Can Workers’ Compensation Be Used to Cover Long-Term Injuries in AZ?
If you suffered a long-term or permanent injury at work in Arizona, you might be unable to return to your job or keep working at your usual pace, possibly for the rest of your life. When this happens, you likely have the right to seek disability benefits by filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Filing for workers’ compensation in Arizona can be confusing and stressful, especially if you’re trying to accommodate a new disability. Let the attorneys at Matt Fendon Law Group be a rock for you. We can assist with every step on the path to benefits. Contact us now to speak with an experienced Arizona workers’ compensation lawyer.
Can Workers’ Comp Cover Long-Term Injuries?
Arizona’s workers’ compensation system protects workers who suffer long-term or permanent injuries on the job. Depending on the severity and duration of your injuries, you may be entitled to temporary total, temporary partial, permanent total, or permanent partial disability benefits. Permanent impairment means the injuries have caused an ongoing functional impairment, despite all medical treatments.
You must file a workers’ compensation claim with the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) within one year of the date of work injury to maintain eligibility for benefits.
Examples of Permanent Injuries in Arizona
Some common examples of permanent work injuries include:
- Amputation
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Loss of hearing in one or both ears
- Loss of permanent teeth
- Severe burns, scarring, or disfigurement
- Chronic pain due to nerve damage
- Limited mobility due to spinal cord injury
- Severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal organ damage
Compensation for Permanent Disability
How much money you can get for a permanent disability varies by health condition. In a workers’ compensation case in Arizona, there are two types of permanent injuries: scheduled and unscheduled.
A scheduled injury is any permanent injury to certain parts of the body. Scheduled injuries have assigned compensation rates under Arizona law. Scheduled disability benefits are also capped at a period of months. If you suffer a partial amputation or loss of function to one of these body parts, you can receive up to half of your usual monthly wages to replace your lost income. You can get up to 55 percent of your normal monthly wages if you suffer a complete amputation or loss of function. If the injury is bad enough to prevent you from being gainfully employed, you can get up to 75 percent of your regular monthly wages.
If a permanent injury results in visible facial scarring or loss of permanent teeth, the compensation is calculated at 55 percent of your average monthly wages for up to 18 months.
An unscheduled injury is any injury that is not listed as a scheduled injury under Arizona law. For example, a shoulder or back injury would be an unscheduled injury. The ICA will determine how much you can get for unscheduled injuries by considering numerous factors, such as the extent of your disability, whether your condition prevents you from returning to your usual job, and whether your condition prevents you from finding new jobs. Unscheduled disabilities are determined by the ICA permanent awards division and subject to appeal, but appeals need to be filed within 90 days.
Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Arizona Now
Need help pursuing benefits for a permanent work injury in Arizona? Turn to the skilled workers’ compensation attorneys at Matt Fendon Law Group. Our legal team can listen to your story and provide the answers you need in a free case review. Contact us today.
