Are you worried about what to do if you get injured or fall ill due to work-related activity? Don’t worry, because in Arizona, it’s mandatory for employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Even if your employer is uninsured, there is insurance coverage through the State for work-related injuries. The workers’ compensation system provides benefits to employees who have sustained job-related injuries or illnesses, regardless of fault.
At Goldberg and Osborne, we are here to help you navigate the workers’ compensation process in Arizona. Our experienced attorneys can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injury or illness. If you need help with your claim you can call us at 1-800-THE-EAGLE or click here to start the process online.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system of insurance that provides you with certain benefits if you sustain a job-related injury or illness. This means that depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for:
- Compensation for your medical expenses
- Temporary or permanent compensation for lost wages
- Job retraining
What Do The Arizona’s Workers’ Compensation Laws Cover?
In Arizona, workers’ compensation laws consider the following to be job-related:
- Injuries or illnesses that result in the immediate onset of symptoms.
- Injuries or illnesses that result in delayed symptoms that may not appear for days, weeks, or months after the incident.
- Medical conditions that developed “gradually” over a period of days, months, or years as a result of work-related activity.
- Pre-existing medical conditions aggravated by a specific accident at work or a “gradual” aggravation caused by work-related activities over a period of days, months, or years.
What should you do after a workplace injury?
If you have suffered a workplace injury, it’s important to take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
Seek medical attention: Your health should be your top priority after a workplace injury. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injury seems minor. Delaying medical treatment can make your injury worse and complicate your workers’ compensation claim.
Report the injury: You should Report the injury to your supervisor immediately. This will start the workers’ compensation process and ensure that your employer and their insurance company are aware of the injury. Failing to report the injury promptly could result in a denied claim.
Gather evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This includes any witness statements, photographs of the scene of the accident, and medical records. This evidence will be important when filing your workers’ compensation claim.
Follow your doctor’s instructions: Your doctor will provide you with instructions for treatment and rehabilitation. It’s important to follow these instructions closely to ensure that you recover as quickly as possible and receive the maximum benefits under workers’ compensation.
Consult with a workers’ compensation attorney: Consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to under the law. An attorney can guide you through the complex workers’ compensation process and help you avoid costly mistakes that could result in a denied claim.
Arizona Workman’s Comp Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims in Arizona is generally one year from the date of injury or last exposure to a hazardous condition at work. This means that you must file your claim within one year of the date of your injury or last exposure to the hazardous condition, or you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Common Factors Contributing to workplace accidents
Workplace accidents can occur for many different reasons, but some of the most common factors that contribute to these accidents include:
- Human error: Mistakes made by employees, such as failure to follow proper procedures or use proper equipment, can lead to accidents and injuries.
- Lack of training: Employees who are not properly trained in their job duties, equipment operation, or safety procedures are more likely to make mistakes and cause accidents.
- Poor communication: Miscommunication or lack of communication between employees, or between employees and management, can lead to misunderstandings and accidents.
- Hazardous working conditions: Working in environments with unsafe or uncontrolled hazards, such as slippery floors, faulty equipment, or exposed electrical wires, can increase the risk of accidents.
- Fatigue or stress: Employees who are overworked, fatigued, or stressed are more likely to make mistakes and cause accidents.
- Inadequate supervision: Lack of supervision or inadequate supervision can lead to employees taking shortcuts or not following proper procedures, leading to accidents.
- Inadequate maintenance: Failure to maintain equipment and facilities can lead to malfunctioning equipment and hazardous conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Work pressure: High work pressure and tight deadlines can lead to rushing and taking shortcuts, leading to accidents.
Important steps for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
If you’ve been injured on the job, filing a workers’ compensation claim can be a complex and intimidating process. It’s important to understand the steps in a workers’ compensation case review to ensure that you’re on the right track towards receiving the benefits you’re entitled to under the law.
Report the injury to your employer: The first step in any workers’ compensation case is to report the injury immediately to a supervisor, and preferably in writing. Keep a copy of the written report. In Arizona, you have up to one year to report your injury.The ONE YEAR statute of limitations refers to the requirement that the injured worker file his/her claim with the Industrial Commission of Arizona no later than one year after the date of injury. It’s important to report it as soon as possible to avoid any potential delays or complications. When you report your injury, your employer will provide you with a claim form and instructions for submitting your claim.
Seek medical attention: Your health should be your top priority after a workplace injury. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injury seems minor. Your doctor will provide you with a medical report, which will be used as evidence in your case.
Consult with a workers’ compensation attorney: If you’re facing a denied claim or other complications in the process, it’s important to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon after the injury as possible. An attorney who can review your case, provide guidance on your legal rights, and represent you in court if necessary.
Why You Need Qualified Legal Representation for Your Arizona Workers’ Comp Claim
You have the right to represent yourself before the Industrial Commission of Arizona, the agency that administers and enforces Arizona’s workers’ compensation laws, among others. However, there is a good chance that your employer or their insurance company will be represented by an attorney specializing in Arizona workers’ compensation laws.
Contact Goldberg and Osborne for a Free Consultation
If you have a work-related illness or personal injury and need help filing a claim or appealing a denial, contact Goldberg and Osborne immediately to find out how we can help. Call us at 1-800-THE-EAGLE or contact our office online to schedule your free initial consultation. We are here to help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injury or illness.
Remember, after a workplace injury, it’s important to prioritize your health and your legal rights. Following these steps can help ensure that you receive the benefits you’re entitled to and that you recover from your injury as quickly as possible. Contact Goldberg & Osborne immediately following any accident or injury. Call The Eagle at 1-800-THE-EAGLE