Employees

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Who is covered

Workers’ Compensation benefits are provided pursuant to Title 23 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. This coverage is the exclusive remedy for state employees injured in the course and scope of their employment. The following individuals are entitled to workers’ compensation coverage:

Employees of all state agencies, boards and commissions including the three state universities
Some Volunteers specifically described in A.R.S. Section 23-901
Employees of Superior Courts of all Arizona counties except Maricopa

Questions concerning who is covered should be directed to the Insurance Department at Risk Management (602) 542-2182.

Reporting An Industrial Injury (Filing a Claim)

If the injury is life-threatening, seek emergency help immediately by calling 911. If the injury is not life-threatening, notify your supervisor immediately.
Call 800-685-2877 within 24 hours to report the injury. This service is available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week to facilitate the reporting of your injury to Risk Management.
Tell the doctor you were injured at work. They should have you complete and sign the top portion of the “WORKER’S AND PHYSICIAN’S REPORT OF INJURY” form which is available at all occupational medical clinics, emergency rooms and physician’s offices. The physician will complete the bottom portion and will mail a copy to the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA), Risk Management, and the employee’s agency. You should retain your copy.
If you have missed, or anticipate missing, more than 7 consecutive calendar days from work (including weekends and regular days off), call Risk Management at 602-542-2182 or contact us at Workers' Comp.
Follow the doctor’s recommendations.
Keep your supervisor advised of your medical and work status.
Notify Risk Management at 602-542-2182 or Workers' Comp if your work status changes, including when you return to work.

Timeframes for Reporting an Injury

If you have not received treatment, Immediately contact Nurse Triage at 800-685-2877.
If you have received treatment already, contact your supervisor and complete the agency required forms.
The law requires the claim must be filed at the Industrial Commission within one year after the injury. The time for filing a workers’ compensation claim begins to run when the injury becomes manifest or when the claimant knows, or, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, should know, that the employee has sustained a compensable injury.

Seeking Medical Care

In an emergency, seek immediate medical care at the nearest emergency room or urgent care facility. Notify the health care provider that your injury is a work-related injury. Also notify your supervisor as soon as possible that an injury occurred.
In all other instances, if you have not received treatment already, contact the Nurse Triage at 800-685-2877 and then notify your supervisor of your injury.

The Claims Process

Your claim will be assigned to a professional workers’ compensation adjuster to first investigate to determine compensability and then process payments for medical expenses and any compensation due.
When we receive your claim, you will receive a packet of information from ADOA Risk Management Workers’ Compensation by US Mail.
If you have not lost time from work in excess of seven (7) consecutive calendar days (including weekends and regular days off), you may not be personally contacted by your adjuster.
If your attending physician feels you are unable to work, and you are off work for eight (8) or more consecutive calendar days, you are entitled to payment for lost wages. Wage loss benefits are payable at 66-2/3% of your gross monthly salary, up to the maximum as set by the legislature. Compensation is payable every 14 to 30 days, depending on the type of disability. No wage loss benefit is payable for the first 7 consecutive calendar days, if total time lost is less than 13 consecutive calendar days. This waiting period occurs only once during a claim. If a claim has been accepted, authorized medical treatment is paid pursuant to the Arizona Fee Schedule with no out-of-pocket expenses or co-pays.
If your claim is denied, you will receive a Notice of Claim Status informing you of the denial upon Risk Management’s notification from the Industrial Commission of Arizona.
If you intend to leave the State for more than fourteen (14) days, you must obtain permission from the Industrial Commission at 602-542-4661.

Returning to Work after an Injury

Notify your Risk Management adjuster when your work status changes, including when you return to work.
It is not uncommon for physicians to release workers to perform some work-related activities before a full recovery is made. Most state agencies provide temporary assignments to work in a modified capacity. This may mean working fewer hours or shifting job duties. Check with your supervisor to find out what types of modified work opportunities are available in your department. If your physician has given specific physical restrictions and modified work is available within those restrictions, you must return to work. Failure to do so may jeopardize your workers’ compensation benefits.

