Average Settlement for Workplace Back Injury in Arizona (2025)

Workplace injuries happen quite often, with back injuries being the most common. These types of injuries can disrupt your life and lead to long-term physical and financial burdens. An important question to ask is, what is the average settlement for a workplace back injury in Arizona?

The amount of financial compensation you can receive from a settlement varies. Explore the factors that influence settlement amounts, the process of pursuing a claim, and what injured employees should consider when navigating their recovery and legal options.

Factors That Affect Settlement Amounts

Back injuries are among the most common workplace hazards. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 38.5% of all job-related injuries as back injuries in 2016. Nursing assistants were the most likely to receive these injuries at 52.8%.

Back injury settlements depend on some key elements that influence how the case is evaluated:

• The severity of the injury. The more severe the injury, the more medical care is necessary and the more work you’re likely to miss. Some injuries require extensive surgeries and physical therapy.
• Permanent impairment. Some back injuries result in permanent disability, meaning the worker can never fully recover. A doctor makes this assessment, and this is taken into consideration when determining the compensation for long-term loss of function.
• Ability to return to work. Your ability to return to work or work at any other job also impacts the claim. If recovery and returning to your job are possible, the settlement is lower.
• Disputes about the claim. Not every claim is straightforward. Disagreements may arise over whether the injury was work-related and how serious it was. The conflict can lengthen the time it takes to receive compensation and may also impact the overall settlement amount.
• Legal representation. Having an experienced back injury attorney can significantly impact the final settlement. An attorney can help ensure all medical evidence is presented and protect your rights throughout the legal process.

The Settlement Process for Workers’ Compensation in Arizona

The process for reaching a settlement for a workplace back injury in Arizona typically involves several steps:

• Step 1. File a workers’ compensation claim. After the injury occurs, report it immediately to your employer and seek medical treatment. Your employer can give you more information about filing your claim with the Industrial Commission of Arizona.
• Step 2. Get evaluated by a medical professional. Recovery is the ultimate goal, and your physician’s word can lengthen or shorten your benefits.
• Step 3. Settlement negotiations. To maximize your settlement, it’s important to consult a back injury attorney who can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Settlements may be offered as a lump sum or in installments over time. Your attorney can explain the considerations to make for both options.
• Step 4. Approval of the settlement. Any settlement in a workers’ compensation case must be approved by the Industrial Commission of Arizona. The commission reviews the terms to ensure they’re fair and that the worker understands their rights and what they are waiving by accepting the settlement.

If you’re filing a third-party claim in addition to workers’ comp, your back injury attorney can walk you through the process of negotiating a settlement. A third-party claim can help you receive additional compensation for pain and suffering or more financial support for missed work.

How to Prepare for Your Back Injury Claim

If you have experienced a back injury, there are some important steps to take to ensure your claim goes smoothly and you have a stronger chance of maximizing your claim:

• Act quickly. Report the injury to your employer and workers’ compensation immediately. The fastest way to get in touch with workers’ compensation is by calling either their Phoenix office at 602-542-4661 or the Tucson office at 520-628-5188.
• Get medical care. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all of your appointments to be sure you’re on a solid path to recovery.
• Document everything. Keep a thorough record of communications with your employer and with insurance companies, doctors’ reports, and time off work.
• Consult a back injury attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to downplay your injuries or offer a lower settlement option. Because of this, it’s imperative that you reach out to a back injury attorney before accepting a settlement.

FAQs

How Much Compensation for a Back Injury at Work?

Compensation for a back injury depends on the type of injury and the severity, the medical treatment necessary, and how much it affects your ability to work. Temporary injuries may result in compensation for medical bills and lost wages, but permanent injuries could qualify you for long-term disability benefits or a lump-sum settlement. Workers’ compensation does not generally award payments for pain and suffering, but a personal injury claim does.

What Is the Average Personal Injury Settlement in Arizona?

The payout for personal injury settlements in Arizona varies significantly by the type of injury, the amount of medical costs, and the case complexity. Minor injuries do not require as much compensation to cover expenses, but a catastrophic injury could require long-term care or permanent disability. Legal representation can help you present strong evidence for your case and maximize the amount of compensation you receive.

What Is the Average Back Settlement?

There is no real average for a back settlement in Arizona. The amount of money a person may receive from a back injury varies based on the type of injury and its severity. Medical expenses, time off from work, and long-term limitations make up settlement amounts. Insurance companies often start with lower offers, so having a skilled attorney negotiate with these companies on your behalf can increase the amount you receive.

Which Body Part Has the Highest Value in a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

In workers’ compensation, the body part with the highest value is typically the head or brain because of the potential for life-altering or permanent impairment. Injuries to the spine and back also rank highly because they can affect your mobility or long-term function. Loss of limbs, especially the dominant hand/arm or both legs, can result in higher compensation because of their impact on your employability.

Contact a Workplace Back Injury Attorney Today

Workplace injuries are not uncommon. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that workplace injuries occur at a rate of 2.4 per 100 workers. The experienced team at the Arizona Injury Law Group can help you understand average settlements for workplace back injuries in Arizona. We negotiate with insurance agents and third parties to get you the compensation you need to focus on recovery. Schedule a consultation today.