Sunday, May 29, 2011

Arizona Industrial Commission Annual Claims Seminar

The Industrial Commission of Arizona has announced their annual Claims Seminar to take place on August 11-12, 2011 at the Wigwam Resort.  The Claims Seminar is geared toward giving basic information on Arizona work injury claims to employers, claim representatives, medical professionals, attorneys, paralegals, and other providers in the workers compensation industry in Arizona. 

Registration is $125.00 per day for the two day seminar and must be received no later than August 5, 2011.  Questions about the seminar can be answered by calling (602) 542-1779 or online at http://www.ica.state.az.us/Events/CLAIMS_Seminar_2011.aspx

The first day of the seminar is usually dedicated to presentations by Industrial Commission employees on basic workers compensation topics such as claims filing and processing, average monthly wage, medical benefits, and so forth.  The second day is more geared towards attorneys and has a legislative and case law review of major changes in workers compensation law from the prior year. 

Chad Snow is a workers compensation lawyer with offices in Phoenix and Tucson.  He can be reached at (602) 532-0700 or (520) 647-9000 along with his associates at Snow, Carpio, and Weekley.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

What benefits are available for a worker who is killed on the job in Arizona?


This entry deals with the saddest cases that we handle as worker’s compensation attorneys in Arizona, where a worker is killed on the job. An employee who dies as a result of an accident arising out of his employment or an occupational disease may have three different claims:

1. A claim for death compensation benefits for his or her survivors.
2. A claim for burial expenses.
3. A claim for medical expenses incurred before the employee’s death.

In cases for compensation benefits for survivors, surviving spouses, children, parents, or siblings may be eligible to receive a “death compensation benefit” which consists of a percentage of the employee’s average monthly wage at time of death. A surviving spouse is entitled to monthly benefits in an amount equal to 35% of the deceased worker’s average monthly wage. Those benefits, however, end upon the remarriage or death of the surviving spouse. For each surviving child, an additional benefit of 15% of the worker’s average monthly wage is added up to a maximum of 66 2/3% of the employee’s average monthly wage at time of death. Surviving children benefits end at age 18. In order to qualify for surviving spouse benefits, the surviving spouse must have been legally married to the deceased worker at the time of the injury. In cases where a surviving parent, brother, or sister was wholly or partially dependent on the injured worker at the time of death, they may also be entitled to survivor’s benefits in different amounts.

In claims for burial expenses, the employer and carrier usually pay out a lump sum of $5,000.00 to cover any reasonable burial expenses occurring as a result of the on-the-job death.

Because of the complexity of on-the-job death cases and the possibility that a claim against a third-party may result, survivors of a deceased worker should always consult with an experienced worker’s compensation attorney.

Back From Spain!!!




Madrid



Sevilla
O.K., I'm not going to lie - I'd much rather still be in Spain than here blogging about Arizona workers compensation.  As many of you know, I lived in Spain from 1990 to 1992 as a missionary for the LDS Church.  I've returned for vacations several times since and it's amazing how the country has changed. 

This time, we enjoyed a Real Madrid soccer game at the Bernabeu Stadium, one of the coolest things I've ever done.  We sat second row, I've got great pics of the players.  We also saw Los Miserables, Les Mis in Spanish.  We saw two flamenco shows, a bullfight, and all the sights of Sevilla and Madrid, two of the most beautiful cities in the world.  We rode Spain's high speed train, the AVE, twice at speeds up to 200 miles per hour.  Would be nice if we had something like that here in Arizona. 












Now I'm back.  Joe Arpaio is still corrupt and hopefully a little closer to being indicted.  Our recall group of Russell Pearce, Citizens for a Better Arizona, has collected even more signatures and will be dropping them off at the Secretary of State's office next week (more on that in a later post).  And I've got a pile of work on my desk.  I'll be back to blogging daily on various Arizona Workmans Comp topics. 

Chad T. Snow is an attorney at the Arizona law firm of Snow, Carpio, and Weekley, which has offices in Phoenix and Tucson.  He can be reached at (520) 647-9000, (602) 532-0700.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Happy Monday!

Attorney Snow will be back in the office on Wednesday and hopefully posting some new blogs for everybody to read by next Monday.

Until then, be safe, have a wonderful week and remember...the best compliment you can give is a referral!

Please remember Snow, Carpio, and Weekley the next time you know of somebody who may need assistance with their Workers' Compensation or Social Security Disability issues.

Thank you!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

What can be included in my average monthly wage?


As we have discussed previously, any compensation that is paid to a worker injured on the job in Arizona is based on a percentage of that worker’s “average monthly wage” at the time of his or her industrial injury.  In previous blog posts, I have discussed how the average monthly wage is calculated.  This post will deal with what kinds of benefits, other than salary, can be included in the calculation of the average monthly wage. 

