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About 11,000 workers die in the United States every year due to job-related injuries and illnesses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But many more suffer minor injuries that don’t lead to fatalities, although they may cause serious problems like chronic pain in the long run.
Workers Compensation Insurance is required for all employers in the state of Arizona. It is a no-fault system that provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job or contract occupational diseases while working. Workers Compensation Insurance provides compensation to the employee and their family by covering medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits.
To ensure that you are compliant with Arizona law and adequately protecting your business, it is very important to understand how this process works. This guide will inform you of your responsibilities as an employer and some of the laws surrounding Workers Compensation Insurance in Arizona.
What is Workers Compensation Insurance?
Workers compensation is a form of insurance that covers costs related to employee injuries or illnesses resulting from employment. When an employee becomes sick or hurt at work, the insurance pays for their medical costs and sometimes replaces their wages during recovery time. They may also be entitled to additional benefits if there is a permanent disability or death related to an injury sustained on the job. If an employer does not carry workers compensation insurance and one of their employees becomes injured, they can be held personally liable depending on the circumstances.
Since workers’ compensation is governed by state law and serves two main purposes: protecting employers from lawsuits and providing workers with the medical care they need when injuries occur.
However, workers compensation claims can be complex and confusing. The insurance company will fight tooth and nail in an effort to keep you from getting your fair share of benefits. Injured workers have rights and so do the insurance companies who supply these benefits, which is why it is important that you consult with an experienced Phoenix Arizona workers compensation attorney if you are injured on the job. Read this article for phoenix workers compensation here .
How Does it Work?
A worker who has been injured in a work accident will generally be compensated for their medical expenses and their lost wages. If the worker is seriously injured, they may also be eligible for death benefits if they pass away due to the injury. The employer is required to report the injury by submitting an incident report, which then goes on file with the state’s workers’ compensation agency. The agency will then investigate and determine whether or not it was indeed a work-related accident.
If you’re injured on the job and require medical treatment, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Here are 10 important facts about workers’ compensation in Phoenix Arizona:
- You must report injuries to your employer or direct supervisor as soon as possible. Under Arizona law, all work injuries must be reported to your employer within two business days of the incident. This rule applies even if you don’t think your injury was work-related or occurred at work. You must also report any other information that could impact the claim, including treatment or services, dates of maximum medical improvement or rating evaluations and whether you returned to work. Note that this includes time off for doctor visits and treatment. These reports are important for maintaining your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits and for calculating the amount of your benefit payments. If you fail to report an injury to your employer within that time frame, you could have your claim denied and be found in violation of the law.
- If you are hurt on the job, and the accident is not your fault, your employer is required by law to provide you with a medical exam. They will also cover the cost of your treatment, including surgery and physical therapy. Some employers may be willing to pay for more than this. If so, it will be stated in your contract or personnel handbook.
- You do not have to prove that you were hurt on the job to receive workers’ compensation benefits – only proof that you had a work-related injury is necessary. It doesn’t matter who was at fault for your injury—you can still get benefits from workers’ compensation as long as it was caused by your job or duties as an employee.
- There are strict liability laws in place that make companies responsible for injuries their employees sustain while performing work duties. This means that if you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence or carelessness, your employer would still be responsible for paying for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses associated with a workplace accident.
- You can receive workers’ compensation even if it is determined that you were partially responsible for causing an injury.
- Being hurt on the job does not mean that your employer has the right to cut your pay or fire you from your position, even if they decide it was your fault that you were hurt.
- It also pays you when you can’t work because of your injury or illness.
- You can be compensated for injuries that occur during your commute to and from work or during lunch break, if you were doing a job-related function such as delivering company mail or picking up a work-related tool.
- Even if your employer doesn’t offer workers’ compensation insurance in Phoenix Arizona, you may still be able to receive medical treatment for your workplace injuries.
- If you’re temporarily totally disabled or permanently completely disabled from a work-related injury, you’ll get paid until you find another job or retire.
It’s Important to Consult With a Worker’s Compensation Lawyer
Consulting a worker’s compensation lawyer is essential because insurance companies are used to dealing with people who do not know their rights. The insurance companies are aggressive and they have high-paid lawyers that know how to get them out of paying claims. They will fight hard to not pay your claim.
“About Contributor Jason M. Ferguson- Your Legal Expert
Jason M. Ferguson, the founder of Ferguson Law Group, started his career working for an automobile insurance company as a trial attorney before owning his injury law firm for over 20 years. Attorney Ferguson has a unique experience, having tried cases on both sides of the court system in personal injury trials, unlike many other lawyers. Ferguson also served over 14 years as an Army Reserve officer and the Georgia Air National Guard. The Albany Herald recognized him as one of southwest Georgia’s “40 under 40″ in 2010.”
You may also like: When To Hire A Worker’s Compensation Attorney
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