How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Arizona

Workers’ compensation is a program that compensates employees who are injured on the job for lost wages and medical expenses. Below is an overview of how to file a workers’ compensation claim in Arizona.

Report your injury

If you are injured on the job, you should immediately report the injury to your employer. When notifying your employer, you should include the following information:

• The date, time, and location of the accident
• The cause of the accident
• Your medical symptoms

Following notification, your employer has 10 days to submit an Employer Report of Injury Form to the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) and the company’s insurer.

Consult a doctor

After you’ve given notice to the employer of your injury, you should seek medical attention.

Depending on the circumstances, you will either be permitted to choose your own doctor, or you will be required to consult with a doctor appointed by your employer. During your initial consultation, the doctor will provide you with a diagnosis and prescribe any necessary treatment. It is important to inform your doctor that your injury occurred while on the job.

Formally report your injury

During your initial medical consultation, your doctor should provide you with a Worker’s and Physician’s Report of Injury Form. This form is to be completed by both you and your physician, and the doctor’s portion typically includes details concerning your injury, prescribed treatment, expected date of recovery, and whether your injury will render you temporarily or permanently disabled. In addition, the form should include:

• The date of the injury
• The time the injury took place
• The location of the injury
• The cause of the injury
• Additional information about you and your employer.

If this form is not completed during your initial consultation with a doctor, you may later submit a Worker’s Report of Injury Form, which typically includes many of the details discussed above. However, this form must be submitted within one year of the date of injury. The submission of these forms to the ICA officially begins the claims process.

Next steps

Following receipt of the above forms by the ICA, your employer’s insurance company is notified of your claim, and you should receive a confirmation letter. After the insurer receives your claim, it must render a workers’ compensation benefits decision within 21 days from the date of notification.

Arizona Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Workplace injuries can be devastating, both physically and financially. However, they are even more catastrophic when you run into problems regarding your workers’ compensation benefits. Therefore, if you or a loved one is suffering from a workplace injury, it is highly recommended that you contact an experienced Arizona workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible, as you may be entitled to compensation. For a free consultation, please contact Arizona Injury Law Group, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, at 602-346-9009.