Workers Compensation in Mesa, AZ
There have long been stigmas surrounding government assistance. But if you have been injured, and are incapable of performing your duties at work, then you should take full advantage of the safety net available to you.
Still, you may have questions as to how it works, or worse, have a legitimate claim that you feel is being hindered in some way. If this is the case, it may be in your best interest to reach out to an experienced Mesa attorney to help fight for you.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Mesa, Arizona
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, workers in industries such as transportation and utilities have over 17 out of every 100 workers with a job related injury. In addition, many Mesa employees suffer from injuries they sustained while lifting too heavy, or improperly performing a task, as well as injuries from slips, trips, and falls in the workplace.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Mesa, Arizona?
Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim.
Every Mesa employer that employs more than 1 person is required to carry workman’s compensation. However, there are exemptions for real estate brokers in the state. If you are approved for your workman’s compensation, you will receive ⅔ of your average monthly salary, as well as injury and medical compensation.
For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.
The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Mesa, Arizona are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.
Get Medical Attention
After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Mesa, Arizona healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occurred is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.
When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months. All before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is the result of your work conditions. Or is aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.
File a First Report of Injury
The first report of an on the job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.
Workplace Fairness Arizona provides a timeline of how to handle the filing process if you’ve sustained injury at work in Mesa. You should report your injury to your employer immediately. This can be beneficial should any dispute arise stating that your injury wasn’t at work. After you tell your employer, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Proper medical care is necessary, and will help you reduce risk and costs later in the process. You should also ask for 2 copies of the physician’s report if possible. Give 1 copy of the report to your employers for their files, and keep 1 copy for yourself.
Timeline and Other Information
Once you have filed your report, and it is received, the insurance company will have 21 days. They can either approve or deny your claim. If your claim is approved, your benefits will begin. However, benefits are capped for Mesa residents at 500 weeks.
Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point. Most likely about the incident and if then with any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.
Why You Should Hire a Mesa, Arizona Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Mesa, Arizona, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were hurt on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Mesaworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Mesa, Arizona
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Mesa, Arizona you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
