A workplace injury can happen at any time, and workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” system in Arizona.
From our experience, when you have suffered a work-related injury, you do have legal rights that you may not even be aware of. You may have a case against the employer or a separate claim against a third party for their negligent acts.
Workers compensation is a “no-fault” system in which injured workers receive medical and compensation benefits no matter who causes the job-related accident. If an illness or injury is job-related, the injured worker (a claimant or applicant) receives medical benefits and may receive temporary compensation if eligibility requirements are met. Sometimes, a claimant may receive permanent compensation benefits and “job retention.”
If an employer has no worker’s compensation insurance, the injured worker has the right to either file a civil action lawsuit against the employer in the superior court or file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits with the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA). The ICA has a division called “Special Fund” which pays benefits identical to those paid by insurance carriers. Penalties any be asses against the non-insured employer.
There are time specific restrictions to report and requirements for your claim. For more information on the ICA requirements and workers compensation laws, you can always contact the ICA directly at: (602) 542-4661 or by visiting their website at: https://www.azica.gov/claims-workers-compensation-general-information