If you have suffered a workplace injury or developed an occupational illness in Arizona, you have a right to workers’ compensation benefits. By working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, you can learn what types of workers’ compensation benefits are available and how to obtain them.
At Disability Attorneys of Arizona, our practice is dedicated to protecting the rights of injured workers and helping them obtain the benefits they deserve. When obstacles arise, such as claim denials or employer challenges, we provide our clients with powerful representation in administrative and court proceedings.
When you become our client, you will have comfort knowing that we will be at your side every step of the way. Contact our office today for a complimentary consultation.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Arizona
There are several types of worker’s comp benefits available if you sustain a workplace injury, including:
- Temporary benefits that replace up to two-thirds of your wages during the time you are out of work.
- Medical benefits that cover all your medical expenses (e.g. doctor’s visits, exams, surgical procedures, prescription medications, rehabilitative care, physical therapy, and assistive devices such as crutches, braces, and orthotic devices).
- Specific loss benefits that cover permanent disfigurement or loss of use (limb, hearing, or vision loss).
- Permanent disability benefits that may be awarded if you sustain a work-related injury and cannot return to your job. These benefits are based on factors such as the nature of your injury, your age, and occupation, as well as a doctor’s analysis of the percentage of lost work potential.
- Vocational retraining that, if you are permanently disabled, may qualify you for vouchers that defer the cost of retraining and educational programs to allow you to learn new skills.
In addition to covering work-related injuries, the workers’ compensation program in Arizona also provides a death benefit to compensate surviving family members of a worker who is fatally injured on the job.
In any event, obtaining workers’ compensation benefits is challenging and valid claims are often denied. For this reason, it is crucial to have the informed representation our firm provides. Your case will be handled by an accomplished workers’ compensation lawyer who will fight hard for all the benefits you deserve.
Injured Workers May Also Be Eligible for Social Security Benefits
In addition to workers; compensation benefits, you may also qualify for benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, provided that you meet the eligibility requirements. In short, you must have an illness or injury that:
- Prevents you from performing any substantial gainful activity (SGA)
- Has lasted or is expected to last at least one year
It is important to note that the combined amount of workers’ comp and Social Security Disability is capped at 80 percent of your current wages.
Am I Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Arizona?
If you have been injured on the job, you should seek immediate medical attention and notify your employer as soon as possible. These are critically important steps that will impact your worker’s compensation claim, which must be filed with the Industrial Commission of Arizona within one year of the date of your injury.
To qualify for workers comp benefits, you must have suffered an injury or illness in the course and scope of your employment. You must also have medical evidence that supports your claim, which is why it is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately after a workplace injury.
You will also be required to see a doctor chosen by your company whose diagnosis will weigh heavily in your claim. Your employer is also required to report your injury to the ICA within 10 days of being notified by you.
Unfortunately, claims are often denied by workers’ comp insurance carriers seeking to protect their profits. Employers may also attempt to contest claims to control the cost of premiums. If this has happened to you, you need an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in your corner.
How Disability Attorneys of Arizona Can Help
Our legal team is here to make sure you are treated fairly. We have a proven history of helping injured workers obtain benefits for all types of debilitating injuries, including:
- Back injuries
- Burns injuries
- Head injuries
- Hearing/vision loss
- Fractures
- Knee injuries
- Loss of limb
- Muscle and ligament damage
- Occupational illnesses
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
We will help you navigate the workers’ compensation system, assist with filing your claim, gather medical evidence, handle all communications with your employer, the insurance carrier, and the worker’s compensation board, and help you obtain the benefits you deserve. We will also consider other benefit options that may be available (e.g. SSDI, long-term disability insurance).
Our workers’ compensation attorneys understand your concerns about recovering, your loss of income, and mounting medical expenses and will address those concerns by providing you with compassionate, efficient representation. Because we understand your physical, emotional, and financial burdens, your initial consultation is free and you will not pay any attorneys’ fees until we obtain workers’ comp benefits for you.
Contact Our Experienced Arizona Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
If you have questions about what types of workers’ comp benefits are available, need assistance filing a claim or appealing a claim denial, turn to Disability Attorneys of Arizona. We have the skills and experience to win you the benefits you need and deserve. Contact our office today for an appointment.