Arizona workers’ compensation regulations protect employees who are injured or become ill while working. These laws guarantee medical attention and financial assistance while recovering. Here is an overview of the key worker rights:

Right to Medical Treatment

Workers who have been injured on the job have the right to receive all required medical care to treat their injury or disease. This covers doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, operations, drugs, and rehabilitation treatments.

Right to Compensation for Lost Wages

Employees who suffer injuries that keep them from doing their jobs are entitled to temporary disability benefits:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) are for employees who cannot work during recovery
• Workers who qualify for Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) are those with limited or lower-paying work.

Right to Permanent Disability Benefits

Employees who have long-term disabilities could get scheduled benefits and unscheduled benefits.

• Scheduled Benefits cover permanent disabilities to certain bodily parts.
• They calculate Unscheduled Benefits based on reduced earning capacity.

Right to File a Claim

Injured or sick workers have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. Provide proof of  causal relationship to your employer. Notify them right away. Submit the claim to the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) within a year.

Right to a Safe Workplace

Employees have a right to a workplace free from unnecessary hazards. Employers must adhere to standards for occupational safety and health.

Right to Appeal Denied Claims

The employee may appeal rejected claims with the ICA. This is an opportunity to provide supporting documentation.

Right Against Retaliation

Retaliation by employers against employees who submit a workers’ compensation claim is illegal. Termination, demotion, or harassment are examples of retaliation.

Right to Representation

Employees have the right to legal representation. Hire an attorney for disputes or appeals.

Right to Confidentiality

Medical information on workers’ compensation claim is confidential. It is solely for claim purposes.

Right to Know the Maximum Benefits

Employees have a right to know what the average monthly wage (AMW) is. This is useful in the computation of benefits and the state-mandated maximum benefit caps. They modify it every year.

Workers who know their rights can get the maximum benefits and protections. It is best to consult a Workers’ Comp attorney for best results, and to learn more about key worker rights.