Workers' Compensation

Helping you navigate the workers' compensation system in Arizona.

WHY HIRE A WORKERS' COMP ATTORNEY?

WORKERS' COMP FAQ

TYPES OF BENEFITS AVAILABLE

BACK AND SHOULDER INJURIES

WORKERS' COMPENSATION BENEFITS

How does workers' compensation work in Arizona?

Arizona is no-fault state, which means regardless of the cause of your workplace injury, you are entitled to workers' compensation benefits. These benefits include reimbursement for lost wages and coverage of the medical treatment you need to recover. However, the process of filing a workers' compensation claim is often complex. To ensure you receive your full benefits, it is essential to consult with an experienced workers' compensation attorney.

At Rios Law Firm PLLC, we have the experience you need. Regardless of your injury or situation, we are ready to help you. Injured workers need an advocate they can trust and rely on. We strive to be that advocate for you.

What should you do if you get injured at work?

If you are injured at work, you need to protect your rights. That is why it is important to follow the workers' compensation procedure. After a workplace injury, contact our offices. Our lawyers in Phoenix guide you through every step of the process, including:

Reporting your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Employers are required to have workers' compensation insurance for their employees, and they must have a record of the injury to report to their insurance company and the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA).
Filing your claim with the ICA. The ICA handles all workers' compensation claims in the state, and they will determine what benefits you qualify for. It is important to note that you must file your claim within one year of the injury to receive full benefits.
Obtaining the necessary medical treatment. Every injury is different and will require treatment from surgery to therapy. Consult a medical professional to take care of yourself as soon as possible.

Even though Arizona's law entitle you to receive benefits, some employers and their insurance companies may try to deny your claim. At Rios Law Firm PLLC, we will protect your rights throughout the entire benefits process. We will make sure you understand all of the options available to you, and help you make the decision that best fits your needs.

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Why should you hire a workers' compensation attorney?

You should have to navigate complex legal issues while recovering from a workplace injury. Getting an experienced workers' compensation attorney on your side can make all the difference in reducing the emotional and financial stress you and your family may face.

If you are injured at work, contact Rios Law Firm PLLC. We are here to fight for injured workers' rights and help them get the compensation they deserve. You need someone you can rely on, so you can recover without stress. Our lawyers in Phoenix provide you and your family with personalized advocacy to meet your needs.

Protect your rights with our knowledgeable guidance

The workers' compensation process and laws in Arizona are complex and most injured workers do not know what to do after suffering a workplace injury. We protect your rights and address all your concerns. We can help you:

Understand what is happening. The process to obtain your workers' compensation benefits can be confusing, so it is essential to have a knowledgeable attorney on your side. We discuss all of your options at every step of your case.
Confront your employer on insurance companies. Oftentimes, employers and their insurance companies try to intimidate or take advantage of injured workers. We will stand up for your rights.
Get the compensation you deserve. While you heal from a work injury, workers' compensation covers lost wages from missed work, as well as all of your medical expenses. Our lawyers in Phoenix will fight to recover benefits for you.

Workers' Compensation FAQs

I just got hurt at work, what do I do?

Report the injury to your supervisor immediately. Request that your employer send you to a medical provider for treatment or seek treatment on your own if your employer refuses to send you for treatment and tell the medical staff you were injured at work. File a claim with the Industrial Commission of Arizona.

How does workers’ compensation insurance protect me?

Workers’ compensation represents a type of limited coverage insurance that protects you by paying for lost wages when your treating physician has placed you on an off-work status or recommended work restrictions. Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier pays for medical expenses incurred as a result of your industrial injury. Compensation for lost wages is based on 66 2/3% of your average monthly wage.

Am I allowed to choose my healthcare provider?

The standard for selecting a healthcare provider for workers’ compensation cases is established by each state. If your employer is not one that is self-insured and listed as a direct care employer, then you have the right to choose your treating physician. We have a network of specialists that we can refer you to if you are unhappy with the doctor treating you for your industrial injury.

After gaining legal representation, can I still contact the insurance adjuster?

No. After you hire a workers’ comp attorney, her or she will communicate with the insurance adjuster.

Does a physician-issued work release mean I have to report to work immediately?

If your treating releases you to return to modified duty or regular work your job, then you must comply and contact your employer. If you are reinjured, you must report it immediately and follow up with your treating physician.

How do I proceed when my claim is denied?

You must request a hearing through the Industrial Commission within 90 days of the date the notice denying your claim was issued. NOTE – this means 90 calendar days, not three months. Although you can represent yourself in the litigation process, it is advisable to seek legal representation or consult with an attorney.

Will I continue to receive benefits after I return to light duty work?

