.
Each week is paid at 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to $870 a week.
What is different in Utah
Utah's schedule grades each limb by the level of loss (e.g., arm at shoulder 187 weeks vs. between deltoid and elbow 178 weeks). Injuries not on the schedule are capped at 312 weeks.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 weekly wage | $1,200 weekly wage | $1,600 weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% whole-person rating | $8,320.42 | $12,481 | $13,572 |
| 10% whole-person rating | $16,641 | $24,961 | $27,144 |
| 15% whole-person rating | $24,961 | $37,442 | $40,716 |
| 25% whole-person rating | $41,602 | $62,403 | $67,860 |
Calculate your back award
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what Utah law sets. Many claims end in a negotiated settlement instead. Insurers usually start from the statutory award for your rating, then adjust for disputed ratings, future medical care, how long wage-loss benefits could run and the risk of a hearing. Knowing the statutory number for a back injury helps you judge whether an offer is low.
Utah vs. neighboring states
| State | How a back injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | whole-person % × 312 weeks | — |
| Arizona | wage loss | — |
| Colorado | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Idaho | whole-person % × 500 weeks | — |
| Nevada | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| New Mexico | whole-person % × 500 weeks | — |
| Wyoming | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
"Max for total loss" applies to body-part schedules at the top weekly rate. Compare all 50 states and D.C.
While you recover: temporary disability in Utah
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW, plus $20/week for a dependent spouse and $20/week per dependent child under 18 (max 4 children); the total may not exceed 100% of SAWW or 100% of the worker's AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,306 (2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30 (July 1, 2026 figure not confirmed)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $45/week plus $20 for a dependent spouse and $20 per dependent child (2025 guide) |
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 14 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | 312 weeks |
Estimate your weekly check
Utah adds $20 a week for a dependent spouse and each dependent child under 18 (up to 4); this estimate shows the base amount only.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a back injury worth in Utah workers' comp?
It depends on your whole-person impairment rating. Utah pays whole-person % × 312 weeks; a 10% rating is worth up to $27,144.
What is the average workers' comp settlement for a back injury in Utah?
Utah does not publish an official average. The best benchmark is the statutory award for your rating: for example, a 10% whole-person rating at a $1,200 weekly wage works out to about $24,961. Settlements move up or down from there.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Utah in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,306 (2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30 (July 1, 2026 figure not confirmed)).
Is there a waiting period in Utah?
Yes. Utah does not pay the first 3 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 14 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
Utah Code Ann. §§ 34A-2-409, 34A-2-410, 34A-2-412. The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Utah
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: Utah Code Ann. §§ 34A-2-409, 34A-2-410, 34A-2-412; Utah Code Ann. § 34A-2-412
- Utah Labor Commission, Industrial Accidents Division (official site)
- laborcommission.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025-Quick-Reference-Guide.pdf
- law.justia.com/codes/utah/title-34a/chapter-2/part-4/section-412/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Utah workers' compensation agency.
Estimate only. Your real award depends on your doctor's rating, your wage records, offsets and settlement terms. This page is general information, not legal advice.