I had an interesting case today where a potential client was given a vehicle for his personal use, in addition to his salary.  The carrier calculated his average monthly wage using only his salary.  Because I consider the personal vehicle an additional item to which a monetary value can be attached, I am of the opinion that the value of that personal vehicle can be included in the calculation of this man’s average monthly wage.  Another very typical scenario is the example of where an apartment maintenance worker is given a free apartment in addition to his salary.  In those cases, it is very clear that the value of the rent of that apartment can be included in the calculation of the wage.  At the same time, however, if the employer continues to provide the additional benefit such as vehicle or housing after the industrial injury, the insurance carrier can take a credit for the cash value of that item as long as it continues to be provided by the employer. 

As I have also discussed previously, earnings from other jobs apart from the employer where the worker was injured, can also be included in the average monthly wage calculation.  These are called concurrent earnings.  In order to be considered concurrent earnings, those wages have to be earned for an employer who is covered under the worker’s compensation act. 

Because the average monthly wage dictates the amount of compensation that you will receive for the rest of your claim, it is very important that it be calculated correctly.  I always advise injured workers to seek the counsel of an experienced worker’s compensation attorney with any questions about their claims. Contact us at Snow, Carpio, and Weekley today.

How will working affect my permanent worker’s compensation benefits in Arizona?


When are permanent benefits not really permanent? When they are received as a result of an on-the-job injury in Arizona.  As I have discussed before, there are two different kinds of permanent injuries in Arizona workman’s compensation claims.  Scheduled injuries are those that involve a specific body part that is listed on the schedule of impairments found at A.R.S. Section 23-1044.  If an injured worker sustains a permanent injury only to that body part, once the condition is found to be medically stationary by the treating physician, a set number of payments are made by the insurance carrier to compensate the injured worker for the permanent damage to that body part.  Although this is called permanent compensation, that does not mean that the compensation will endure forever, but rather that it is to compensate the worker for the permanent effects of his or her injury.  While the worker is receiving these “scheduled” payments, he or she can work without limit and will still receive a check every month during this period set for in the statute. 

The other type of “permanent” benefits in Arizona worker’s compensation claims are known as unscheduled injuries.  As I have discussed in previous posts, this is compensation to compensate the injured worker for wages lost as a result of his or her industrial injury.  Once the worker’s condition is found to be medically stationary, the Industrial Commission makes a determination as to what work the injured worker can still perform in spite of his or her permanent restrictions.  If that amount is less than what he or she earned at the time of the injury, the insurance company begins to pay a monthly benefit.  The Commission’s Award specifically indicates that this benefit is to continue for such time as a loss of earning capacity exists or until the death of the worker. 

The question then becomes how does work activity affect this “permanent” benefit.  The answer is as long as your earnings are equal to or less than the amount that the Industrial Commission determined you are able to earn when your claim was closed, there will be no affect on the permanent benefits.  If your earnings begin to exceed the amount that was determined, the insurance carrier will likely request that the Commission reduce your permanent monthly benefit.  Carriers are entitled to send out an Annual Report of Income to an injured worker who is required to report his or her earnings during the previous 12 months.  If the carrier sees that you are earning a significantly higher amount, they will more than likely request that the Industrial Commission rearrange your benefits and pay less. 


Since there are many variations on these general rules, any questions regarding work after a claim is closed should be directed to an attorney who practices Arizona worker’s compensation law. Contact us today at Snow, Carpio, and Weekley.


Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Where in the world is Attorney Snow......???









If you guessed Spain, you're right!

Attorney Snow and his family are visiting Spain for the next 10 days. We wish him a safe trip and a relaxing, joyous vacation.

Until then, check out our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Snow-and-Carpio-PLC/129899957064544, courtesy of Snow, Carpio, and Weekley.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011




http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/05/11/arizona.sheriff.investigation/

County Supervisor and others call on Sheriff Joe Arpaio to resign after a series of scandals

Arpaio sheriff receivership




http://driftlessweb.com/county-supervisor-and-others-call-on-sheriff-joe-arpaio-to-resign-after-a-series-of-scandals/


Critics call for Arizona sheriff to resign, for feds to indict him amid corruption probe





County supervisor calls for Arpaio to resign



http://ktar.com/category/local-news-articles/20110511/Group-calls-on-Arpaio-to-resign/

Critics call for Arizona sheriff to resign, for feds to indict him amid corruption probe




http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/critics-call-for-arizona-sheriff-to-resign-for-feds-to-indict-him-amid-corruption-probe/2011/05/11/AFyPOMrG_story.html

Board asked to place MCSO in receivership .

