Best Workers Compensation Attorneys in Gilbert

FAQs

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

  Please call (480) 503-6500 to report non-emergency concerns to the Gilbert Police Department.

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

  To request a copy of a police report, go to the Gilbert Police Records Section at 75 E. Civic Center Drive Gilbert, AZ 85296. You can also mail a police report request to the same address. Police records requests can be made online at https://gilbertaz.justfoia.com/Forms/Launch/c3b0f03f-40aa-4c58-bae8-3bcbd3989c6b. For more assistance, you can reach the Records Section at (480) 635-7020 or gilbertpdrecords@gilbertaz.gov.

• Do you have to prove negligence to get workers’ compensation benefits in Gilbert?

  No, negligence on your employer’s part is not an issue when pursuing workers’ compensation in Gilbert. Similarly, negligence on your part does not necessarily prevent you from obtaining compensation. If the employer has worker's compensation insurance, you can get benefits no matter who is at fault or how you got injured. There are, of course, situations when an employee is barred from workers’ compensation benefits, such as getting injured while performing a criminal act in the workplace.

• Can you sue your employer in Gilbert for negligence instead of pursuing workers’ compensation?

  No. If your employer is participating in the workers’ compensation insurance system in Gilbert, they are liable for all injuries sustained during work-related activities and will cover the resulting expenses. Employees receive benefits without the need to prove fault. In exchange, the employer gets immunity against civil liability and cannot be sued for workplace personal injuries.

• Can you claim workers’ compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Gilbert?

  Gilbert employees can claim benefits for PTSD caused by a job-related traumatic event by proving the following points:

  • You must be diagnosed with PTSD caused by your work duties by a licensed mental health professional or counselor, and you must have been receiving counseling from a licensed counselor.
  • You informed your employer of the traumatic event and filed a timely claim with the Industrial Commission of Arizona.
  • The traumatic event substantially contributed to the development of your PTSD.

• How long do you have to file a workers’ compensation claim in Gilbert?

  You must file your workers’ compensation claim within one year after you sustained the injury or when the injury became evident. You will not be able to get benefits if you file beyond this deadline. To start your claim, you must fill out and sign a Worker's and Physician's Report of Injury. You or your authorized representative, such as a Gilbert workers’ compensation lawyer, must file this completed report with the Industrial Commission of Arizona.

• In Gilbert, do you have to use the company doctor to get workers’ compensation coverage?

  Generally, you only have to see the company doctor once and be able to choose your own doctor to treat the injury. However, if your employer is self-insured, the doctor who treats you will be one of their choosing. If this is your situation and you think you’re not getting quality medical care, a workers’ compensation lawyer in Gilbert can help you find a way to switch to a better physician.

• 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.