Workers’ compensation in Arizona is a no-fault system that pays out benefits to injured or ill employees. Here’s how to make a workers’ compensation claim for an injury at work in Arizona in 2025:
1. Report the Injury Right Away
- Report any work-related illness or injury to your employer promptly. The notification should be within 90 days according to Arizona law. Filing a report right away helps to ensure that your claim is not complicated.
- The employer reports the injury to the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) and their workers’ compensation insurance provider.
2. Seek Medical Treatment
- Seek immediate medical attention. Go to any healthcare provider for emergency treatment. Employers in Arizona may direct you to specific medical providers for non-emergency care.
- Explain to the doctor that the injury is work-related. It helps them to document it appropriately.
3. Fill Out the Worker’s Report of Injury
- Fill out the Worker’s Report of Injury (ICA Form 0401). Please submit it to the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA). This stage officially starts the workers’ compensation claim.
- Your employer’s insurance provider needs to file a “Report of Injury” (Form 101) with the ICA.
4. Wait for the Insurer’s Response
- The insurance company has 21 days from the date of notification to accept or deny your claims. The insurer pays the medical bills and salary loss benefits upon approval.
- Appeal decisions for denied claims. Request the ICA for a hearing. This request must be made within 90 days of receiving the denial.
5. Understanding Benefits
- Medical Benefits: Medical services are available for your injuries.
- Temporary Disability Benefits: Get Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits if you are unable to work. The amount is 66 2/3% of your average monthly wage. There are Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits available if you can work with reduced capacity.
- Permanent Disability Benefits: There are Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) or Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits for injuries resulting in a permanent impairment.
6. Return to Work
- Benefits may be adjusted or terminated. Your doctor must issue a fit to work medical certificate first.
Important Tips:
- Maintain thorough records of the injury, the medical treatments, and all correspondence related to the claim.
- Follow all medical advice to avoid jeopardizing your claim.
Follow the steps above. Consult a workers’ compensation attorney for the best results on your claim.