Award Winning Work Injury Attorney in Prescott Valley, AZ

Did you sustain an injury on the job? Call our law firm today for help with workers’ compensation claims and appeals.

If you suffered a work-related injury or illness in Arizona, you may wonder what comes next. What type of medical benefits and other compensation can you expect, how do workers comp claims work, and do you need legal representation?

A workers’ compensation lawyer in Prescott Valley, AZ, can guide you through the claim process. At Palmer Law Offices, P.C., we have decades of experience fighting for the rights of injured workers in Arizona. Call us today for a free case evaluation.

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Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation in Arizona?

State law requires employers in Arizona to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Arizona’s workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that secures compensation for injured employees regardless of who caused the workplace accident.

You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if:

You are an employee. However, workers’ compensation law in AZ excludes independent contractors, domestic employees, and occasional workers.
You suffered a work-related injury or illness. To qualify for workers’ compensation, you must have sustained your illness or injury on the job. This includes work-related activities you performed away from your worksite, e.g., a delivery you ran on behalf of your employer.

Common workplace injuries and illnesses in Arizona include but are not limited to, lifting injuries, slip-and-falls, motorized machinery accidents, illness because of exposure to toxic materials, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

What to Do After a Workplace Injury

Follow these steps after suffering a workplace injury in Arizona to prepare to file a workers’ compensation claim:

Notify your employer or immediate supervisor of the accident. Failure to let your employer know of the incident as soon as possible may harm your claim.
Seek medical attention. If it’s an emergency, seek urgent medical treatment before you do anything else. Save all medical records since these may serve as important evidence throughout the claim process.
Write down an account of the accident, including details like the exact time, place, and circumstances of the incident. You can also include supporting statements by your coworkers or other witnesses.
Talk to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Prescott Valley, AZ. The sooner in the process you consult a workers’ comp lawyer, the better chance you have of protecting your rights and negotiating an adequate settlement offer.

In Arizona, you must file your workers’ compensation claim within one year of the incident or of becoming aware of your condition. At Palmer Law Offices, P.C., we always advise our clients to start the claim process as early as possible. Quick action will improve your odds of settling your claim efficiently and successfully.

The Process of Workplace Injury Claims in Arizona

After you report your workplace injury, your employer or supervisor should provide the official Workers’ Report of Injury Form and refer you to a company-approved physician who will evaluate your injury.

Once your employer knows of the incident, they must notify the Industrial Commission of Arizona and their workers’ compensation insurance carrier within ten days. The workers’ compensation insurance provider must issue an answer to your claim within 21 days.

If the insurer approves your claim, they must follow the state’s fee schedule in issuing coverage for your medical bills. If the insurance company denies your claim, you have the right to appeal the denial by requesting a hearing within 90 days.

Reasons for Denied Workers’ Compensation Claims in Arizona

At Palmer Law Offices, P.C., we have a wealth of experience dealing with rejected workers’ compensation claims. In our experience, insurers may reject workers’ compensation claims in Prescott Valley if:

They dispute the connection between your illness or injury and the workplace accident
You failed to comply with reporting protocols and deadlines (e.g., delayed notifying the employer of the accident)
The insurer asserts that you are exaggerating your evaluation of your injuries and related costs
There is insufficient evidence to support your claim
You skipped seeking medical treatment for the injuries or went to an out-of-network provider for treatment
The employer disputes the claim (often to avoid increased premiums on their workers’ compensation policy)

In many cases, we’re able to appeal a denied claim and protect your rights as an injured worker. For example, if your employer misclassified you as an independent contractor, we can show that you are, in fact, an employee and entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under Arizona law.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

As an injured worker in Arizona, you can expect to collect compensation for the following:

Medical costs, including hospitalization costs, outpatient treatment costs, prescription meds, medical equipment, rehabilitation, and treatment-related travel costs.
Lost income benefits, depending on the severity of your injury and the degree of its permanence (temporary or permanent total disability or temporary or permanent partial disability). Permanent total disability benefits typically equal two-thirds of your monthly income.
Wrongful death benefits for the employee’s surviving dependents (usually spouse and children) in cases of fatal workplace incidents. Death benefits usually include funeral and burial costs and up to two-thirds of the employee’s monthly wage.

Can You Also File a Civil Lawsuit Against Your Employer?

As an injured employee in Arizona, you are eligible for benefits regardless of who was responsible for the accident. In accepting these benefits, you give up your right to file a lawsuit against your employer.

However, as an injured worker, you may still be able to file a civil lawsuit in some cases, namely:

Uninsured employers. If your employer breaks state law by failing to carry workers’ compensation insurance, you may file a civil lawsuit against them and often pursue additional damages.
Third-party liability claims. For example, if your accident occurred because of faulty machinery, you may have grounds for suing the manufacturer.
Willful misconduct. You may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer if you can prove gross negligence or willful misconduct, e.g., if your employer committed a serious breach of health or safety regulations.

A workers’ compensation lawyer in Prescott Valley, AZ, from Palmer Law Offices, P.C., can help you understand your case and let you know whether you have grounds for a civil lawsuit or a third-party claim in addition to workers’ compensation.

Why You Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Prescott Valley, AZ

You may believe you have a straightforward case and trust your employer to support your rights under Arizona’s workers’ compensation law. However, workers’ compensation insurance carriers often use underhanded tactics to downplay or deny claims.

The insurance adjuster may attempt to rush you into a lowball settlement offer, knowing you’re probably eager to resolve your claim as quickly as possible. The insurer may also try to pin some of your health issues on a pre-existing condition or ask for a recorded statement and then try to use the information to undermine your claim.

An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Prescott Valley, AZ, will help protect your rights. Your attorney can:

Provide a reliable estimate of your case’s true worth based on past similar cases
Make sure your claim complies with all timelines and legal requirements
Represent your interests throughout the negotiations with the insurance company
Work hard to expedite your claim and fight for a maximum payout on your behalf
Suggest further legal steps, like taking your case to court, in case your claim encounters a denial

Statistically, injured employees who work with a competent lawyer achieve better outcomes in their workers’ compensation claims than employees who handle their claims alone.

Why Injured Workers in Prescott Valley Choose Palmer Law Offices, P.C.

As you look into workers’ compensation lawyers in Prescott Valley, you may notice numerous local law firms handling this type of claim. So why should you entrust your claim to Palmer Law Offices, P.C.?

Injured workers in Prescott Valley, AZ, choose our law firm for:

Local experience. Combined, our seasoned legal team has over 60 years of practice in fighting for the rights of injured employees in Prescott Valley.
Credentials. Lawyer Adam Palmer is proud to carry Arizona’s Board Certification in workers’ compensation.
Zero upfront costs. We handle workers’ compensation cases on a contingency basis, which means you only pay when you win.
Full transparency. We provide an honest, accurate case evaluation and let you know what amount of compensation you may reasonably expect.
Bilingual service. Our dedicated staff provides services in both English and Spanish.

Learn more about our team and claim your no-cost case evaluation today.

Palmer Law Offices, P.C.: Ironclad Legal Support for Injured Employees in Prescott Valley, AZ

A work-related injury or illness may lead to lasting, devastating consequences, including physical and mental trauma, lost or reduced ability to work, and overwhelming medical costs. Our legal team at Palmer Law Offices, P.C., is here to fight for your rights and help you navigate the complex process of a workers’ compensation claim.

Call (928) 445-4725 or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Prescott Valley, AZ.