Best Workers Compensation Attorneys in Goodyear

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Goodyear, Arizona?

  To report non-emergency concerns, you may contact the Goodyear Police Department at 623-932-1220.

• Where can I get a copy of police report for incidents related to my case in Goodyear, Arizona?

  To request a copy of a police report from the Goodyear Police Department, you may get in touch with their Records Division at 11 N. 145th Ave, Goodyear 85338. You can contact the Records Division by calling 623-882-7670 or sending an email to gypdrecords@goodyearaz.gov.

• What is the process and timeline for appealing a workers' compensation decision in Goodyear?

  In Goodyear, individuals can contest a workers' compensation decision by submitting a hearing request to the ICA within 90 days of receiving the notice or award. The ICA then schedules a hearing, usually within three months. The process involves a prehearing conference, evidence submission, and the actual hearing. The Administrative Law Judge renders a decision within 60 days, and any subsequent appeals must be filed within 30 days of that decision.

• What is the deadline for filing a workers' compensation claim in Goodyear?

  In Goodyear, employees suffering from a work-related injury must submit a compensation request within a year of the incident. It is essential to inform the employer without delay; failing to meet this deadline can lead to the forfeiture of eligibility. If the employee identifies the injury or illness at a later time, the one-year period begins upon their discovery of the ailment.

• Are government employees in Goodyear eligible for workers' compensation benefits?

  Yes, government employees are entitled to workers' compensation benefits according to Title 23 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. Families of government workers who are victims of work-related wrongful death may also be eligible for death benefits. The Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) offers coverage for the workers' compensation needs of federal employees in Goodyear.

• What happens when a person is caught committing workers' compensation fraud in Goodyear?

  Residents in Goodyear who engage in activities that dispute their reported work-related injuries may face serious legal consequences. As outlined in Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 20-463, workers' compensation fraud is a class 6 felony. If found guilty, penalties can include up to one and a half years in prison and a fine of $50,000.

• What criteria must be met for an occupational disease to qualify for workers' compensation in Goodyear?

  For an occupational disease to qualify for workers' compensation in Goodyear, six requirements must be fulfilled as outlined in ARS 23-901.01:

  • A direct causal link between work conditions and the disease
  • Naturally resulting from employment exposure
  • Traceable to employment as the primary cause
  • Not stemming from hazards encountered equally outside work
  • Connected to the business's nature
  • Originating from a risk associated with the job, even if unforeseen or unexpected

• What does a workers’ compensation attorney do?

  Workers’ compensation attorneys help injured employees recover monetary benefits following workplace accidents and illnesses. Attorneys in this practice area provide legal advice, gather evidence, review medical records, prepare petitions, and negotiate insurance settlements. They also represent clients’ interests during court cases and administrative hearings overseen by state workers’ compensation boards.

• What are the benefits of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

  Workers’ compensation insurance gives employees access to vital cash benefits in case of workplace injuries or illnesses. Filing a claim can help injured workers pay for medical care, physical therapy, and essential living expenses while they recover from a temporary or permanent disability. Workers’ compensation also pays for funeral and burial expenses following fatal workplace injuries.

• How long does a workers’ compensation claim stay open?

  Workers’ compensation claims typically remain open as long as the individual is receiving treatment or until the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement. This milestone varies for each person, and it can take years to determine whether a disability is temporary or permanent. Additionally, there’s a fixed time limit for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations can be anywhere from six months to two years from the date of the injury or the date of the last payment, depending on the worker’s state of residence. A qualified attorney can explain your state’s specific rules.

• What is the average payout for a workers’ compensation claim?

  Nationally, the average workers’ compensation claimant receives $21,800. Payouts range from $2,000 on the low end to upwards of $60,000 for well-compensated workers in high-income areas. The exact amount depends on the claimant’s average weekly paycheck, the extent of the injuries, and their state of residence. Individuals who accept an insurance settlement or initial offer typically receive less than those who negotiate or have an attorney represent them before an arbitrator or workers’ compensation judge.

• How are settlements calculated in workers’ compensation cases?

  Settlements typically cover current and future medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation or retraining, and two-thirds of lost wages. The total amount may vary depending on whether the worker’s disability is temporary or permanent. Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits, including funeral expenses and two-thirds of wages for up to 25 years or a state-specified maximum.

• What is workers comp?

  Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides medical care, rehabilitation, and other benefits for employees who are injured or fall ill while performing assigned work duties. Common reasons for filing a workers' comp claim include slip and fall injuries, machinery accidents, or muscle strains while lifting heavy items.

  All businesses must carry some form of workers' compensation insurance, with minimum guidelines imposed by the state of residence. Workers' comp is intended to safeguard both the employee and the employer by providing a social safety net. This can protect companies from civil suits and guarantee that injured employees receive the benefits they need.

• What does workers comp cover?

  Workers' compensation insurance covers benefits associated with a wide range of accidents and illnesses that may occur in a place of work. This can include:

  • Medical benefits, such as payments for treatments, hospitalizations, or surgeries
  • Compensation for lost wages while not working
  • Coverage for ongoing care, such as physical therapy
  • Continued access to benefits, including insurance provided through an employer
  • Disability benefits, if an injury results in a permanent loss of functioning in some manner
  • Death benefits and funeral expense coverage

  How and when workers' compensation coverage applies depends on the illness or injury in question and the results of a medical exam. An unsatisfactory ruling by an insurer can be appealed with help from a workers' comp attorney.

  
  

• What does a workers comp defense attorney do?

  A workers' compensation defense attorney is a legal professional who represents the employer in a workers’ comp case. Typically, the defense attorney works to minimize the employer’s liability and reduce the amount of benefits to be paid out.

• When does workers comp start paying?

  How and when workers' comp starts paying can depend on both the circumstances and the state in which an injury took place. In most areas, benefits related to medical care start paying out immediately, even before a claim is formally processed or accepted. Once a case is approved, injured workers may be entitled to other benefits, including coverage for lost wages.

• How much is workers comp insurance for self-employed people?

  Workers' compensation isn't required for self-employed individuals, but those working in dangerous industries, such as construction or manufacturing, may choose to purchase policies. In some cases, employers may request this coverage when hiring a contractor. While costs will vary based on industry and location, most freelancers can expect to pay around $25 to $50 per month.

• How do I file a workers comp claim?

  A workers' comp claim is best filed as soon as an injury occurs. In some states, there are time limits, such as one month following an incident.

  After an injury, an employee must notify their employer. The employer must then provide access to the necessary forms and offer guidance. Employees must fill out all forms and return them to the employer who then files them with the insurer. Some states have additional requirements, including assessment by a medical provider. Once the paperwork has been filed, the insurance provider issues a ruling. If the ruling is unfavorable, the employee may choose to appeal the decision with the support of an attorney.