Phoenix Injured Mechanic Workers Comp Lawyer

Phoenix Injured Mechanic Workers Comp Attorney

Speak with a Phoenix injured mechanic workers’ comp lawyer if you work as an auto mechanic or other related profession and require help with securing workers’ compensation. At Arizona Injury Law Group, our professional legal team is qualified to assist industry workers in collecting compensation and other benefits after suffering injury from a workplace accident or occupational illness.

Bodily Injuries Mechanics Are Susceptible to on the Job

Mechanics build and repair various types of large machines, such as cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles or heavy equipment. Due to the demanding—and often precarious—tasks of their job, workers are prone to injuries or conditions when using the necessary tools, machinery, and chemicals.

Mechanics commonly lift heavy objects during their duties, which may cause a worker to strain, sprain, overstretch, or tear a muscle or tendon. A mechanic is also susceptible to chronic back pain due to having to work at awkward angles for extended periods of time. Part of an auto mechanic’s job may include welding and grinding, which produces flying debris, sparks, and possibly toxic chemicals, leaving the worker vulnerable to eye injuries like scratches, irritation, and more.

Hazardous substances important to a mechanic’s job, such as oils, lubricants, and cleaning agents, may cause an employee to sustain skin irritation, rashes, and burns along with respiratory issues following long-term exposure and handling. Additionally, it is not uncommon for mechanics to get hurt in slip-and-falls or for their hands and other extremities to be injured by tools malfunctioning or getting caught in machinery.

Workers’ Compensation in Arizona

If a worker sustains an injury while on the job or suspects that they acquired an occupational illness, they may file for workers’ compensation regardless of the circumstances. As long as an injured employee did not purposefully cause harm to themself to file a fraudulent claim– the worker is entitled to compensation whether their injury was their fault, the fault of their employer or a co-worker, or coincidental. This is Arizona’s “no-fault” system for workplace injury.

The worker seeking compensation must file an injury claim within one year of the accident occurring or from when the injured employee became aware of their condition. It’s recommended to see a medical professional for evaluation and treatment promptly after sustaining or discovering harm.

Be sure to notify the physician that the injury or condition was acquired at the workplace or while on the job so they can provide a Worker’s Report of Injury form; this form can also be accessed on the ICA’s (Industrial Commission of Arizona) website or at an ICA office. By signing and submitting this form to the ICA, the worker has officially filed for compensation and copies of the form will be sent to their employer and their insurance carrier.

What Does Workers’ Comp Give Me?

In Phoenix, Arizona, if the employee’s claim is accepted, they will either receive “medical only” compensation if the worker was not kept from their job for more than seven days or they will receive compensation for “time lost,” which includes medical compensation in addition to temporary benefits. Medical compensation covers all treatment expenses related to the workplace injury, such as hospital bills, prescriptions, and more.

Temporary compensation is awarded if the worker’s doctor asserts that they are unable to work for more than seven calendar days and thus are sustaining a loss of income. Injured workers are compensated for the first seven days of lost wages only if they are found incapable of working for 14 days or longer. Temporary benefits have a cap on the average monthly wage, but payments are usually 66 percent of the worker’s previous average monthly income.

If the worker’s doctor determines that even after medical treatment, the injured employee will continue to endure their condition at a stable rate with no improvement, the worker is considered to have a permanent injury (impairment), will be discharged from treatment, and will usually receive monthly compensation installments for the foreseeable future– subject to routine evaluations. The amount of compensation will depend on the level of impairment.

FAQs

Q: How Much Is a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Arizona?

A: How much a workers’ comp lawyer costs varies depending on the case, but payment won’t come out of your pocket. Compensation attorneys won’t typically charge an hourly rate or a flat fee but instead work on a contingency fee basis, meaning their payment is contingent upon winning your case. If they secure you compensation, their fee comes from a percentage of the total compensation award.

Q: How Much Is Permanent Disability in Arizona?

A: An injured worker is awarded permanent disability benefits when they’re determined to be disabled for the foreseeable future and thus unable to return to work. Permanent disability is paid at a rate of up to two-thirds, or 66 percent, of the employee’s average monthly wage before their accident. These benefits are awarded in addition to compensation for the worker’s medical expenses for their workplace injury.

Q: How Is Workers’ Comp Calculated in Arizona?

A: Calculating workers’ comp will vary since it may include different forms of compensation benefits, depending on the employee’s unique situation. Workers’ compensation will include medical benefits to cover all costs related to the treatment of their workplace injury, along with either temporary or permanent disability benefits.

With either type of disability benefit, the worker will receive regular payments amounting to a portion of the average monthly wages they received before sustaining injury.

Q: What Are the Workers’ Comp Laws in Arizona?

A: In Arizona, employers must have workers’ compensation insurance. Employees injured while on the job are entitled to receive medical compensation and disability benefits regardless of who was responsible for the accident– except when injuries were purposely self-inflicted.

Workers’ comp is enforced by the ICA, and injured employees have a statute of limitations of one year from their accident to file a claim.

Workers’ Comp Attorneys to Ensure You’re Fairly Compensated

The experienced legal team at Arizona Injury Law Group is here to make sure your rights as an employee are honored and protected, which includes ensuring your injury compensation and benefits are enforced as well as appropriate. Contact us for a consultation today.