PHOENIX ARIZONA WORKER’S COMPENSATION LAWYERS

Whose Fault?

Arizona is a no-fault state, meaning it doesn’t matter who caused your injury. If you were hurt at work, even if it was partially your “fault,” there is a very good chance that workers’ compensation insurance will cover your injury. The primary exception to this rule is if your injury was self-inflicted.

Every employer in the state must carry workers’ comp insurance, which is intended to cover workers’ injuries, including medical expenses and lost wages, along with a percentage of lost wages. However, many plans place limits on what is and isn’t covered, including when risks are “part of the job.” For this reason, it is critical to find an attorney who will stand up to large insurance firms and big businesses. The Law Badgers are here to do just that.

What Should You Do If You’ve Been Hurt at Work?

Even the most careful, diligent employees can be hurt on the job. Whether you made an error in judgment or someone else caused your injury, accidents happen. What occurs after the accident, however, is crucial to a favorable outcome.

Report Your Injury to Your Supervisor

Do not downplay your injury. Do not work through your injury. If you are hurt, tell your supervisor immediately. Be clear, and be honest. If there is a danger to other workers, be sure to inform everyone who may be in the area.

This is the number one mistake many employees make when they are hurt on the job. They keep working and never report their injury. Do not make this mistake. Report the accident immediately. Once you have done this, your employer becomes accountable. They must document the incident in what is known as an “accident report.” Failure to do so in a timely manner may result in negligence.

Seek Medical Attention

As an injured worker, you have the responsibility to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If your injury becomes worse due to delayed care, this can weaken your claim. Go to a reputable medical professional for treatment, and be sure they document your injury thoroughly. Tell your doctor that the injury occurred at work. They should know to start a file for a possible workers’ compensation claim.

In Arizona, your employer has the right to direct you to see a healthcare provider of their choosing for a one-time evaluation. Following that single visit, you can see a medical professional of your own choosing, should you wish to do so. But the most important thing is to ensure that your injury is treated and documented.

Request a Copy of the Accident Report

Once you are well enough to do so, request a copy of the accident report from your employer. Do this in writing when possible, such as over email. If your employer asks how you are doing, do not downplay how your recovery is progressing. Be honest, and let them know that you are following your doctor’s orders. Do not agree to return to work if you are unable to do so, or if your doctor recommends that you take time off to heal.

Document the Details

While the events are still fresh in your mind, jot them down. Keep a journal. Record exactly what happened, when it happened, who saw the incident, who you spoke with following the incident, and what you were told.

Memories fade with time, and keeping a journal, along with copies of your medical bills and records, and the accident report can be invaluable to your case. No detail is too small to jot down, and anything has the chance of being important down the road. When claims are denied, these contemporaneous notes can be priceless.

After you have sought medical treatment, it is in your best interest to seek immediate legal counsel from an injury attorney with workers’ comp experience. You need a highly-skilled legal team with the resources and knowledge to ensure that neither your employer, nor the insurance company, skips out on their responsibilities.

Contact the Law Badgers Today

When it comes to workers’ comp, the claims process can be fraught with complicated paperwork and stressful conversations. The Law Badgers have the background and history to work through the entire procedure in a seamless, efficient manner, and we will keep you informed at every step. If you’ve been hurt on the job, we can help. No one stands up for injured workers like we do, and no one can pull in the big wins like we can, either. Call our office today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.

Call us at 1.833.383.4448 (1.833.DTF.IGHT) or email us at info@lawbadgers.com