Workers injured on the job often have a long road of recovery ahead of them. Worrying about how to pay for medical expenses or taking care of your family is the last thing you need. At Phillips Law Group, we understand the emotional impact this has on all parties involved. Our Glendale workers’ compensation lawyers welcome the opportunity to review your claim to determine whether you are eligible for benefits.
We have been representing residents throughout Arizona for several decades and recovered millions in compensation for our clients, including $834,000 for a worker who suffered a broken shoulder, nerve damage and a torn rotator cuff while on the job.
Contact us today to schedule a 100 percent consultation. We charge no upfront fees to handle your case and we only get paid for our legal services when we obtain a recovery on your behalf.
Give us a call at 602-222-222 . We are available to talk with you 24/7.
Am I Covered By Workers’ Compensation?
In Arizona, all employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage for one or more individuals they employ on a regular basis, either full-time or part-time. However, coverage is not required for independent contractors, occasional employees or domestic workers employed in the home.
If you were injured in a work-related accident, you may be covered by workers’ compensation. It generally does not matter how you got hurt, even if you share some responsibility for your injury. Every case is unique, which is why we recommend reaching out to our firm to discuss whether you have a claim.
Free Consultation. Ph: 602-222-222 .
What Types of Benefits May I Be Eligible for?
Injured workers could be eligible to receive benefits to help cover medical expenses, the cost of traveling to/from doctor appointments and other treatments, as well as payments for lost wages and permanent disabilities. Depending on the degree of injury or disability, benefits may continue for a lifetime.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
These benefits are only temporary and designed to provide benefits starting one full week after a worker’s injury and continuing for the duration of his or her medical treatment. During recovery, he or she will receive a monthly workers’ compensation benefit that is two-thirds of the average monthly wage received in the 30 days prior to the injury.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
These benefits allow an employee to work a limited number of hours while recovering from injuries sustained on the job. During this time, the worker is typically not able to work in the same role as before the accident and earning less than they normally would. TPD benefits help by providing an additional compensation that is equal to two-thirds of the difference between the wages he or she received prior to the injury and the reduced amount he or she earns after the incident.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
Once the temporary benefits discontinue because a worker has healed as much as a medical examiner considers possible, permanent partial disability benefits begin. These benefits are for a worker who may be able to return to some form of employment, but who will not be able to perform the job he or she did previously. Workers receive 66 and two-thirds percent of their average monthly wage, up to a maximum of $3,000, or approximately $460 each week.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
Permanent benefits are weekly payments ”“ up to the maximum allowable amount ”“ issued for the lifetime of an individual who suffered an injury so serious that he or she is unable to ever return to work.
Death Benefits
Death benefits can help cover funeral and burial expenses and are based on a worker’s average monthly wage prior to the work-related injury. The combined maximum percentage family members can receive is 67 percent of the worker’s average monthly wage. The maximum monthly benefit depends on the date of the injury. Death benefits can be paid out to the following surviving family members:
- Spouse
- Surviving children under the age of 18 years
- Surviving children under the age of 22 years who are full-time students
- Any surviving child who is unable to be self-supporting
What Coverage is Available if I Was Injured While Working Offsite?
Although not common, some employees injured while working off-site may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These situations are atypical, so an employee will likely need to provide proof he or she was on work-related business when the accident occurred. Some of the situations where injuries might still be covered may include:
- Getting injured during a work lunch or break
- Traveling for a work-related purpose
- Falling on company property
- Getting injured in a work-related car accident
Reporting a Work-Related Injury in Arizona
According to the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA), you should report a work-related injury to your employer as soon as possible. Once you leave the job site, it could provide your employer the opportunity to argue that your injury could have occurred somewhere else.
Your employer is then required to report your injury or illness to the insurance company and the ICA. You will also need to file a claim with the ICA by completing and submitting a worker’s report injury form. The insurance carrier must notify you within 21 days whether your claim was accepted or denied.
If you wish to pursue workers’ compensation benefits for a work injury, it is important to pay attention to deadlines and follow the filing requirements. If you miss a submission date or neglect a certain step, such as not following prescribed medical treatment, your claim may be denied.
Trying to file a claim can be confusing and overwhelming while you are trying to recover from an injury. The legal team at Phillips Law Group are well-versed in Arizona workers’ compensation requirements and are prepared to guide you throughout the legal process.
Am I Allowed to Be Treated By My Own Doctor?
Your employer has the option to choose the doctor for your first treatment. After that initial examination, you are allowed to select your own doctor. However, if your employer is self-insured, he or she may be able to regulate who you see for all of the medical appointments to treat your work-related injury.
Fill out ourfree online formto find out how we can help you.
Resolving a Workers’ Compensation Dispute
Proving the validity of a workers’ compensation claim is sometimes tricky, especially if there were no witnesses, it happened on your lunch break, or you were engaged in an activity that was not related to your job. There are all kinds of reasons that an employer and its insurer may choose to deny a claim.
Often when workers try to file a claim on their own, problems may occur. Issues may include missing the filing deadline or unsuccessfully trying to establish the legitimacy of a work-related injury or illness.
If your application for benefits has been denied, you only have 90 days to file a request for a hearing through the ICA, so do not delay. While you are not required to have legal representation for this phase of your claim, it is generally a wise decision to have a knowledgeable Glendale workers’ compensation lawyer involved to appeal your case, protect your rights and ensure your benefits are calculated correctly.
Take advantage of our free initial consultation. It is your opportunity to ask questions about the workers’ compensation process and discuss your legal options. If your claim has merit, we welcome the opportunity to protect your rights and will work tirelessly to help you get the benefits you need.
Most Common Workplace Injuries
Across the country, workers are injured on the job every day. Statistically there are a higher number of injuries amongst certain types of workers, such as construction and agricultural workers, because they work mostly with heavy machinery. Work injuries that may require medical care include:
- Strain and sprain injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spine or back injuries
- Torn or amputated limbs
- Electrical injuries
- Hearing loss
- Death
Employees could also be at risk for developing certain occupational diseases, such as carpel tunnel syndrome, mesothelioma, cancer and even heart disease. There is a greater risk of developing these conditions when exposed to dangerous substances over an extended period of time. You may be eligible for benefits for certain health issues developed during your course of employment.
Contact a Glendale Workers’ Compensation Attorney
At Phillips Law Group, we are committed to fighting for the rights of injured workers in Arizona. If you were hurt or suffered an illness due to work-related circumstances, you may be eligible to pursue benefits through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
Schedule a free consultation or complete our free online form 24/7 so a Glendale workers’ compensation attorney can review your claim. Do not leave your benefits to chance. We accept cases on contingency, so there are no upfront fees. If we are not successful in obtaining benefits for you, we do not get paid.
Our law office is located less than 25 minutes from the Valleywise Community Health Center in Glendale.
Call us now to get started at 602-222-222 .