If you have been hurt on the job, speak with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Phoenix at Palmer PC. Our attorneys take a strategic and thorough approach—investigating your claim, applying Arizona workers’ comp laws, and working with medical experts to build a strong case. We use expert witnesses when needed to help maximize your benefits. With over 60 years of combined experience in work injury and personal injury law, Palmer Law Offices is here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
At Palmer Law Offices, we represent injured workers across Phoenix and throughout Arizona who need help navigating the workers’ compensation system. With over 60 years of combined experience in personal injury and workers’ compensation law, our attorneys are committed to helping clients recover the benefits they are entitled to after a workplace injury or illness—without requiring upfront payment.
If you’ve been injured on the job, Arizona law gives you the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term disability through a workers’ compensation claim. Our legal team carefully investigates each case, collaborates with medical professionals, and applies Arizona workers’ compensation law to ensure your claim is properly handled. We frequently work with expert witnesses, such as vocational specialists, economists, and physicians, to build the strongest case possible.
We understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with an injury and the financial stress that follows. Whether your claim involves a sudden accident, repetitive stress injury, or occupational illness, our workers’ compensation attorneys will document your condition, gather necessary evidence, and fight to protect your rights. Common claims we handle include construction accidents, back and neck injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, exposure to hazardous substances, and permanent disability evaluations.
Our Phoenix workers’ compensation lawyers take a comprehensive approach to every case—starting with a detailed consultation to understand your injury, employment status, and employer responsibilities. From filing initial claims with the Industrial Commission of Arizona to appealing denied benefits, we offer strategic representation at every stage.
Disputes are common in workers’ compensation cases. If your employer or their insurance carrier denies your claim or delays benefits, our Firm is prepared to represent you in hearings before the Industrial Commission’s Administrative Law Judge. Having legal counsel during this process can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Arizona workers’ compensation laws also include strict deadlines. Injured workers must report their injury and file a claim within a specific period—typically one year from the date of injury. Delays can jeopardize your case, so do not wait to get help.
The attorneys at Palmer Law Offices are proud to be trusted by workers throughout the State. Many of our clients come to us through referrals—proof of our dedication, successful results, and client-first approach. We have represented office employees, construction workers, healthcare professionals, and more.
If you have been injured at work and need a knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer in Phoenix, AZ, contact Palmer Law Offices today. Call (602) 277-2007 to schedule your consultation. Our team will fight to get you the benefits you deserve—because your recovery should never come second to red tape.
While most people think of construction accidents when they hear about workers’ compensation claims, any work-related injury may qualify for medical benefits and lost income replacement. Qualifying injuries include:
To file a claim for a repetitive stress injury or occupational illness, you must be able to prove a connection between your work duties or environment and your illness. Additionally, there must be an established causal link between the work conditions, tasks, or environment and the medical condition(s) you developed.
Employers have several responsibilities to ensure that workers have coverage under their provided workers’ compensation insurance. Besides requiring that employers with one or more full- or part-time employees must provide workers’ compensation insurance, employers must do the following:
Employers who self-insure may be able to direct the employee’s care for the length of the injury. Non self-insured employers may only direct employees to their healthcare provider for a single visit. Employees can seek treatment with their doctor of choice after their employer-directed visit.
An injured employee has a right to compensation for:
Additionally, if a worker is killed or dies later due to their injuries, their dependents may qualify for death benefits. Death benefits include burial expenses (up to $5,000), medical bills for the worker’s treatment before succumbing to their injuries, and temporary disability payments for lost wage replacement.
You may need to file a certain type of claim for your injury. Each claim type may be eligible for different levels of coverage and benefits.
If you received treatment for your injury immediately and did not miss seven consecutive calendar days away from work, your employer’s insurance company will pay all necessary medical expenses related to your injury. You will not receive temporary disability compensation for any treatment period under seven days.
The insurance carrier will continue to pay medical bills for your treatment until the doctor discharges you or you voluntarily stop medical treatment. When your treatment ends, the insurer will close the claim.
