Arizona Workers’ Compensation: Estoppel Exception and One-Year Filing Rule Explained

Keywords: Arizona workers’ compensation, estoppel exception, one-year filing deadline, A.R.S. § 23‑1061(B), disability benefits, claim filing requirements.

What Is the One-Year Filing Rule?

Under A.R.S. § 23‑1061(A), injured workers in Arizona must file a written claim with the Industrial Commission of Arizona within one year of:

• The date of injury, or

• The date they knew or should have known the injury was work-related.

Missing this deadline usually bars the claim.

What Is the Estoppel Exception?

The estoppel exception under A.R.S. § 23‑1061(B) prevents your claim from being barred if the insurance carrier starts paying compensation benefits before you file. This means:

• If the carrier pays qualifying benefits, the one-year deadline does not apply.

• This exception protects workers who receive benefits but haven’t filed a formal claim.

Which Benefits Trigger the Exception?

Only compensation benefits under these statutes count:

• § 23‑1044 – Permanent Partial Disability (scheduled or unscheduled)

• § 23‑1045 – Temporary Total Disability (TTD) or Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

• § 23‑1046 – Death Benefits for dependents

Important:

• Medical-only payments do NOT trigger the exception.

• Burial expenses under § 23‑1046(A)(1) also do not count.

Key Takeaways

• File your claim within one year whenever possible.

• If you’ve received disability checks, the one-year deadline may not apply.

• Medical payments alone don’t protect you—file your claim anyway.

Need Help?

Contact a qualified workers’ compensation attorney to confirm your rights.

Free Consultation