Arizona Workers’ Compensation Law –Documenting Your Claim

Arizona Workers’ Compensation Law – Documenting your claim is important. Montrose Chua, workers’ comp attorneys, explain 5 key workers’ comp steps.

5 Key Steps to Documenting Your Arizona Workers’ Compensation Claim

When you’re seriously injured at work you may not be concerned about documenting your claim. However, it is important to do so in order to make sure that you receive all of the benefits that you deserve. On the other end of the spectrum are those whose injuries do not at first seem to be serious. Many times those people who are injured on the job but do not realize the severity of their injuries run into trouble when they finally do file an Arizona workers’ compensation claim. Whatever your case may be if you have been injured on the job in any manner, it’s important to follow the five key steps outlined in this article in documenting your Arizona workers’ compensation claim.

INFORM YOUR EMPLOYER OR SUPERVISOR

If you are injured, it’s important to inform your employer or supervisor of such. Your employer will file an Employer’s Report of Injury with the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA). This is just a report that confirms the incident was reported, and it does not automatically allow you to qualify for benefits.

In order to set the wheels in motion so that you can apply for and receive Arizona workers’ compensation benefits, then you must file a Worker’s Report of Injury. This form may be attained at the doctor’s office or through the ICA. It must be filled out, signed, and sent in to the ICA through the post office. In Arizona, an injury must be reported within one year of tits occurrence. However, the sooner you report the incident, the better.

SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

If you are injured, even slightly or you suspect an injury, it is important to see a physician as soon as possible. Delay in seeking medical help may result in further injury, and it can also cast doubt on your claim. For your initial visit, your employer may require that you see a specific doctor. After you do so, you may seek help from the physician of your choice.

CONTINUE TO SEE A DOCTOR AS NECESSARY

If you have been told that you need to continue to see a doctor, receive treatment, or take medication, it’s important to do so. Again, not following doctor’s orders can jeopardize your claim, making your injury seem less serious than it is.

RECORD INFORMATION RELATED TO THE INJURY

It is important to make a record of your injury and to also document any additional symptoms, developing complications, and progress towards healing. You or someone you entrust may want to take photographs or video of the accident scene. Take time to write out what happened and, if it makes sense in terms of documentation, to draw a diagram of what occurred. You’ll also want to record the names and contact information of any witnesses.

This information is important for two reasons. First it substantiates your claim that you were injured while working. If there’s any doubt regarding your claim or if it is rejected, any facts that you possess will be helpful in an appeal. Also, although Arizona is a no-fault workers’ compensation state, there are times when injured parties can file suit against third parties or their employer in civil court. The situation that caused your injury may involve certain complications that allow you to seek damages through a lawsuit.

CONSULT WITH A LAWYER

If you are injured while at work, it is important to contact an Arizona workers’ compensation attorney who will be able to review your claim, answer any questions you may have regarding your accident, and help to ensure that you are proceeding in the proper manner. If you have been injured at work, please contact Montrose Chua, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, by calling 602-346-9009 for a free consultation.