Time Is of the Essence When It Comes to Workers’ Compensation

In Arizona, time is of the essence when it comes to filing a workers’ compensation claim. Generally speaking, the quicker you obtain treatment, file your claim, and obtain the services of an experienced Arizona workers’ compensation attorney, the better. When you wait to begin the process, you run the risk of having to pay out of pocket for much of your medical care, and you may even lose the opportunity to be properly compensated for your injuries. Below is an overview of the importance of acting quickly following a work-related injury in Arizona.

Act fast!

Following a workplace injury in Arizona, there are a number of tasks that must be completed. And while these tasks all serve different purposes, they must be done as soon as possible in order to ensure the physical and financial well-being of the injured worker. These tasks include:

• Seek medical attention – After suffering a work-related injury, the first thing that an injured employee in Arizona must do is seek medical attention. Many workplace injuries are severe and require immediate care. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that all injured employees immediately seek treatment. However, even minor injuries should be immediately assessed and treated, as a small ailment can rapidly become serious if not properly cared for.

• Notify a supervisor – Following medical treatment, an injured employee must formally report the incident to his or her supervisor. Typically, this will be done via an incident report, which will include information such as: (1) the time, date, and location of the incident; (2) the nature of the injury; and (3) a general statement by the employee describing how the injury occurred.

However, if you are injured at work and your organization doesn’t have an official incident reporting process, it is highly recommended that you detail the above information in writing, as it will be useful as you pursue your claim.

Why is time important?

Workers’ compensation helps injured workers in a variety of ways. For example, workers’ compensation benefits often cover medical treatment, lost wages, rehabilitation, and travel reimbursement. However, workers’ compensation benefits don’t immediately begin following an injury. Therefore, it is important to act immediately in order to make the gap between the injury itself and the receipt of workers’ compensation benefits as small as possible. By waiting to act, injured employees increase the odds that they will suffer further financial setbacks associated with their injuries.

Arizona Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Workplace injuries can be devastating, both physically and financially. Lost wages, the inability to work, and emotional turmoil are but a few of the consequences of workplace injuries in Arizona. Therefore, if you or a loved one have been injured on the job, 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.