Types of Compensation Benefits

Temporary Total Disability: Total disability for eight or more consecutive calendar days where the attending physician declares a “no work” status.
- You are paid 66-2/3% of your average monthly wage up to the maximum amount as set by the Arizona Legislature.
- You are paid an additional $25.00 a month if you support one or more dependents.
- Checks are issued every 14 days.
Temporary Partial Disability: Released to light (modified) work.
- You are paid 66-2/3% of the difference between your average monthly wage before the injury and the wage you are able to earn during recovery.
- Checks are typically issued every 30 days.
Permanent Partial Disability: A permanent impairment is assessed by a qualified physician using the American Medical Association’s Guide to the Evaluation for Permanent Impairment.
- Scheduled: A disabling injury, usually of the extremities (arm, leg) for which permanent disability compensation benefits are statutorily outlined for a specific length of time.
- Unscheduled: If the permanent disability is not scheduled, the benefits are based on the loss of earning capacity as evaluated by a vocational specialist, and may continue until such time as your medical condition improves or your earning capacity changes.
- Checks are issued monthly.
Fatality: Death as a result of work-related injury.
- Burial expenses up to $5,000.
- The surviving spouse receives 66-2/3% of the average monthly wage (without dependents). A two year award in one lump sum is payable upon remarriage.
- With dependents, a surviving spouse receives 35% of the average monthly wage. Dependents receive a total of 31-2/3% of the average monthly wage to be shared equally.
- Benefits are paid until the dependent is 18, or 22 if enrolled full-time in any accredited educational institution.
- Checks are issued monthly.

Third Party Negligence

If your injury was the result of negligence on the part of a third party (examples include a motor vehicle accident or faulty machinery), you can reserve the right to pursue a claim against the responsible party. However, if you pursue a claim or lawsuit, you must notify and receive approval from Risk Management prior to settlement or you can jeopardize your workers’ compensation benefits. Risk Management will have a statutory lien on your recovery equal to the amount of benefits paid.

Resolving Disputes

Most claims are processed without incident. If you have a problem, contact your claims adjuster to see if it can be resolved. You may contact the Claims Supervisor or Manager if you wish to elevate your concern.
If you do not agree with a decision made by Risk Management, you can contact the Ombudsman’s Office at the Industrial Commission of Arizona (602-542-4350).You do not have to be represented by an attorney if you request a hearing; however, the Industrial Commission can provide a list of certified workers’ compensation attorneys.
If you are still unsuccessful in resolving the dispute, you may request a hearing before a judge by writing directly to the Industrial Commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use my own sick pay for medical treatment for my injury?

Yes. Your sick leave is a benefit provided by the State of Arizona for industrial and non-industrial conditions. For your convenience, most occupational medical clinics provide extended hours. Some are open 24 hours a day.

Do I get reimbursed for my travel to see the doctor?

The Arizona state statutes and case law require us to pay mileage only in limited situations. Generally this situation occurs when an injured worker does not have access to the needed treatment in the area they work or reside. If we set up an appointment for a second opinion (IME-Independent Medical Exam) and the location is beyond a certain amount of miles, we absolutely have to provide mileage reimbursement and meals per the State per diem schedule. Claims adjusters do have the authority to make exceptions under certain circumstances. Every case is different and if an injured worker is questioning such reimbursement, they should contact their adjuster.

What should I do if I receive bills from a medical provider?

First, contact the provider to ensure or provide the correct billing information as shown below.

CorVel Corporation

PO Box 6966

Portland, OR 97228

If the problem continues, contact your Risk Management adjuster.

What are the advantages to going to an Occupational Medical Clinic?

Occupational Medical Clinics specialize in the practice of diagnosing and treating industrial injuries. The physicians and staff are familiar with all the processes and procedures regarding workers’ compensation claims. You would not pay any out of pocket expenses even if your claim is denied. If you choose to go to your primary care physician and the claim is denied, your co-pay is not reimbursed.

Are worker’s compensation payments taxed?

No. There are no deductions for state or federal taxes, Social Security, union or retirement contributions.

Can I change doctors?

Yes, but you must first request permission from the Industrial Commission of Arizona at 602-542-4661.

If state employees get a raise, does my workers’ compensation pay go up too?

No. Workers’ Compensation benefits are based on the date of injury.

Do I receive an allowance for dependents?

Yes. You are paid an additional $25.00 a month if you support one or more dependents.