Many different on-the-job injuries may be covered by Arizona’s workers’ compensation system. However, there are deadlines for filing claims and other requirements. You should consider discussing the situation with a licensed attorney who may be able to help you through the process.
At Phillips Law Group, our firm has helped many injured workers recover compensation to help them pay for medical treatment and lost wages. We recovered more than $800,000 on behalf of a worker with an injured shoulder and nerve damage.
Our Avondale workers’ compensation lawyers have extensive knowledge of workers’ compensation laws and the process of applying for benefits. We offer injured workers a free and confidential consultation to discuss their injury and whether they have a valid claim. Your consultation is also an opportunity to ask questions.
At our firm, we do not get paid unless you do. Call anytime to set up your free claim review. Phone: 602-222-222 .
Is Your Injury Covered?
Just about every employer in Arizona must provide workers’ compensation benefits to their employees, including full and part-time workers.
Independent contractors are ineligible for benefits, but often these workers are misclassified so they should consider talking to an attorney. If your employer has significant control over your work and schedule, you may actually be an employee, and may be eligible for benefits.
The cause of your injury usually does not matter. If you were hurt in the course of your work, which means the injury was work-related, you likely qualify for compensation. You could even be at fault for the injury and you may still be eligible.
Benefits Provided by the Workers’ Compensation System
If you have a valid claim, you should receive coverage of reasonable and necessary medical bills, including the cost for traveling for treatment. If you miss a certain number of days from work, you may be eligible for compensation to cover a portion of lost wages. These are also called disability benefits and there are four types:
- Temporary partial disability ”“ If you can still work in a limited capacity, you may be eligible for compensation for two-thirds of the difference between what you are currently earning and what you earned before your injury.
- Temporary total disability – These are paid if you miss one week of work because of your injury. TTD is paid out for the entire time you receive medical treatment and it equals two-thirds of your average monthly wage you received 30 days before you got hurt.
- Permanent partial disability ”“ When you reach maximum medical improvement, you may still be partially disabled. If this happens, you may be declared permanently partially disabled and eligible to receive 66 and two-thirds of your average monthly wage. There is a limit of $3,000 or $460 per week.
- Permanent total disability ”“ These are paid for the rest of your life if you are completely unable to work because of your injury. There are maximum allowable limits set by Arizona law.
If your loved one died in a work accident or because of an occupational disease, you may qualify for death benefits. These provide compensation for funeral and burial expenses and a large percentage of your loved one’s average monthly wage.
Family members who could be eligible for these benefits include spouses, children under the age of 18, children between 18 and 22 who are full-time students, and surviving children over 18 who cannot support themselves.
State law sets the maximum monthly benefit family members can receive. The most family members can all receive is 67 percent of the deceased’s average monthly wage.
Have questions? Call Phillips Law Group to find out how we may be able to assist you. Ph: 602-222-222
What if I Got Hurt Offsite?
Generally, you must have been injured at your worksite to obtain workers’ compensation benefits, but there can be exceptions. It is a good idea to meet with an Avondale workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss what happened and eligibility for benefits.
Each situation is different, but injuries that occur in the following situations may qualify for benefits:
- Lunch breaks on site
- Traveling for business
- Falls on company property, such as the parking lot
- Car accidents that are work-related, such as those when you are making a delivery
Making a Report of a Work Injury
It is important to report a work-related injury as soon as possible. If you wait, it could give your employer reason to question the validity of your claim. The longer you wait, the longer it may take to receive benefits.
Once you report your injury, your employer must report it to the insurance company and Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA). Workers need to file a claim with the ICA. Once this is done, the insurance carrier is required to tell you within 21 days whether your claim has been accepted or not.
If you miss deadlines, it could hurt your chances of receiving compensation for your injury. It is also important to follow the doctor’s orders, otherwise you could invalidate your claim.
If you have questions about the workers’ compensation process, call today to schedule your free, no-obligation legal consultation. Phillips Law Group: 602-222-222
Can I See My Own Doctor?
Your employer has the right to choose who you see for the initial examination. After that, you have the right to choose the doctor who treats you. That said, employers who are self-insured may have the authority to choose who you see for all medical appointments.
What Happens if There is a Dispute Over My Claim?
Employers and their workers’ compensation insurers often deny legitimate claims or question whether they are valid. If there were no witnesses, or you were injured on your break or doing an activity that may not be work-related, you may have a difficult time proving your injury is work-related. Disputes can also arise when workers miss deadlines.
Fortunately, you can appeal a denied claim. You must do so within 90 days of being denied workers’ compensation benefits. It can be beneficial to have legal representation for an appeal, so you should consider hiring an Avondale workers’ compensation lawyer to represent you.
At Phillips Law Group, there is no upfront fee for legal representation, so there is no risk to you. This is your chance to ask questions and find out the benefits of working with a lawyer. We are prepared to guide you through the entire process and build a robust case on your behalf.
Work Injuries That May Result in Workers Receiving Compensation
The type of injury is not really a concern in a workers’ compensation claim. The important thing is whether the injury was work-related.
Workers’ compensation claims happen in many industries but are more common in dangerous industries like construction and agriculture.
Common examples of work injuries that often result in workers receiving benefits include:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Strains
- Knee injuries
- Back pain
- Electrocution
- Burns
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Silicosis
Call an Avondale Workers’ Compensation Attorney for a Free Consultation
There is often a lot of uncertainty after a work injury. Workers may not know when they will be able to return to work, or if they ever will. They may also feel a lot of anxiety because of the reduction in income.
Our attorneys understand what injured workers may be thinking and are available to help pursue workers’ compensation benefits to help you during this difficult time. Schedule a free consultation to discuss whether you may have a valid claim for compensation. This meeting is confidential and there is no obligation to take legal action, so there is no risk to you.
We are led by founder Jeff Phillips, who is a member of multiple prestigious, exclusive legal organizations and has served as lead counsel in more than 40 jury trials.
At our firm, we do not get paid unless you do. Call today to set a free claim review. 602-222-222