Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in Tempe, AZ

FAQs

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

  The Tempe Police Department can be reached at (480) 350-8311 for non-emergency concerns.

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

  You can obtain a copy of a police report by submitting a filled-out Request for Police Records Form to the Tempe Police Department located at 120 East 5th St. Tempe, AZ 85281. The department lobby is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also mail your completed form to the same address if in-person submission is not possible. Police reports cost $5 for 20 pages, and $0.25 per additional page. Money order, check, and cash payments are accepted. Call the Tempe PD Records Section at (480) 350-8598 for more information.

  Request for Police Records Form: https://www.tempe.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/81057/637226384939270000

• What conditions are covered under workers’ compensation in Tempe, AZ?

  The workers’ compensation laws in Tempe, AZ cover the following conditions:

  • Illnesses and injuries that bring immediate and/or delayed symptoms
  • Pre-existing conditions that were gradually aggravated by performing work-related tasks over a period of time or made worse by a work-related accident
  • Conditions that gradually developed by performing work-related activities over a period of time.

• Can you appeal a denied workers’ compensation claim in Tempe, AZ?

  Yes. You can appeal a denied claim as well as benefits amounts that you do not agree with. Your denial letter should contain the reasons for denying you workers’ compensation benefits and how you can make an appeal. The appeal must be filed within 90 days. It is recommended that you seek representation from a workers’ compensation lawyer in Tempe as appeal hearings are decided on by a judge.

• Can you still get workers’ compensation benefits in Tempe if you were partly at fault for your injuries?

  Yes, it’s a no-fault system that allows you to claim benefits regardless if you partly contributed to the injury. However, the state’s workers’ compensation program will not cover injuries that you intentionally inflicted on yourself. You also have the option to file a personal injury claim in Tempe if your injury resulted from the willful misconduct of your employer, coworker, or a third party, such as safety violations.

• When is the deadline to file a workers’ compensation claim in Tempe, AZ?

  You have one year from the date you were injured or discovered the injury to file your workers’ compensation claim in Tempe, AZ. Also, upon getting notified of your injury, your employer has 10 days to submit an Employer’s Report of Injury to the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA). An acceptance or denial of the claim should be received in 21 days. If you want to appeal a claim denial, you must do so within 90 days.

• Does the workers’ compensation program in Tempe pay for lost wages?

  If the doctor certifies that you are unable to work for over seven days, yes. However, the program only covers 66.66% of your average monthly salary. If you earn $5,000 monthly in Tempe, you will receive $3,333 for the month you're unable to work. Also, the initial seven days of missed work after getting injured will not be paid unless you reach 14 days of missed work. Your initial seven days’ wages will be retroactively paid after the 14 days.

• 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.