After receiving medical attention, the first step to beginning the worker’s compensation claim process is to file a report with the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA). The report must be filed with the ICA in order to obtain your benefits. Without a filed report with ICA, you risk losing your benefits.
When reporting your claim to the ICA, it’s equally important to report the claim to your employer as soon as possible.
Once your claim is filed, you will receive a letter from the ICA indicating that the workers’ compensation insurance company for your employer has been notified of your injury. Usually, you’ll be provided this confirmation from the ICA within 2 weeks of filing your claim. If you haven’t received confirmation within 2 weeks, you must contact the ICA to follow up.
It’s in your best interest to report your injury to the ICA as soon after it happens as possible. You will not begin receiving benefits until the claim is processed. You’ll lose your benefits if you don’t file within 1 year of the incident.
Finally, if you file anything with the ICA, be sure to ask for and save a copy of any paperwork your doctor files on your behalf regarding your work injury claim (which is the only other alternative way to file a workers’ compensation claim in Arizona).
The ICA tends to respond promptly to your workers’ compensation claim when an attorney represents you. At the Law Offices of Robert E. Wisniewski, our certified workers’ compensation specialists are highly experienced.