How To Apply for Workers’ Compensation After a Workplace Injury or Illness

Posted in Workers' Compensation on October 9, 2025

How To Apply for Workers’ Compensation After a Workplace Injury or Illness? Applying for workers’ compensation after a workplace injury or illness can feel complicated, but the process is designed to help injured employees get the medical care and financial support they need. Speaking with a Phoenix Workers’ Compensation Lawyer can make the process more transparent and less stressful, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.

To start a claim in Arizona, you should immediately inform your supervisor of the injury, then complete and submit either a Worker’s Report of Injury Form (0407) or a Worker’s and Physician’s Report of Injury Form (0102) with the Industrial Commission of Arizona. The claim must be filed within 12 months of the date of injury, and your employer must provide the necessary forms. At Crossman Law Offices, we are here to guide you through every stage of the process.

Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Message us

Call Us 602-248-0380

Steps to Take Right After a Workplace Accident

Prompt action is essential after an accident or the diagnosis of a work-related illness. Taking the proper steps quickly can protect both your health and your right to benefits:

Report the incident to your employer immediately so there is an official record of the accident or illness.
Seek medical attention immediately to ensure your well-being and create medical documentation of the injury.
Keep copies of all medical records and communications with your employer, as these can become vital evidence during the claim process.
Document the accident scene if possible, including photos of the location, equipment, or conditions that contributed to the incident.
Gather witness statements from co-workers who saw what happened, as these accounts can strengthen your claim.

By acting promptly and preserving this information, you create a solid foundation for your workers’ compensation case and reduce the likelihood of disputes.

Who Qualifies for Workers’ Comp Benefits in Arizona?

Workers’ compensation eligibility in Arizona is broad, covering most employees across different industries. According to Arizona law, benefits are provided under Title 23 of the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S. Section 23-901). This coverage includes employees of state agencies, boards, commissions, and the state’s three universities. Certain volunteers identified explicitly in the statute also qualify for coverage, along with employees of Superior Courts in every Arizona county other than Maricopa. Whether you work for a private company or a public institution, you may be entitled to benefits if your injury or illness is connected to your job.

Beyond those groups, most private-sector employees in Phoenix are also entitled to coverage. Even part-time or seasonal workers may qualify if they suffer an injury during employment. Independent contractors are typically excluded, but disputes can arise if a worker was misclassified. In these cases, an attorney can help evaluate whether you were an independent contractor or should have been considered an employee with coverage rights.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Arizona

Filing a claim begins with the required paperwork. Arizona uses the Worker’s and Physician’s Report of Injury form, which can be completed at your doctor’s office. The worker fills out the first section, known as the “Worker’s Report,” while the treating physician completes the “Physician’s Initial Report.” Both must be signed and dated before submission to the Industrial Commission of Arizona. The process must be completed within one year of the date of injury. According to the Industrial Commission of Arizona, your employer should supply the necessary forms, also available directly from the Commission. Filing accurately and within the timeframe ensures your eligibility for benefits.

Timeliness is crucial in the process. Waiting too long to report the incident or delaying medical treatment can be grounds to question whether the injury was truly work-related. For this reason, many injured workers choose to begin the claim process quickly while keeping thorough records. Clear, detailed documentation can make a significant difference when the claim is reviewed.

Steps to Take After a Denied Workers’ Comp Claim

A denied claim does not mean the end of the road. Many claims are initially rejected for different reasons. When this happens, important steps include:

Request a hearing with the Industrial Commission of Arizona after receiving notice of denial.
Collect supporting evidence such as medical documentation, witness statements, and work records to strengthen your appeal.
Act quickly because the appeals process is time-sensitive, and delays may harm your case.
Review the reason for denial to understand whether it was due to technical issues, like missing information, or disputes about whether the injury is job-related.
Provide additional evidence during the appeal to clarify disputed points and establish your right to benefits.

Many workers who pursue appeals ultimately succeed in securing benefits that were initially denied.

Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits Available in Arizona

Arizona’s workers’ compensation system provides several types of benefits depending on the severity and impact of the injury:

Medical coverage pays for treatment costs related to the injury or illness, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and medications.
Temporary disability payments replace part of your wages when you cannot work for a short period.
Permanent disability compensation applies when the injury results in lasting impairment.
Death-related assistance may be available to dependents in tragic cases where a worker passes away due to a job-related injury.
Rehabilitation services can include vocational training to help injured workers transition into new positions if they cannot return to their previous jobs.
Supportive care options may also be offered, providing ongoing treatment for long-term conditions resulting from workplace accidents.

Recognizing the full range of available support helps ensure injured workers and their families receive what they truly need.

Where to Find Workers’ Compensation Help in Arizona

When facing a workplace injury or illness, navigating the system can feel challenging. Working with a Phoenix workers’ comp lawyer helps you complete all paperwork properly, meet deadlines, and present the strongest case possible.

At Crossman Law Offices, our mission is to support injured workers throughout the claim process. We are committed to protecting your rights and making sure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to under Arizona law. Call us today at 602-248-0380 for guidance tailored to your situation.

Avery N Crossman

Ms. Crossman is a State Bar Board Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist and is past Co-Chair of the State Bar Workers’ Compensation Section. She has served as a faculty member at the State Bar Seminar on Professionalism and is a former Judge Pro Tempore in the Arizona County, Justice, and Superior Courts. In the past, she has spoken at seminars on Workers’ Compensation sponsored by the Industrial Commission of Arizona and the Arizona Association of Lawyers for Injured Workers. Ms.Crossman is a long-time member of the Arizona Association of Lawyers for Injured Workers. She is also a member of American Mensa.