Injured at work? You may be entitled to benefits and settlements under Arizona workers’ compensation law.
There are many myths and misconceptions about workers’ compensation laws in Arizona. For instance, just because a workplace accident or injury may have been at least partially your fault doesn’t mean your benefits will be denied. You are entitled to workers’ compensation as long as you were injured on the job.
Workers’ compensation pays benefits regardless of fault.
If you have been told by an employer or insurance company that you aren’t entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, do NOT give up hope. Instead, discuss your case with our experienced attorneys to find out how we can help you.
Lawyers from across the entire state of Arizona confidently refer workers’ compensation cases to us for legal advice and consultation. The Law Offices of Robert E. Wisniewski is recognized as a leader in injured workers’ compensation cases in Arizona since 1976. Mr. Wisniewski himself has litigated over 10,000 work-related injury cases at Industrial Commission of Arizona hearings all across Arizona, representing thousands of Arizona injured workers for 45 years.
Unlike other law firms, workers’ compensation is all we do – all day, every day – and we do it well.
Everything an injured worker in Arizona needs to know
Visit the following pages and resources for more helpful information about workers’ compensation:
Common workplace accidents
Various spinal injuries can happen at work (complete vs. incomplete; cervical vs. thoracic vs. lumbar). These are the common causes and occupations/industries.
Arizona workers’ compensation lawyers discuss what to do if your shoulder is injured on-the-job.
Find out the different types of bone injuries that can happen at work.
Phoenix workers’ comp attorney explains workers’ compensation benefits for employees suffering from back and neck injury.
Stay informed: Read our articles on common workplace accidents.
Serving Arizona’s workers hurt on the job
How Arizona workers’ compensation law applies to firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty… Our work injury lawyers represent injured firefighters and first responders.
Hurt in the line of duty? Our experienced Arizona workers’ compensation lawyers are ready to help police officers and law enforcement personnel injured on duty.
How ambulance drivers, EMTs and paramedics in Arizona can obtain their workers’ compensation benefits
Are college athletes, NFL players and other professional athletes in Arizona covered by workers’ compensation? Contact an experienced Arizona work injury attorney.
Arizona workers’ compensation lawyers explain undocumented workers’ employment rights if they are hurt on the job. Can illegals sue for workers’ comp benefits?
Stay informed: Read our articles on workers hurt on the job.
Working with a lawyer
Though the answer varies on the case and attorney, learn about the different types of common fees normally charged with workers’ comp cases in Arizona.
Top warning signs and indications that an attorney is untrustworthy or inexperienced when it comes to practicing workers’ compensation law in Arizona.
Want to meet with a workers’ compensation attorney? Here’s what to expect during your initial consultation, and what information to bring with you.
Learn how to prepare for your initial consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer by using these questions to help find the right lawyer to represent your claim.
Arizona workmans’ comp resources
Learn what rights injured workers have in the state of Arizona and what the employer’s responsibilities are. If you have questions, reach out to our experts today.
These are the top work safety standards (set by OSHA and other agencies) that are most violated in the state of Arizona and nationwide.
Can an injured worker who is unable to work due to a work accident get unemployment benefits AND workers’ compensation in Arizona?
An overview of the general history of the workers’ compensation system in the U.S. and a detailed history of how the workers’ comp system was started in Arizona.
Workers’ comp benefits in Arizona: Our certified Arizona work injury specialists can fight for payment for medical bills, lost wages, disability, funeral expenses.
Stay informed: Read our articles on workmans’ comp resources.
Common questions
Injured workers in Arizona generally can’t sue their employer for a work-related injury if workers’ compensation is provided. But what about third parties?
Most injured workers cannot sue and must go through the Arizona workers’ comp system (which is an “exclusive remedy”), but there are a few rare exceptions to this rule.
Learn how workers’ compensation claims are different from personal injury claims — for instance, differences in the statute of limitations, damages available, etc.
What if you don’t agree with your doctor? Our attorneys can help Arizona workers change their treating physician after a workplace accident.
Stay informed: Read our articles on common questions.
Resources
- Workers’ compensation guide
- The complete guide to AZ workers’ compensation lien law and practice © 2019
- Firm brochure
- What to do in case of a car accident
Case results
Bob Wisniewski wins in Arizona’s Court of Appeals, yet again. In a hotly contested case, Wisniewski secured a favorable award for his client for loss of earning capacity benefits. The insurance company appealed, arguing that the treating psychiatrist didn’t have a “foundation” to offer an opinion on work restrictions. The Court of Appeals disagreed and ruled in favor of the injured worker.
To many, seeking workers’ compensation may seem complicated and confusing. However, if you work in Arizona and have been injured or become ill while at work, you are likely eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Arizona has a “no fault” system, so even if you placed yourself in harm’s way during work and were injured as a result, you may still be eligible to receive benefits. This means that regardless of fault or seriousness of injury, you should report a work-related injury or illness to your employer immediately after the accident happens. Failure to report the injury may result in the insurance company denying benefits.
Below are 5 basic steps to take in order to begin your workers’ compensation claim:
- In an emergency, seek immediate medical attention as you would in any emergency situation.
