Can You Get Workers’ Comp for Tennis Elbow in Arizona?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, often resulting from repetitive motion or strain. It can affect anyone whose activities involve the continuous use of the forearm muscles, such as painters, plumbers, carpenters, and even office workers. 

In Arizona, if tennis elbow is developed as a result of work-related activities, it can be considered a workplace injury, making an employee eligible for workers' compensation benefits.

This article explores the classification of tennis elbow as a workplace injury in Arizona, including eligibility for compensation and steps to file a claim, within the state's legal framework for workers' compensation.

Tennis Elbow as a Workplace Injury in Arizona

In the United States, each state has the authority to establish its own set of workers' compensation laws. Additionally, states have the autonomy to define the specific procedures that workers should adhere to when they experience a workplace injury.

The laws in Arizona establish a "no-fault" workers' compensation system, which guarantees that employees who sustain an injury at the workplace, including tennis elbow from job-related activities, can receive medical and compensation benefits without needing to prove their employer's fault. [AZICA]

This means that if you are suffering from tennis elbow as a result of job-related activities in Arizona, you are entitled to compensation for your troubles.

Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation for Tennis Elbow in Arizona?

As we already mentioned, the workers’ compensation in Arizona is a no-fault insurance system, which means any employee who can demonstrate that their tennis elbow is a result of a work-related activity is eligible to file a claim.

Unlike at-fault states, where the injured employee typically needs to prove that their employer was at fault for their injury, in a no-fault system like Arizona, this burden of proof is removed. However, the employee must still adhere to specific requirements and procedures to successfully file a workers' compensation claim. 

Determining Work-Related Causes

For victims who want to claim compensation for their work-caused tennis elbow, it is essential to establish a clear connection between the job duties and the onset of symptoms, supported by medical evaluations and potentially workplace ergonomic assessments.

Proving that tennis elbow is caused by workplace activities often requires demonstrating the repetitive nature of work tasks that could lead to such injuries. 

This can involve medical documentation linking the condition to work-related activities, evidence of workplace ergonomics that contribute to strain, and expert assessments on how specific tasks might cause or exacerbate the condition. 

Documentation for a Successful Claim

To be successful in your claim of tennis elbow as a workplace injury in Arizona, you need several key documents to support your claim. These include:

• Detailed Job Description – Document the specific repetitive tasks you perform at work that could have led to the development of tennis elbow. This could include activities such as continuous typing, the use of a mouse, or other repetitive arm movements.

• Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Records – Include detailed medical records that diagnose tennis elbow and explicitly mention that it could be work-related, based on your job duties. Include treatment plans, physiotherapy records, and any doctor's notes advising on work modifications.

• Workplace Ergonomic Assessments – If available, include assessments of your workplace ergonomics that may highlight poor setups or practices contributing to strain injuries like tennis elbow.

• Timeline of Symptoms – Document when symptoms began relative to work activities and any exacerbation linked to particular tasks, showing a correlation between work duties and the onset or worsening of symptoms.

• Witness Statements – If colleagues can attest to the nature of your work and its repetitive aspects, their statements can support your claim by confirming workplace conditions.

• Photos of Work Setup – Photos demonstrating your workspace, especially if it shows an ergonomic risk, can visually support how your work environment contributes to the condition.

• Correspondence with Employer – Include any reports to or discussions with your employer about your symptoms, requests for ergonomic adjustments, or any workplace injury reports filed.

These documents collectively can help build a compelling case that your tennis elbow is a result of workplace conditions and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Filing Your Workers' Compensation Claim in Arizona

To file a workers' compensation claim for your tennis elbow in Arizona, you'll need to follow several steps and be prepared to navigate the process of dealing with potential claim denials and appeals.

Step-by-Step Claim Filing Process

1. Notify Your Employer – As soon as you realize you've sustained a work-related injury like tennis elbow, inform your employer. This is crucial for documenting the injury's occurrence within the workplace.

2. Medical Documentation – Seek medical attention and ensure that your condition is documented by a healthcare provider. A Worker's and Physician's Report of Injury can be filled out at the doctor’s office. This serves as part of the claim filing process.

3. File the Claim with the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) – Obtain a Worker's Report of Injury form from the ICA and submit your claim. This needs to be done within one year from the date of injury or from when you first became aware that the injury was related to your work.

4. Employer’s Responsibilities – Your employer should provide you with information regarding their workers' compensation insurance carrier and file an Employer’s Report of Injury with the ICA. However, the responsibility to file the claim primarily lies with you, the employee.

5. Insurance Carrier Response – Once filed, the insurance carrier has 21 days to accept or deny your claim. If accepted, they will cover the compensation and medical bills as per the Arizona Fee Schedule. 

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision by filing a Request for Hearing. Keep in mind the deadline for submitting your Request for Hearing is 90 days from the date you receive the denial notice. [ArizonaWorkersComp]