Lost Wages in a Utah Personal Injury Claim
If an injury caused by another party's negligence forced you out of work in Utah, you can recover lost wages and future earning capacity as part of your claim. Here is exactly how to document, calculate, and recover your income losses.
For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney.
Modified comparative fault (50% bar)
Fault System
4 years
Filing Deadline
No-Fault
Auto System
What Lost Wages You Can Recover in Utah
Past Lost Wages
All income you lost from the date of the accident through settlement or verdict — including salary, hourly wages, tips, commissions, bonuses, and self-employment income.
Future Lost Earnings
If your injury causes permanent or long-term disability affecting your ability to work, you can recover the present value of future income losses. Expert economic testimony is typically required.
Lost Business Income
Self-employed individuals and business owners can claim documented lost profits caused by their inability to work.
Benefits & PTO Used
Sick days, vacation days, and other benefits consumed due to your injury may be recoverable as lost wages.
No-Fault vs At-Fault in Utah
Utah Injury Law
Utah combines mandatory no-fault PIP insurance with a modified comparative fault system featuring a 50% bar. PIP covers initial medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. The statute of limitations is 4 years, one of the more generous periods in the country. Utah's growing population and expanding outdoor recreation sector — skiing, mountain biking, off-road sports — generate significant recreation-related personal injury claims. Ski resort liability is subject to the Utah Inherent Risks of Skiing Act, which limits resort liability for inherent risks. Utah has no general cap on compensatory damages for most personal injury cases. Medical malpractice claims in Utah have a 2-year statute of limitations under Utah Code Ann. § 78B-3-404 and are subject to a preliminary screening panel process. Utah caps punitive damages at the greater of 3 times compensatory damages or $500,000 under Utah Code Ann. § 78B-8-201. Workers' compensation in Utah is administered by the Utah Labor Commission.