Board asked to place MCSO in receivership



http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/Board-asked-to-place-MCSO-in-receivership-121649299.html

Sheriff Joe's Toughest Critics Call For His Resignation


Joe Arpaio critics demand his resignation

Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox is joined by former U.S. Senate candidate Randy Parraz (left) and immigrant activist Salvador Reza during a news conference Wednesday.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

New Attorney Photos

X. Alex Carpio, Erica Gonzalez-Melendez and Chad Snow


Erica Gonzalez-Melendez, Attorney
Snow, Carpio, and Weekley

Monday, May 9, 2011

SCF Won't Buy Your Weed




 If you were sitting around munching on Cheetos wondering if you could get the workers compensation carrier to pay for your pot, you are soooorely mistaken.  In a blow to stoners injured on the job everywhere, SCF recently put out an official statement that they will not cover medical Maui Wowie even if the injured worker has a valid registry identification card. 
Voters last year in Arizona approved the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act which allows cardholders registered with the State Department of Health Services to obtain or cultivate their own Mary Jane.  However, SCF - the state's largest workers comp carrier, takes the position that the law does not require an insurance company to cover the medical use of Wacky Tabacky.  Their justification is that insurance companies in several other states have taken the same position and that possession of Ganja is still a federal offense. 

So if you just had your spine fused and the only thing that can take care of your pain is a little Acapulco Gold, you're gonna have to talk to your other friends, because SCF is Bogarting the Doobie.






Chad T. Snow is a workers compensation attorney in Tucson and Phoenix Arizona.  He has never smoked marijuana although he did try to smoke shredded jerky once at Scout camp.  He and his associates at Snow, Carpio, and Weekley can be reached at (520) 647-9000, (602) 532-0700.

Misspending by Arpaio's agency: Activists call for public hearing

Misspending by Arpaio's agency: Activists call for public hearing
Snow, Carpio, and Weekley

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

What to Expect at My "Free Consultation"

Many attorneys offer what we call a "Free Consultation".  It sounds a little suspect but is really one of the great bargains in the law business.  Can you imagine a doctor meeting with you for 1/2 an hour, listening to your complaints, giving you a diagnosis, and telling you what treatment you need - FOR NOTHING?  It sounds ridiculous.  Even plumbers and mechanics charge a "diagnosis fee".  But us lawyers are better people! 

A free consultation is just that - a consultation with an attorney to get a brief review of your case at no charge.  In our office, it usually means a brief meeting with our intake paralegal Martha, to get basic information about the claim, followed by a 15-20 minute chat with one of the attorneys.  Martha has over 30 years experience in the Arizona workers comp field so she's a good person to talk to.  If we feel like you have a matter that requires an attorney, and if you want to hire us, you can retain us at that time.  Oftentimes, in cases that don't require attorney representation, we simply give you free legal advice about red flags to look out for in your case and other useful information.  These would be things like how much temporary compensation you're entitled to, if you will get a "settlement" of your claim, your right to choose your own treating doctor, and other benefits you may be entitled to. 

So don't be afraid - whether your legal problem is in the area of Arizona workers (workmans) compensation or another area, take advantage of the free consultation.  Heck, get two or three of them if you want!  They're free!!!

Chad T. Snow is a lawyer in Arizona practicing exclusively workers compensation.  He has offices in Phoenix and Tucson where he and his associates at Snow, Carpio, and Weekley can be reached.

Injured Worker's Duty to Inform Carrier of Surgery

Something we've run into recently on a couple of cases that bears mentioning here is the duty that a worker injured on the job in Arizona has to notify the employer's insurance carrier of a pending surgery at least 10 days before it takes place.  This general rule is true for any medical treatment for which the carrier may ultimately be responsible.  It is true even if the carrier has denied your claim or has closed out your accepted claim. 

Many of our clients who have denied or closed claims decide to go ahead and proceed with their surgery through their private health insurance rather than wait the 8-12 months that it can sometimes take to get a decision through the Industrial Commission.  That is fine - if the claim is ultimately accepted or reopened, the industrial carrier simply reimburses the private insurance company for bills they've paid.  However, if the injured worker fails to give the workers comp carrier adequate advance notice of the surgery, the carrier can be relieved of their liability to pay for the surgery or other treatment.  The rationale for this is that the carrier has a right to have the worker evaluated by a physician of their choosing prior to undergoing the surgery.  Think of your injured body part as "evidence" - they have a right to examine that evidence before you change it. 

If you fail to give adequate notice and the carrier is relieved of having to pay for the surgery, they may still be liable for compensation and other post-surgical expenses after the date that they are notified. 

Chad T. Snow is a workers (workmans) compensation attorney in Arizona.  He has offices in Phoenix and Tucson. He and his associates at Snow, Carpio, and Weekley can be reached at (602) 532-0700 or (520) 647-9000.