How Workers' Compensation Works in Arizona

Arizona's workers' compensation system is administered by the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA).

Who is covered Nearly all Arizona employers must carry workers' compensation insurance. Independent contractors generally are not covered, though misclassification is common.

Filing a claim Report the injury to your employer in writing as soon as possible. File a Worker's Report of Injury with the ICA. The carrier has 21 days to accept or deny.

Types of benefits - Medical care for the injury - Temporary total or partial disability (lost wages) - Permanent impairment payments - Vocational rehabilitation in some cases

Workers' comp vs. third-party claims If a non-employer caused your injury — a negligent driver, a defective product, a property owner — you can pursue a third-party claim in addition to workers' comp.

Common pitfalls - Missing the one-year filing deadline - Accepting an early impairment rating without a second opinion - Failing to document every doctor visit and missed work day

Getting help An attorney experienced in both workers' comp and third-party claims can dramatically increase your total recovery.