Your wages determine whether you receive workers’ compensation benefits after you return to work. Compensation is paid at 66 2/3% of the difference between your average monthly wage and your light-duty earnings.

How do I handle my employer if the company does not report my injuries?

File a claim with the Industrial Commission. There is a 1-year statute of limitations in Arizona; however, you should file a claim as soon as possible after your injury.

Do I qualify to receive monetary damages for the pain and suffering caused by my injury?

Although damages for pain and suffering are allowed for standard personal injury cases, you are not eligible for pain and suffering damages for a workers’ compensation case in Arizona.

What are the benefits I can expect to receive?

Workers’ comp benefits cover the costs of medical care resulting from a workplace injury. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you also might be eligible to receive compensation for lost wages and/or permanent impairment resulting from the industrial injury.

How do I proceed if my employer refuses to send me to a doctor or clinic to treat for my work injury?

You should seek medical treatment anyway, with urgent care, the hospital, or medical provider of your choice. Keep a copy of the receipts for these out of pocket costs so you can submit them to the Industrial Commission and your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. REMEMBER to make sure you let the medical providers know you were injured at work.

What happens when a third-party is liable for my workplace injuries?

You might be eligible for workers’ compensation, as well as qualify for receiving damages from the filing of a personal injury claim against a third party.

Can I be fired for filing a worker’s comp claim?

If you believe your employer fired you because you filed a claim, you should immediately file a discrimination claim with the Labor Department Division of the Industrial Commission and/or contact a labor law attorney

My employer does not have coverage: What should I do?

You still should file a claim with the Industrial Commission of Arizona. If your employer does not have insurance, the claim will be processed by the Special Fund Division.

What types of illnesses and injuries are covered?

Workers’ compensation insurance covers illness or injury arising out of your employment and suffered while performing duties within the course and scope of your employment. Even if you already have a pre-existing condition, if the industrial injury made that condition worse, it should be covered.

TYPES OF BENEFITS

Workers' Compensation Benefits Available in Arizona

If you are hurt at work, you rely on workers' compensation to make your recovery easier on you and your family. Even though you have a legal right to receive compensation, the amount on your individual circumstances.

Navigating workers' compensation can be complicated, but Rios Law Firm PLLC is ready to help. Our founding attorney, Crystal Rios Ramos, has extensive experience helping injured workers like you through the workers' compensation process. She handles your cases personally, fighting for you no matter what.

We help you get the benefits you deserve.

It is important to know the types of benefits available to you when you file a claim. There are many complex details to the Arizona benefits process, but you do not have to deal with them alone. Our lawyers at Rios Law Firm PLLC will guide you through the entire process and help you determine which benefits you qualify for. The different kinds of benefits include:

Temporary Benefits

You qualify for temporary benefits while you are actively receiving treatment for your work-related injury and have lost time from work as a result of the injury. These benefits generally stop when your doctor discharges you.

Permanent Benefits

You may be eligible for these benefits if you suffer a permanent impairment as a result of your industrial injury. Injuries to your back or shoulder, as well as your head, hips or neck can be extremely serious and lead to a permanent loss of earning capacity.

The different types of benefits you can receive depend on your situation, That is why Rios Law Firm PLLC provides personalized guidance and counsel. We cater our strategies to your individual needs, to obtain the best possible results for you in your case.

BACK & SHOULDER INJURIES

Back and shoulder injuries are extremely serious.

Injuries to the back or shoulders are some of the most common injuries for many workers in various occupations. They are also some of the most serious injuries that can quickly lead to worsening medical conditions and affect your ability to earn a living.

When you are injured at work, Arizona law gives you the right to obtain workers' compensation benefits. However, the process to obtain these benefits is complicated. At Rios Law Firm PLLC, we personally guide you through the benefits process, so you can focus on your recovery. Our attorney in Phoenix has extensive experience protecting the rights of injured workers like you. You need someone you can trust after a work injury, someone who will fight to obtain the full compensation you deserve. So call us today to schedule your free consultation.

Protecting Your Rights And Getting The Compensation You need

Any worker is at risk of a back injury or shoulder injury, though the risk is greater for factory workers and construction workers. Common injuries to the back or shoulder include:

Slipped or herniated discs, from overexertion while twisting, bending or lifting
Damage to the spinal cord, from falls or industrial accidents.
Damage to nerves, tendons and ligaments from overexertion
Rotator cuff injuries, from lifting or wear and tear job requirements

All of these injuries are extremely serious, because many of them can lead to immediate or delayed physical impairments or disabilities. At Rios Law Firm PLLC, we stand by you to obtain the compensation you need for a smooth recovery. We always discuss all of your options with you, so you can choose the best option for you and your family. Regardless of your decision, we always fight to protect your best interest.

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