If your injuries prevent you from returning to work or you only return to work on light duty for longer than seven days, you can receive temporary disability compensation after seven days. You can receive retroactive compensation for the first seven days if you are out of work or on light work duty for 14 days or more.
Workers entitled to temporary total disability benefits will receive two-thirds of their average weekly earnings, calculated from their average monthly earnings the month before their injury. Workers on temporary partial disability will receive two-thirds of their average weekly earnings minus their current earnings under light-duty restrictions.
Maximum medical improvement (MMI) is the most your doctor expects you to recover from your injuries. At this point, your doctor will declare whether you have permanent impairment. Your insurer will issue a Notice of Claim Status (104) with or without permanent impairment to close your claim for active benefits.
You qualify to receive scheduled or unscheduled benefits if you have permanent impairment after your claim closes.
If you have a permanent disability or reduced earning capacity after reaching MMI, you may receive benefits depending on which body part(s) you injured.
For scheduled injuries, including but not limited to, the arm, leg, hand, foot, knees, or eye, a formula is used to calculate your disability benefits that includes your average monthly wage, percentage of loss, and whether you can return to your old job (paid at 50%) or if you cannot return to your pre-injury job (paid at 75%).
For unscheduled injuries, the ICA may award you the difference between your earning capacity before your injury and what you currently earn. These payments may last the rest of your life.
For scheduled injuries that prevent you from returning to work, you will receive 75% of your average monthly wage. For unscheduled injuries that prevent you from returning to work, you will receive sixty-six and two-thirds of your average monthly wage from before you sustained your injury.
Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to provide financial support and medical care to workers who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. The specific benefits available may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the individual circumstances of the case. Here are some common types of workers’ compensation benefits:
Workers’ compensation in Arizona is a system designed to provide benefits and protections to employees who sustain work-related injuries or illnesses. It is a type of insurance that employers are required to carry to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs incurred by employees due to work-related injuries or illnesses.
1. Coverage: Most employers in Arizona are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. This includes both full-time and part-time workers, with a few exceptions such as independent contractors.
2. Benefits: Workers’ compensation benefits in Arizona typically cover medical treatment, including doctor visits, hospitalization, medication, and rehabilitation services. It also provides wage replacement benefits, including temporary total disability benefits, temporary partial disability benefits, permanent partial disability benefits, and permanent total disability benefits. In cases of work-related fatalities, death benefits may be provided to the dependents of the deceased worker.
3. No-Fault System: Arizona’s workers’ compensation system follows a “no-fault” principle, meaning that benefits are generally provided regardless of who was at fault for the injury or illness. In most cases, employees are eligible for benefits even if they contributed to their own injuries.
4. Time Limits: Generally, employees must report the injury to their supervisor within a reasonable time and file a claim with the Industrial Commission of Arizona within one year from the date of the injury or within one year from the date they knew or should have known of the work related injury.
5. Dispute Resolution: Disputes regarding workers’ compensation claims may arise between employees, employers, and insurance companies. In Arizona, these disputes are typically resolved through the workers’ compensation administrative process, which may involve mediation, hearings, and appeals.
It is important for both employers and employees to understand their rights and responsibilities under Arizona’s workers’ compensation system. For specific details and guidance regarding a particular situation, it is advisable to consult with an attorney or the Industrial Commission of Arizona.
If you have been injured on the job, taking the right steps early on can make a significant difference in your ability to secure workers’ compensation benefits. Here is what you should do to protect your health and your legal rights:
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately: Your health comes first. If it is an emergency, call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room. Even if your injury seems minor, seek medical evaluation right away to ensure it is properly documented and linked to your work activity. This documentation can be critical to your claim.
2. Report the Injury to Your Supervisor Promptly: Notify your supervisor as soon as possible—ideally in writing. Include the date, time, location, and details of how the injury occurred, along with any witnesses. Arizona law requires injuries to be reported within a specific timeframe, so do not delay.
3. Document Everything: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any equipment or conditions that contributed to the incident. Keep a written record of how the injury occurred and your symptoms over time. These records can serve as key evidence if your claim is challenged.
4. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Arizona law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. To initiate a claim, you must submit the appropriate forms to the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA). An experienced attorney can help ensure your paperwork is accurate, timely, and complete.
5. Follow All Medical Instructions: Attend all medical appointments, follow your doctor’s treatment plan, and be honest about your symptoms and limitations. Failure to comply with medical recommendations can undermine your claim and delay your recovery.
6. Speak With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney: The claims process can be complex and frustrating. A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your rights, handle negotiations with insurers, and represent you in disputes or appeals if necessary.
7. Track All Expenses and Lost Wages: Keep detailed records of medical bills, prescriptions, travel costs for appointments, and any lost income due to your injury. These records help ensure you receive full compensation for your losses.
8. Know Your Rights: As an injured worker in Arizona, you have specific rights under the law. Learn about your eligibility for benefits, timelines for filing, and what to do if your claim is denied or delayed. If you’re unsure where you stand, an attorney can offer the clarity and advocacy you need.
Sometimes, an employer or insurer tries to dispute workers’ comp claims. Other times, an insurance company may deny your claim.
In these cases, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Division of the ICA calls for a hearing. The ALJ addresses disputes between claimants (injured employees), insurance companies, and employers. Some instances when the ALJ may need to resolve a dispute include the following:
The workers’ compensation carrier has 21 days to accept or deny your claim from when the ICA notifies them of your injury. If they deny your claim, you have 90 days to file a request for a hearing with the ICA. The ICA will hand your complaint to the ALJ, who will schedule the hearing.
Your employer and their insurance provider will have an attorney on their side. You need help from a workers’ compensation lawyer in Phoenix, AZ, to represent your case in front of the ALJ. If your employer or workers’ comp insurance company disputes or denies your claim, call us at Palmer Law Offices to get started on your case.
A statute of limitations is the maximum amount of time you legally must file a claim. You should file your claim with the ICA within one year of your injury. If you delay reporting your injury, your employer or insurance provider could use that as evidence against you.
If you do not report your injury in a timely manner, it could take longer for you to receive your benefits, and you risk not being able to claim benefits you would otherwise qualify to receive.
Most employees must have employer-provided workers’ compensation insurance coverage. However, there are some exceptions, including:
If you do not know whether you fall within the exceptions to qualify for workers’ comp coverage, contact an attorney with our firm to help you determine which employee category you fall under.
Learn more about our firm and call us today to schedule a consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Phoenix.
Falling objects:
In construction sites and warehouses, falling objects pose a significant risk. Workers can suffer head injuries, fractures, and other serious injuries if struck by falling tools, equipment, or materials.
Burns:
Workers in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and food service may be at risk of burns from hot surfaces, chemicals, or electrical equipment.
Toxic exposure:
Some workers may be exposed to harmful substances such as chemicals, asbestos, or fumes, which can lead to respiratory problems, skin conditions, and long-term health issues.
Electrical accidents:
Electricians and workers in industries where electrical equipment is used are at risk of electrical shocks, burns, and electrocution if proper safety measures are not followed.
Workplace violence:
Although not exclusive to Arizona, incidents of workplace violence can occur across various industries, including healthcare, retail, and customer service sectors. Assaults or injuries resulting from altercations with coworkers, customers, or clients can happen.
Slip and fall injuries
Slip and fall accidents are common in many workplaces, including offices, retail stores, restaurants, and construction sites. These accidents can result in fractures, sprains, strains, and head injuries.
Overexertion injuries:
Overexertion injuries often occur in physically demanding jobs such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture. These injuries can include muscle strains, back injuries, and joint problems.
Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs):
Jobs that involve repetitive motions or prolonged periods of sitting or typing can lead to RSIs. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis are common examples of RSIs.
Machinery and equipment accidents:
In industries like manufacturing, construction, and agriculture, workers can suffer injuries from machinery and equipment accidents. These accidents can cause amputations, crush injuries, and lacerations.
Vehicle accidents:
Workers who operate vehicles as part of their job, such as delivery drivers, truck drivers, and construction equipment operators, are at risk of vehicle accidents that can result in severe injuries.
