Workers’ compensation regulations in Arizona provide benefits to employees who are injured or get occupational sickness while executing their job obligations. Medical treatment, wage replacement, and disability benefits are among the perks available.
However, navigating the workers’ compensation system may be challenging. Injured workers must understand their rights and obligations to get the benefits they are entitled to.
This article will provide an overview of Arizona workers comp laws and what injured workers should know to collect the benefits to which they are entitled.
Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Arizona
Workers’ compensation benefits are provided in Arizona to most employees who have experienced a work-related accident or sickness. It covers total- and part-time employees and temporary and seasonal labor.
Arizona workers’ compensation regulations cover the following categories of injuries and illnesses:
- Injuries sustained as a result of a specific workplace accident
- Occupational ailments, such as respiratory issues induced by toxic material exposure
Types of Benefits Available to Injured Workers in Arizona
Under the workers’ compensation system, injured workers are entitled to various benefits. Injured workers must understand their rights to these benefits and file their claims immediately to ensure they receive them. These are some examples:
- Medical benefits: These benefits pay for medical treatment due to a work-related injury or illness. It includes doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, and prescription drugs.
- Permanent disability benefits: If an injured worker suffers a permanent impairment or disability due to a work-related injury or sickness, they may be entitled to permanent disability payments. These benefits are determined by the degree of the worker’s disability and earning capacity.
- Wage replacement benefits: These are provided to injured workers who cannot work due to an injury or illness. Wage replacement compensation is determined by the degree of damage and the employee’s weekly average wage.
- Death Benefits: If an employee dies due to a work-related injury or sickness, their dependents may be entitled to death benefits, including burial expenses and ongoing financial assistance.
Employer Responsibilities in Arizona Workers’ Compensation Cases
Under Arizona workers’ compensation legislation, employers have particular responsibilities regarding reporting and managing workers’ compensation claims. Employers, in particular, must:
- Post a notification about workers’ compensation rights in a visible workplace area.
- All work-related injuries and illnesses must be reported to their workers’ compensation insurance company.
- Give injured workers medical attention.
- Allow injured workers who are unable to work temporary disability benefits.
If an employer fails to comply with Arizona workers’ compensation regulations, they may incur consequences such as fines and legal action.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Arizona
If you are injured on the job in Arizona, you must notify your employer as quickly as possible. This will initiate the filing of a workers’ compensation claim.
To make a workers’ compensation claim in Arizona, injured workers must do the following:
- Notify their employer within one year from the date of the accident or illness.
- ● Complete a workers’ compensation claim form.
- Fill out the claim form and send it to the Arizona Industrial Commission.
The Arizona Industrial Commission handles workers’ compensation claims. Once a claim is filed, they will analyze it to see if the injured worker is entitled to benefits.
The Bottom Line
Understanding Arizona workers comp laws is crucial for injured employees as these regulations serve as a legal framework that provides benefits to injured workers.
However, filing a workers’ compensation claim can be complex, and following the proper procedures to receive the benefits you are entitled to is essential. Additionally, employers have specific responsibilities under Arizona workers’ compensation laws and can face penalties for failing to comply.