Do I Have to Prove My Employer Was Negligent to Get Workers’ Compensation in Arizona?

If you’ve been injured on the job in Arizona, you might be wondering: “Do I have to prove that my employer did something wrong to get workers’ comp benefits?” The short answer is no—and here’s why.

🔹 Arizona Is a “No-Fault” Workers’ Compensation State

Arizona’s workers’ compensation system is designed to protect employees without requiring them to prove fault. This means:

You do not need to prove that your employer was negligent or did anything wrong.

Even if the accident was partially—or entirely—your fault, you may still be entitled to benefits as long as the injury happened in the course and scope of your employment.

🔹 What You Do Need to Prove

While you don’t need to show fault, you do need to show that:

• Your injury or illness is work-related.

• It occurred while you were performing job duties or something reasonably connected to your job.

• You reported the injury immediately and filed a claim within the required time frame (generally within one year of the injury or when you became aware it was work-related).

  
  

🔹 When Fault Might Matter

There are a few exceptions where fault can come into play:

• If the injury was purposely self-inflicted, you may not be eligible for benefits.

• If your employer was uninsured, you may have the option to file a civil lawsuit, where proving negligence could be necessary.

• If your employer or a co-worker intentionally caused your injury (willful misconduct), you may also have the right to sue outside the workers’ comp system.

  
  

🔹 Why This Matters for You

The no-fault system is meant to make it easier for injured workers to get medical care and wage replacement without the stress of a lawsuit. It also means:

• You don’t have to worry about gathering evidence of negligence.

• You can focus on healing and getting back to work.

  
  

✅ Bottom Line

If you were hurt on the job in Arizona, you don’t have to prove your employer was negligent. You just need to show that your injury was work-related. That’s it.

If you’re unsure about your situation or your claim was denied, it’s a good idea to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney or contact the Industrial Commission of Arizona’s Ombudsman’s Office for help.