Arizona workers' compensation is administered by the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) under Arizona Revised Statutes Title 23, Chapter 6.
1. Who Is Covered
All Arizona employers with 1 or more employees must carry workers' comp (A.R.S. § 23-961).
Includes part-time and seasonal workers.
Sole proprietors, partners, and corporate officers may opt out (with ICA election).
Independent contractors generally excluded.
2. Notice to Employer — Immediately
Under A.R.S. § 23-908, the employee must report the injury forthwith (immediately).
No specific statutory day limit, but failure to give prompt notice may prejudice the claim.
3. Filing Deadline — 1 Year
File a Worker's Report of Injury (Form 407) with the ICA within 1 year of the injury (A.R.S. § 23-1061).
The treating physician also files an Initial Medical Report with the ICA.
4. Weekly Benefit Calculation
Temporary Total Disability (TTD): 66 2/3% of average monthly wage (AMW) (A.R.S. § 23-1045).
2024 maximum AMW: $5,860/month (≈ $1,353/week); benefits cannot exceed this cap.
Temporary Partial Disability: 66 2/3% of the difference between pre- and post-injury earnings.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): see below (scheduled vs. unscheduled).
5. Maximum Benefit Period
TTD: until maximum medical improvement (MMI); no specific cap.
Scheduled PPD: fixed weeks per body part (e.g., loss of arm = 60 months at 55% AMW).
Unscheduled PPD: 55% of the loss of earning capacity, paid monthly for life or until earning capacity changes.
Permanent Total Disability: monthly benefits for life.
6. Medical Treatment
For the initial visit, the employer/carrier may direct treatment to a designated provider.
After the initial visit, the employee may request a change of doctor with carrier approval (or ICA petition if denied).
Medical benefits unlimited in duration.
7. Choice of Doctor
Limited — initial employer choice; employee may change with approval.
8. Attorney Fees
Capped at 25% of additional benefits secured under ICA rules; subject to ALJ approval.
9. Scheduled vs. Unscheduled Disability
Arizona uniquely categorizes PPD:
- Scheduled (specific body parts): fixed weeks based on the schedule.
- Unscheduled (back, head, internal injuries): based on loss of earning capacity evaluated by the ICA — can result in lifetime monthly benefits.
10. Special Fund
The Arizona Special Fund pays second-injury and uninsured-employer claims.
This is legal information, not legal advice.