Employees may suffer injuries and develop medical conditions due to job-related incidents and tasks. If you or a loved one has suffered a workplace injury or illness, it can be scary if you don’t have proper understanding of the workers’ compensation law and guidance.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation or workman’s compensation is a benefit for those who become injured or ill, as a result of a workplace incident. Workers’ compensation benefits may include wage compensation and payment for medical expenses incurred in the treatment of the injury or illness.

Am I covered by my employer’s workers’ compensation insurance?

All Arizona employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance or be self-insured. However, independent contractors and self-employed individuals are generally not covered by this type of insurance. You can verify your specific employer’s policy coverage, at the National Council on Compensation Insurance’s website (NCCI) or the Industrial Commission of Arizona website (azica.gov).

Who qualifies for benefits?

There are four requirements in order to qualify for the workers’ compensation benefits –
• You must be an employee of the company.
• You must have been injured or fallen ill due to an injury or condition that arises out of and in the course of your employment, often a work-related occurrence.
• Your employer must have workers’ compensation insurance.
• All claims must be filed within the legally required time period.

When should the claim be filed?

In Arizona, you need to file a claim within 1 year of the date that the injury became manifest and you had some reason to know of its relationship to your work activities. Arizona law also requires you to promptly report the injury or illness to your employer. If the claim may be covered under the law of other States, you need to consult an attorney who knows about that State’s law. Or if you are a federal employee, you may need to discuss your matter with an attorney who has experience in handling federal workers’ compensation claims.

How can I ensure I get what I deserve?

First, you need to report your injury or illness to your employer. Then you need to fill out a Worker’s Report of Injury (Form 407, available online with Industrial Commission of Arizona) or the Worker’s and Physician’s Report of Injury (Form 102, available at your doctor’s office or hospital). Form 407 can be submitted at the ICA website. Keep records of the time of filing the relevant documents to confirm timely filing.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or disabled because of a work-related injury or illness, you can talk to a workers’ comp attorney to discuss your matter.

To consult the best injury and workers’ compensation attorneys in Phoenix, Arizona, call Arizona Injury Law Group at 602-346-9009. Arizona Injury Law Group PLLC offers workers’ compensation attorneys who help injured workers seek benefits and justice and a voice standing up for you!