Yuma, AZ Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

How does workman’s comp work in AZ?

Workers in Yuma who suffer an on-the-job injury, illness or disease may be entitled to workers’ comp benefits for their medical expenses and lost income during recovery.

To qualify for these benefits, you don’t need to prove that your employer is responsible for your injury, illness or disease; you only need to be able to prove that the injury or illness occurred while you were performing your job duties or as a result of your employment.

This means that in most cases, as long as the injury is work-related, regardless of fault, you’re eligible for compensation.

However, it’s important to know that workers’ compensation does not cover injuries that are self-inflicted or result from an employee’s intentional misconduct. If an injury is deliberately caused by the employee or occurs due to their involvement in illegal activities or serious violations of workplace policies, they may be disqualified from receiving workers’ compensation benefits.

What injuries should be reported to the employer?

Any injury, illness, or disease that is related to your work should be reported to your employer as soon as possible.

It’s important to inform them of any incident that occurs while performing job duties or as a result of your employment, regardless of the severity, to ensure proper documentation and to initiate the workers’ compensation claim process if needed.

If you develop an occupational disease, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, hearing loss or asbestosis, that you believe is directly related to your job, you should seek a medical diagnosis and report the disease to your employer as soon as you become aware of it to facilitate timely medical intervention and support your claim.

Reporting such conditions promptly can be critical for accessing necessary medical treatments and benefits under workers’ compensation laws.

How long does an employee have to report an injury to their employer in AZ?

In Arizona, while it is best for an employee to report a work-related injury, illness or disease to their employer as soon as possible, workers have up to 1 year from the date of the injury or from when they became aware of a work-related condition to file a workers’ compensation claim.

Failure to file the necessary forms within this timeframe will likely result in a denied claim.

What is the waiting period for workers’ compensation in Arizona?

In Arizona, the waiting period for workers’ compensation wage loss benefits is 7 consecutive calendar days, including weekends and holidays.

This means that if a doctor determines that you are unable to work or can only perform light duty due to your injury and you lose earnings for more than 7 days, temporary wage loss compensation starts on the 8th day.

However, if your loss of earnings extends to 14 days or more, then compensation is retroactively paid from the date of the injury, covering all 14 days. It’s important to note that compensation usually doesn’t include the initial day of injury, as you were working on that day.

Resources for injured workers in Yuma, AZ

In Yuma County and throughout the state of Arizona, the workers’ compensation system requires employers to offer insurance benefits to their employees who suffer a job-related injury or illness.

Workers’ comp is a no-fault system, meaning the employer is 100% liable for job-related injuries or illnesses experienced by their employees — no matter who’s responsible for the workplace accident.

As a result, employees typically aren’t allowed to sue their employers to receive insurance benefits.

If you or a loved one were hurt on the job in Yuma, you might find the following local resources helpful: