The Industrial Commission of Arizona is a state administrative agency that oversees work injuries, occupational safety, labor rights, and several other functions related to labor. The Commission is led by five “commissioners” appointed by the governor to staggered five year terms. The Director of the ICA, currently Laura McGrory, is responsible for the day to day operations of the Commission.
With regard to administration of workers compensation claims, the Commission has several important Divisions.
1. The Special Fund Division is responsible for processing all claims by injured workers against non-insured employers. The Special Fund also provides vocational rehabilitation in some cases and indemnifies carriers in second injury cases.
2. The Claims Division – handles various claims processing functions such as determining Average Monthly Wage, ruling on Petitions for Change of Doctor, and Findings and Awards in cases of Permanent Disability. Claims Division can be reached at (602) 542-4661
3. Administrative Law Judge Division – ALJ’s decide contested cases dealing with the Workers Compensation Act (and OSHA citations also). ALJ Division can be reached at (602) 542-5241
Chad T. Snow is an attorney with Snow, Carpio, and Weekley who handles exclusively workers compensation claims in Arizona. He has offices in Phoenix and Tucson and can be found at the Industrial Commission just about every day. He has handled over 5,000 hearings at the ICA. He can be reached at (602) 532-0700 or (520) 647-9000.
