Can I File for Workers’ Compensation?

Getting injured at work can be difficult. You need to understand your rights and whether you can file a workers’ compensation claim. Knowing what will happen can help to put your mind at ease and make the aftermath of the injury less stressful. In most cases, you will have the ability to file a workers’ compensation claim.

The Industrial Commission of Arizona explains you can get workers’ compensation benefits for an injury on the job if you were doing job-related activities. These benefits will cover your medical costs and sometimes will also cover lost wages. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, so you do not have to prove who caused your injury, but it does not cover self-inflicted injuries, so there is an investigation.

The law requires all employers who have employees to carry this coverage. Even if you are the only employee your employer has, it must carry this insurance because regardless, your employer is responsible for any injuries you sustain at work. An exception is if you are an independent contractor or domestic servant. In these situations, workers’ compensation coverage is not mandatory.

To ensure you get workers’ compensation coverage, you must follow all the required steps. This means reporting your injury to your employer as soon as it happens. You also need to fill out the proper forms and submit them as soon as possible. You also want to seek medical care quickly and make sure you keep all documentation you get throughout the process. This information is for education. It is not legal advice.