Workers’ Compensation
Arizona Workers’ Compensation Attorney
All workers in Arizona have a right to a safe work environment. Employees who are injured on the job are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Unfortunately, benefit claims are frequently denied by workers’ comp insurance carriers or contested by employers. The best way to protect your rights if you have sustained a workplace injury or occupational illness is to consult with Disability Attorneys of Arizona.
Founding attorney Kiel Roeschke has a well-earned reputation as a dedicated advocate of injured and disabled workers. Our legal team is well-versed in the rules governing workers’ compensation claims and has a proven history of helping injured workers obtain the benefits they deserve. When you consult with us, we will work tirelessly to protect your rights and your well-being. The sooner you contact our office, the sooner we can start working on your claim.
Am I Eligible For Workers’ Compensation Benefits In Arizona?
In Arizona, all employers are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance regardless of the number of employees they have. To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, the injury or illness must have occurred in the course of your employment. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means that injured workers are entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault for the workplace injury.
At the same time, employers are protected against personal injury lawsuits by workers who sustain work-related illnesses and injuries. If your injury was caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of your employer or a coworker (e.g safety violations, assault) or the negligence of a third party (e.g. a general contractor at a construction site) however, you have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Available Benefits Under Arizona’s Workers’ Compensation Program
If you have been injured on the job, you may be able to obtain benefits such as:
- Temporary benefits to replace up to two-thirds of an injured worker’s wages during the time he or she is out of work.
- Medical benefits to cover expenses for doctor visits, surgical procedures, prescription medications, rehabilitative care, physical therapy, and assistive devices, such as crutches and orthotic devices.
- Specific loss benefits to cover workers who sustain a permanent disfigurement or loss of use.
In addition, death benefits may also be rewarded to family members of a worker who was fatally injured on the job or subsequently passed away due to an occupational illness or injury.
Despite the availability of these benefits, many workers’ compensation claims are denied by insurance companies and employers, often by claiming that the injury was not work-related or that the injury does not prevent the employee from working.
If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, you need the powerful representation Disability Attorneys of Arizona provides. Ultimately, having an experienced attorney in your corner increases your likelihood of obtaining the benefits you deserve.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury
If you have been injured on the job, it is critically important to seek immediate medical treatment. You should also inform your doctor that your injury or illness occurred in the workplace. In addition, notify your employer as soon as possible. Within 10 days of being notified, your employer must report the injury to the Industrial Commission of Arizona, the state agency that oversees workers’ comp claims.
It is also crucial to keep records of any medical treatment you receive because this information will help to support your workers’ compensation claim. You should know that you may be required to be examined by an independent doctor chosen by your employer. The results of this medical examination may weigh heavily on your benefits claim.
Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability Benefits
If you have been injured on the job and are seeking workers’ compensation, you may also be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, as long as you qualify for SSDI. However, the combined amount of benefits is limited to 80 percent of your current wages. If your workers’ compensation benefits expire, the amount of disability benefits you receive may be increased.
At Disability Attorneys of Arizona, our practice is focused on fighting for the rights of injured workers. We leverage our skills and experience to help them obtain benefits under the state’s workers’ compensation program as well as Social Security disability benefits. We understand the challenges of dealing with state and federal agencies and will make sure your benefits claims are handled professionally and expediently.
Contact our Experienced Arizona Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
If you or a loved one has sustained a work-related injury or illness, turn to Disability Attorneys of Arizona. When you become our client, you can rest assured we will have your back and fight for the benefits you deserve. We offer free consultations and will not charge you any attorneys’ fees until we win benefits for you. Please contact our office today to speak with our experienced workers’ compensation and disability benefits attorneys.