An Arizona worker who is hurt on the job may be entitled to reimbursement for lost wages. The amount of the payment that an individual receives will likely be determined by how much that person earned prior to getting injured. It will also depend on whether he or she is allowed to receive partial or full wage loss benefits. Individuals may also be entitled to reimbursement for any medical bills that are incurred because of a workplace injury.
In many cases, workers are able to seek care from a doctor of their choosing without jeopardizing their benefits. This is generally true after 30 days have passed following a workplace accident. Those who are injured on the job may receive benefits even after they return to work. However, that may only be the case if a worker is making less after coming back to work than he or she did prior to getting hurt.
While an employer may choose to hold a person’s job until he or she recovers from an injury, there is no legal requirement to do so. State law may require employers to offer training or other services that could help an individual return to work. Employers also have the right to offer a modified employment contract to someone who was hurt on the job.
Workers’ compensation benefits can be crucial in helping to make up for wages that have been lost during the recovery process. Many claims are unfortunately disputed or denied, however, and thus having the assistance of an attorney can been advisable at that stage of the process.
