Workers Compensation in Mobile, 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 Mobile, Alabama workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Mobile, Alabama?

The Alabama Labor Market Information Division lists non-fatal workplace injuries as injuries that result in loss of consciousness, days away from work, and restricted work activity. Or injuries that require medical treatment beyond first aid. Some of the more common workplace injuries in Mobile are falling from heights, being struck by an object, repetitive stress injuries, and transportation injuries. In addition, exposure to hazardous materials and manufacturing injuries due to dangerous machinery are also of concern.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Mobile, 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. 

Every business with more than 5 employees is required to provide workers’ compensation insurance in the state of Alabama. According to the Alabama Department of Labor, businesses with less than 5 employees are not subject to this requirement. If you’ve been injured in a work-related incident in Mobile, workers’ compensation can help you with medical bills and recovering lost wages. Also, mental health ailments can be covered in Mobile. However, the ailment must be a direct result of the physical injury you sustained at work.

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 Mobile, 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 Mobile, Alabama healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines. Some which are critical 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.

Workplace Fairness Alabama lists a helpful guideline of how to handle the process if you’ve been injured at work in Mobile. Reporting your injury to your employer immediately is your first and best course of action. This helps to deal with any dispute that should arise stating that your injury wasn’t at work. After you tell your employer, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Proper medical care is necessary, and will help you reduce risk and costs later in the process. You should also ask for 2 copies of the physician’s report if possible. Give 1 copy of the report to your employers for their files, and keep 1 copy for yourself.

Timeline and Other Information

Once you alert your employers in Mobile, they have 15 days to submit the injury report to their insurance providers. Once the insurance company has approved your claim, you will start receiving benefits in the mail. Both Temporary Total and Temporary Partial Disability benefits are capped at 300 weeks. However, Permanent Disability Benefits have no cap in Alabama.

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. Typically about the incident and to 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 Mobile, Alabama Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Mobile, Alabama, in others, it may be more difficult. Your employer might ask if you suffer an injury on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Mobile, Alabama workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Mobile, Alabama

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Mobile, 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!