Time Limits for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim in Arizona

Suffered a job injury in Arizona? The actions you take in the days after the incident are critical to improve your chances of receiving full and fair workers’ compensation benefits. You need to know what to do and how to get started ― and you need to know now.

Applying for workers’ compensation is a complicated and paperwork-heavy process. Many deserving claims get hung up or denied due to missed deadlines or small errors. An Arizona workers’ compensation lawyer at Matt Fendon Law Group can cut through the red tape and help you secure the benefits you deserve.

Founding attorney Matt Fendon is certified by the State Bar of Arizona as a workers’ compensation specialist. Rest assured that when you choose our law firm, your case goes into the hands of a highly skilled lawyer with in-depth knowledge of the state workers’ compensation system.

Time is of the essence when it comes to filing for workers’ compensation benefits. Call or visit our contact page for a free consultation.

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Workers’ Comp Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Arizona

Many of the questions we receive about Arizona workers’ comp benefits are regarding the timeframe for different parts of the claims process. Here’s what you need to know about the timeline for a workers’ compensation claim:

• Statute of limitations for filing claims: Generally speaking, you have one year from the date of your injury to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits with the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA). However, there are some exceptions to this rule. A workers’ compensation lawyer can explain what exceptions may apply to your case.
• Reporting the workplace injury to your supervisor: There’s no specific deadline for reporting a work-related injury to your employer other than the one-year deadline for filing a claim. However, you should generally report an injury as soon as possible. If you’re hurt on the job and don’t report the injury, your employer could use that as a reason to delay your claim or deny you benefits. You should report a work-related injury within a few days if you can or have someone you trust report the injury for you.
• How soon will I get paid? After you file your workers’ comp claim, your employer’s insurer has 21 days to either accept or issue a denial. If your claim is accepted, the timeline for receiving benefits depends on the extent of your injuries. If your claim is for medical benefits only, your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier will immediately assume financial responsibility for reasonable past and future medical bills for your job injury. If your injury results in time off work, you can receive wage-replacement benefits if you miss seven or more consecutive calendar days. However, you will only be paid wage-replacement benefits for the days you miss after the seventh day unless you miss 14 days of work or more. If you miss more than 14 days of work, you will receive retroactive benefits the days you’ve missed except for the initial day of your injury.
• Delayed reporting may affect your claim for benefits: There are several ways that delaying an injury report after sustaining a work-related accident can affect a claim for workers’ comp benefits. Waiting more than one year after your injury to file your claim with the ICA means you’ll likely permanently lose your chance to claim any benefits. Similarly, waiting to report your injury to your employer can also negatively affect your chances of receiving benefits. Your employer may use the delay as an excuse to deny your claim or at least delay paying out any benefits. While you may eventually be able to get your benefits after an appeal, this process could take many months. Meanwhile, the bills continue to pile up.
• What happens if my claim is denied? After a denial, you have 90 days to file a Request for Hearing with the ICA. It’s essential to get help from a workers’ comp lawyer if you’re appealing a denied claim. An attorney can help you gather the additional evidence you will need to claim your benefits.

Talk to an Arizona Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you were hurt at work, most Arizona employers must provide workers’ compensation benefits to their employees. Before you get started, talk to a workers’ compensation lawyer at Matt Fendon Law Group. We can help no matter where you are in the claims process. If you’ve just been injured, a lawyer can help you file your initial claim along with the necessary documentation to help maximize your potential benefits. If your claim has been denied or you feel like you deserve more benefits based on your injuries, an attorney can help you understand why your claim was rejected and represent you during an appeal.

With all the strict deadlines involved in a workers’ compensation claim, it’s best to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. At Matt Fendon Law Group, we will help you fight for your rightful benefits and see you through this difficult time. Call or contact us today for a free consultation. There’s no obligation.