Filing a Workers' Compensation Claim in Arizona:

Immediately report your job-related injury to your employer.

See a doctor immediately to receive treatment. Notify your doctor that your injury is work related and they will give you a “Worker’s and Physician’s Report of Injury” (pink form) to complete. By signing this form you are filing for workers’ compensation benefits. The hospital or doctor will send the original “Worker’s and Physician’s Report of Injury” to the insurance company carrying the policy for your employer.

Arizona has two types of claims:

• A “Medical Only” claim provides compensation for medical expenses.
• A “Time Lost” claim provides compensation for medical expenses AND lost wages.

If your employer had no workers’ compensation insurance on the date of your injury, you may either file a civil action (lawsuit) against your employer in Superior Court, or file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits with the Industrial Commission.

You have the right to obtain the services of an attorney to handle your claim at any point in the claims process as provided by the law. Attorneys work on a contingency basis and typically collect 25% of your monthly benefits if you

Arizona Waiting Period:
You must report your employment-related injury to your employer and the Workers’ Compensation Board within one year from the date you became disabled.

Within 21 days of the date of claim filing the insurer must begin benefit payment or deny your claim. If the insurer denies benefits, you will receive a “Notice of Claim Status” from the insurer. You will then have 90 days to file your request for a hearing with the Industrial Commission.

Arizona Workers’ Compensation Treatment:
You may choose one licensed doctor for the treatment of your work-related injury. Your employer has the right to select a physician for a second examination. If you refuse to comply with any reasonable request for examination, your right to compensation may be suspended until you agree to the terms set forth by your employer or the Industrial Commission.

Arizona workers’ Compensation Benefits:
Your workers’ compensation rate will be 66.66% of your gross monthly wage. As of Jan. 1, 2012, the maximum monthly amount an injured worker can receive was $3,600. It will be adjusted annually to reflect increases in Arizona’s average annual wage, not to increase more than 5 percent per year.

Arizona Workers' Compensation Contact Information:
Larry J. Etchechury, Director
Industrial Commission
800 West Washington Street
P. O. Box 19070
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 542-4411 or 1-800-544-6488 (in-state calls only)

NOTICE: These questions and answers concern Arizona law only, and should not be construed nor relied upon as reflecting the law in other States, nor as giving legal advice. You are warned that circumstances often vary greatly and that, due to changing decisions and law, the answers to these questions may change over time and not be current, and you should consult an attorney in any specific case, and NOT rely on these questions and answers as giving anything other than general information.