- Inform your employer or boss/supervisor that you have been injured. In non-emergency situations, do this first. Don’t wait until the injury becomes more serious or wait to see if you feel better later.
- Seek care from a doctor as soon as possible and save all documents that you receive during that visit.
- File a claim with the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) as soon as possible.
- Inform your employer of any limitations the doctor has placed on your work activity and follow the medical advice from your doctor.
The forms and process for filing a workers’ compensation claim can be confusing. Contact attorneys Robert E. Wisniewski or Javier C. Grajeda — all Workers’ Compensation Certified Specialists by the State Bar of Arizona — whose experience and resources will help you through the process.
Arizona Workers’ Compensation Guide
FREE E-BOOKWhat do you do if you’re injured on-the-job? Our free guide contains knowledge to help the injured worker understand the workers’ compensation application process.
What to do if you’re hurt on the job?
If your injury is job-related, you’re covered under Arizona workers’ compensation regardless of who caused the accident. Follow these steps to file a work injury claim:
Step 1: Immediately report the injury to your employer and request the claim form that the law says an employer must provide.
Step 2: Request that your employer refer you to a medical care provider.
Step 3: Do NOT speak to the insurance company representative without your lawyer.
Step 4: Call the Law Offices of Robert E. Wisniewski as soon as possible.
When do you need a workers’ comp lawyer?
- Your claim was wrongfully denied
- Your benefits were suspended
- You need to leave the state of Arizona
- You want to change doctors
- Your claim was closed without permanent disability
- You can’t return to your former job
- Your condition or symptoms worsened and you need to reopen your case
- The insurance company won’t pay or are slow in providing benefits
- You need assistance with processing your accepted claim
- You require medical care or more medical care
- You don’t trust or believe the insurance company
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is your responsibility to file your claim. Mail your completed Worker’s Report of Injury form to (keep a copy and mail certified):
Industrial Commission of Arizona: P.O. Box 19070, Phoenix, AZ 85005-9070
Arizona Social Security benefits
In Arizona, there are situations when a work-related injury, illness, disease or physical disability may qualify for Social Security benefits. However, there are many guidelines that must be followed. In fact, the Social Security Administration denies most initial claims filed by applicants who file without assistance. Social Security laws and regulations are complex and can be confusing. It’s helpful to have a skilled local attorney who is familiar with the process and who can provide assistance with the complexities.
Your finances and medical support are important to your livelihood, so it’s important that your rights are protected. Phoenix attorney Robert Wisniewski has been practicing for 30 years and understands the importance of your claim. To obtain an honest opinion of your chances of being approved for Social Security benefits, contact The Law Office of Robert E. Wisniewski to schedule your free consultation with a Social Security attorney.
Hurt on the job? Schedule your free consultation today
At the Law Offices of Robert E. Wisniewski, we offer a free initial file review/consultation from a highly experienced and knowledgeable lawyer who will take the time to answer your questions, provide information on how the law applies to your work injury case, and explain your rights at no cost. We also offer contingency fee representation, meaning you don’t have to pay us unless we win your case. Our Phoenix-based practice is devoted exclusively to helping workers get the benefits they deserve.
The clock is ticking on your case. Under Arizona’s statute of limitations, employees have just one year from the date of their injury (or from the date the injury is discovered) to report it and file a workers’ compensation claim.
Don’t spend your valuable time trying to interpret complex Arizona workers’ compensation laws. Don’t let stress and anxiety about filing a claim distract you from focusing on your recovery. Trust our experienced Arizona workers’ compensation lawyers to help you obtain the benefits you deserve.
Why hire our Arizona workers’ comp lawyers?
- We understand the special needs of an injured worker
- Trained and helpful staff
- Personal attention to clients
- Calls promptly returned
- Clients kept up-to-date on case
- State-wide service
- Aggressive & experienced representation
- Hablamos español
Mr. Wisniewski has been recognized as the premier workers’ compensation lawyer in Arizona. He is the only claimants’ attorney recognized as a Fellow of The College of Workers’ Compensation.
“It costs no more to hire the best.”
“Mr. Wisniewski is the best lawyer that I have ever had the pleasure of working with and knowing. His dedication to me as a client has been unmatched. He is kind, caring, empathetic, and genuinely concerned about others. My life was restored after working with him and I was able to heal and continue teaching because of him.” – N.A.
“I cannot say enough good things about Mr. Wisniewski. From our very first meeting, he was extremely informative, very compassionate and caring with the change in direction that took place and then, through the whole process, he and his staff kept me up to date on everything every step of the way. Bob and his staff earned this top-notch review through their hard work, honesty and diligence. I truly felt like a valued client.” – J.D.
“I hired Robert Wisniewski for my workers compensation claim. The Law Offices of Robert Wisniewski has been excellent with my claim. Bob is an awesome attorney who knows what he is doing! Bob takes his time with you and spends countless hours on your case. If you get hurt on the job call Bob. You won’t be disappointed with his service. Thank you for your hard work Bob.” – J.R.
While our main law office is in downtown Phoenix, we handle workers’ compensation claims throughout Arizona – including Yuma, Kingman, Payson and Flagstaff.
