Workers compensation is an issue that affects employees across a wide range of industries. Despite the efforts of agencies like OSHA, very serious injuries can still occur in the workplace. A recent news story highlighted a wire and mesh manufacturing plant where multiple employees had their fingers injured or partially amputated by heavy machinery. Although those types of incidents are very unfortunate, manufacturing employees aren’t the only ones at risk of injury. Plenty of individuals who work in office settings are negatively impacted by repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel. All of these examples demonstrate how an employee may suddenly find themselves with a physical condition that prevents them from doing their job.
If someone sustains this type of injury in Phoenix, they’re going to have medical bills that need to be paid. In many cases, the medical bills associated with a workplace injury can be very significant. In addition to medical bills, people injured at work may have other bills related to living expenses that they’re no longer able to pay as a result of being unable to work. Since this can put someone in a very tough position, the state of Arizona provides an avenue for support in the form of workers’ compensation.
The Workers’ Compensation Process in Phoenix
Any employee in the state of Arizona is eligible for the workers’ compensation program. Regardless of whether someone is working as a part-time or full-time employee, if they’re injured during the course of working, their employer is required to pay towards their workers’ compensation coverage.
While this program has been set up to provide coverage to the wide range of individuals who may need it, that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to secure. The challenges that often go along with winning this type of claim are why it’s a good idea to seek assistance from an experienced Phoenix workers’ compensation attorney. By putting your case in the hands of a professional, you can get the guidance needed to maximize your chances of winning your claim.
In addition to finding a workers’ compensation attorney in Phoenix as soon as possible, there are a few very important actions involved in this process. The first is to let your employer know right away about your injury. This notification is important because your employer is then responsible for notifying the Industrial Commission of Arizona. You should also file your own Claim Form with the Industrial Commission of Arizona. This is an action many people choose to take care of when they visit a doctor.
On the subject of seeing a doctor, your employer will get to choose who you visit for the first time. After the initial visit, you’ll be able to select your own doctor(s). The main exception to this rule of thumb is if an employer self-insures. Although it’s standard practice for a doctor to bill the relevant workers’ compensation insurance company, you can also submit any bills that you have to pay out of pocket.
If you have any other questions about this process, your initial consultation with a Phoenix workers’ compensation attorney is the perfect time to ask.