What to do after you’ve been hurt on the job in an Arizona airport
The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is a popular airport for travelers from all around the world. In recent decades, the airport has expanded immensely as the city of Phoenix has grown.
Current figures estimate that around 46 million passengers travel through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on a yearly basis. This volume of passengers and flights is made possible by the army of around 31,000 people who work at PHX—and it’s estimated that another 300,000 jobs are created by the existence of the airport in surrounding industries. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is also the main hub for U.S. Airways (which is now owned by American Airlines).
At the Law Offices of Robert E. Wisniewski, we are grateful for the hard work of Arizona’s airport workers. We want airport employees to understand that you are entitled to receive funds from workers’ compensation if you are hurt at work. Consulting an attorney about your work injury case is the best way for you to get answers and justice for what happened to you.
How workplace injuries and accidents happen at airports
There are a myriad of ways that an employee of an airport may become harmed in the course of their duties. For example, they could get a limb stuck in a piece of equipment, be struck by luggage, have a confrontation with an unruly passenger, etc.
Given the countless potential ways that a person may get hurt while working at the airport, it is important that all employees of the airport understand the state’s workers’ compensation program and their rights.
What to do if you’re injured while working at an Arizona airport
The first and most important thing to do when injured on the job is to seek immediate medical attention. There is no point in letting an injury get worse or fester; and besides, you will need to show that you sought immediate medical treatment for your injuries if you hope to file a successful workers’ compensation claim. It will hurt your case if you don’t seek medical help as it gives the insurance a reason to deny your claim.
Next, you should reach out to a workers’ compensation attorney. Our attorneys can help you figure out what steps to take next in regard to your injuries and collecting information to present to the court. It is also important to have all of your medical records as well as any other relevant information (such as witness statements) to go along with it.
The collection of data and information is time-sensitive and must begin immediately. This documentation will make or break your case in court, which is why it is such a big deal to get it right from the start.
Questions and answers about compensation for a job-related accident, injury or illness in Arizona
What NOT to do after a workplace accident or injury
Do not speak with representatives from the airport except through your attorney. Your employer may attempt to negotiate a settlement with you to get themselves off the hook for additional liability. You are best served by letting them only speak to your attorney. Your attorney will do the talking for you and can steer away from any subjects that don’t work in your favor.
You should also refrain from making any statements out of anger or other emotion as such statements may be used against you later. The best thing to do is to stay quiet about the situation until your attorney is prepared to speak on your behalf.
Finally, do not wait too long to file a claim or assume that your injury is not serious enough to warrant a workers’ compensation claim. Waiting too long may close the window of time that you have to file a claim, per the state’s statute of limitations. Assuming that your injury is not serious enough to file a claim may leave you open to an additional injury down the road that you were not expecting.
