Workplace Amputation Accident Attorneys in Phoenix

Amputations are unfortunate injuries that may occur in certain workplace settings, especially those involving the use of heavy machinery, conveyor belts, printing presses, food slicers, meat grinders and other serious tools. Some workplaces are more hazardous than others. If your terms of employment put you at risk for amputation, it’s important to know your rights. It’s even more important to have a trustworthy attorney on your side if you or a loved one has already suffered a workplace amputation.

At Cruz & Associates, we serve the Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale and Glendale areas with expert legal representation for workplace injuries, and we can help you get the compensation you need. Our team speaks fluent Spanish and English.

Causes of Workplace Amputation

According to OSHA, there are a few machine components that are most likely to cause workplace amputations. Power-transmission apparatuses include flywheels, pulleys, belts, chains and other high-powered moving parts that are hazardous to the human body. Certain machine movements are also likely to cause amputations, such as rotating, reciprocating, traversing, cutting, punching, shearing or bending. Working closely to the machine’s point of operation heightens your risk of amputation as well.

Above all else, the most prevalent cause of workplace amputation is negligence and inadequate training. Regular and thorough training sessions and administrative controls should eliminate, or at least lessen, many workplace injuries. If your employer has failed to keep you safe on the job, you likely have a valid workers’ compensation case.

The Workers’ Compensation Process

Workers are entitled to many things when they work under an employer. These things include the right to safe working conditions, understandable information and training regarding workplace hazards, access to workplace injury and illness records, and more. If you believe you deserve workers’ compensation for your injury, this is how the process works in Arizona:

See a Doctor

If you’ve been injured, it’s essential to see a medical professional. While you definitely want to make sure you’re getting the necessary treatment for your injury, a doctor’s visit is also important to your workers’ comp case. The doctor is able to verify for the employer that you are unable to work due to injury and therefore in need of workers’ compensation.

File a Claim

You must file your claim within one year of getting injured. In fact, you should file it as soon as possible. Filing your claim can go through one of two channels. You’ll either fill out a Worker’s and Physician’s Report of Injury at the doctor, or you’ll submit a Worker’s Report of Injury on your own. One is not better than the other, but it can be helpful to have your physician’s input on your claim.

Wait for Decision

Unfortunately, the only thing you can do now is wait. The Industrial Commission of Arizona, also known as the ICA, will notify all necessary parties, like your employer’s insurance company, that a claim has been filed. You should hear from the insurance company within 21 days as to whether or not your claim has been approved or denied. If your claim is denied, you can request a hearing within 90 days of your denial.

Schedule Your No-Cost Consultation in Phoenix Today

When it comes to filing for workers’ compensation, the team at Cruz & Associates will help you every step of the way. Our skilled attorneys have experience in personal injury, workplace injury, workers’ compensation, amputations, wrongful death and more. We can help you get the settlement you need to offset medical costs, lost wages, and other problems stemming from your injury. Don’t delay in starting your claims process. Give our Phoenix office a call at (602) 777-6666 or fill out our online contact form today.