Arizona Employee Rights

Your employer is required under Arizona law to provide you with a reasonably safe place to work. Unfortunately, sometimes workers incur on-the-job injuries, whether their employers take steps to assure their safety or not. Workplace injuries can involve anything from broken bones to occupational illness, psychological conditions and even exacerbation or acceleration of pre-existing conditions.

If you recently incurred an injury on the job, you have certain rights under state law. Talking with a Phoenix workers compensation lawyer and understanding your legal rights is essential to receiving the benefits to which you are entitled.

You Have a Right to File a Claim

The state law of Arizona requires the vast majority of employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance that kicks in after an occupational accident. The best way to protect your right to compensation is to immediately report any occupational injury to your employer. This gets the ball rolling on your workers’ compensation claim and helps minimize the chances of missing any filing deadlines, which could lead to a workers comp denial. Inform your employer of your illness or injury as soon as is practical, usually when you notice symptoms.

You Have a Right to Medical Treatment

The manner in which you pursue medical treatment may vary from employer to employer. Some might require that you see an occupational doctor within their insurance network; others will let you seek treatment from your own provider.

You Have the Right to Return to Work, When You’re Able

By law, your employer must have your job waiting for you when you’re ready and able to return to work. They cannot hire someone else and refuse to give you your job back, so don’t worry about filing a workers’ compensation claim and losing your job. As long as your physician gives you an all-clear to return to your previous job, or a similar one with reasonable accommodation, your employer is legally bound to welcome you back.

You Have the Right to Disability

If your occupational injury or illness prevents you from returning to your old job, you have the right to disability benefits, either temporarily or permanently. You also have the right to educational or vocational training for a new line of work, if returning to your old job is impossible.

You Have the Right to an Appeal

If you receive a claim denial, you have the right to appeal the decision. We recommend filing appeals with the guidance of a workers’ compensation attorney, as these procedures have strict filing procedures and deadlines.

You Have the Right to Legal Representation.

Finally, you have the right to have an attorney represent your rights throughout the process of filing a claim or a denial. The attorneys at Cruz & Associates are dedicated to helping you understand your rights to compensation following an occupational accident. We have 25 years of experience in workers’ compensation law, which we’re ready to put to work for you. To schedule a risk-free, no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys, please contact us.