The basic principle of workers’ compensation laws is to provide certain benefits to employees who are injured on the job. Although this system can provide help to employees who have been hurt and deserve some assistance, getting workers’ compensation is by no means an easy process. To provide some insight into how this system works in Phoenix and why it can be a challenge, we want to answers a few of the most common questions about workers’ compensation claims in Phoenix:
What Types of Injuries Are Covered By Workers’ Compensation?
Since there’s a very long list of injuries that workers’ compensation can potentially cover, the best way to answer this question is by looking at the four categories of injuries that are eligible. The first is a preexisting condition that is either aggravated or accelerated by workplace conditions. The second is any injury that’s caused by faulty equipment or any other work facilities. The third category of injuries that are covered by workers’ compensation in Phoenix includes any diseases that are contracted via exposure to toxins while performing a job under standard working conditions. Finally, physical or mental strain that is caused by increased work responsibilities or stress are covered.
While workers’ compensation covers many different types of injuries that can occur while working in Phoenix, it’s important to be aware that there are exceptions that may not be eligible as well.
What’s the Difference Between a Workers’ Compensation Claim and a Civil Lawsuit?
Filing a workers’ compensation claim is generally viewed as an alternative to filing a lawsuit against an employer. The tradeoff that’s made is an employee opts to not sue their employer and as a result is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This entitlement is regardless of who was at fault for the injury. Prior to the first comprehensive U.S. workers’ compensation law in 1911, filing a lawsuit was the only option that was available to employees. The workers’ compensation system provides financial support for injured employees and lawsuit protection for employers.
How Can Someone File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Phoenix?
If an employee is injured on the job in Phoenix, they should report it to their employer. This report should be made in writing, and the employee should keep a copy of it for their own records. The next step is to file a workers’ compensation claim. Since there are limits around how long an injured employee has to file a claim, the sooner you can do so the better.
As previously mentioned, securing the workers’ compensation benefits that someone deserves is by no means an easy task. Since this task can be very challenging, it’s extremely helpful to have the guidance of a Phoenix workers’ compensation attorney. By hiring an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation law in Phoenix, employees can put themselves in the best position to get the benefits they deserve for their workplace injury.