Workers Compensation in Huntsville, AL

You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by Alabama state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Huntsville, Alabama workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Huntsville, Alabama?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Alabama industry with the highest rate of work-related injuries is education and health services. In addition, the manufacturing industry and the trade, transportation, and utilities industry also have a high number of worker injuries. Across all industries in Huntsville, the most common causes of injury are overexertion, falls, and contact with objects or equipment. The most frequently reported injuries from these incidents are sprains, strains, and tears. Although some are minor, almost half of all reported Huntsville injuries result in missed work, restriction, or transfer. The most severe incidents, fatalities, are most common in the construction industry as a result of transportation accidents.

How Does Workers Comp Work In Huntsville, Alabama?

Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim.

Under Alabama law, most Huntsville employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have at least five employees. However, there are some exceptions for domestic, farm, and casual employees. All medical treatment will be covered, as long as it is recommended by an authorized physician. In cases where your injury causes you to miss work, you can be eligible to receive temporary or permanent disability compensation for lost wages. The amount you receive is based on a percentage of your regular pay rate, subject to a statutory range. According to the Alabama Department of Labor, the weekly disability pay range in Huntsville is currently $253 to $920.

For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.

The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Huntsville, Alabama are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.

Get Medical Attention

After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Huntsville, Alabama healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occured is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.

When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.

File a First Report of Injury

The first report of an on-the-job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received, and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.

Huntsville employees must inform their employer within 5 days of a work-related injury. The employer is responsible for submitting the workers’ compensation claim. If your employer does not file a claim, you have 2 years from the injury date to file directly.

Timeline and Other Information

Under Alabama statute, temporary disability payments will continue until you can return to work, or until your condition has stabilized. However, this time period is only a maximum of 300 weeks. At that point, permanent disability payments are available if you are still unable to return to your Huntsville job. However, permanent disability compensation can be limited if your employer shows that you refused reasonable accommodations or rehabilitation options.

Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point about the incident and any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.

Why You Should Hire a Huntsville, Alabama Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Huntsville, Alabama, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether your injury happened on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of the harm. Hiring a Huntsvilleworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Huntsville, Alabama

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Huntsville, Alabama you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!