An Introduction to Workers' Compensation in Arizona
Know the basics of filing a workers' compensation claim after being injured at work.
July 03, 2011
An Introduction to Workers' Compensation in ArizonaLike most insurance, you probably do not want to think about workers' compensation more than you have to, and you certainly do not want to need it. However, when injured at work, workers' compensation can provide much-needed coverage for medical expenses and wage loss while you recover from your injuries.
When a worker becomes injured on the job, he or she should immediately notify the employer and seek medical help. He or she should do this no matter who was at fault, even if it was accidentally self-inflicted. This is because Arizona is a no-fault workers' compensation state, meaning it does not matter who caused the injury, only that an injury occurred. While technically a worker has one full year to file a claim, the sooner it is done the more likely a person is to receive benefits. Use a Worker's Report of Injury to initially file a claim with the Industrial Commission of Arizona. The form is available on the commission's website.
After the report goes to the commission, it will notify the employer's insurance carrier. The carrier must accept or deny the claim within 21 days. If the carrier accepts, it will begin making payments according to a schedule governed by Arizona law. If the insurance carrier denies the claim, the worker will need to file a Request for Hearing with the Commission to appeal the decision. If the injured worker has not obtained a workers' compensation attorney by that point, he or she should do so immediately upon receiving a denial from the insurance carrier.
Representation at the Hearing is Essential
Preparing for a hearing can be a daunting task. Complicated laws regulate workers' compensation claims. In addition, the insurance company will have its own attorney at the hearing who will do all he or she can to deny you benefits. With such obstacles, it can be incredibly difficult to present your case without experienced help.
The commission reported that 11,467 injured workers filed for lost time at work in 2009, the most recent year available. So while you may hope to never need workers' compensation, if you have been injured at work, seek out representation in order to receive the benefits you need to pay bills.
Article provided by Crossman Law Offices, P.C.
Visit us at http://www.azworkinjury.com