Workers Compensation in Tuscaloosa, AL
There can oftentimes be a stigma surrounding state or government help. But if you have been injured, and are incapable of performing your duties at work, then you should take full advantage of the safety net available to you. Still, you may have questions as to how it works, or worse, have a legitimate claim that you feel is being hindered in some way. If this is the case, it may be in your best interest to reach out to an experienced Tuscaloosa attorney to help fight for you.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Non-fatal workplace injuries are listed as injuries that result in loss of consciousness, days away from work, and restricted work activity, according to the Alabama Labor Market Information Division. Injuries that require medical treatment beyond first aid also fall into this category. Some of the more common workplace injuries in Tuscaloosa are transportation injuries, such as crashing while driving for your job. Others can include repetitive stress injuries, falling from heights, and being struck by an object.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Tuscaloosa, 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.
If you suffer an injury in a work-related incident in Tuscaloosa, workers’ compensation can help you with medical bills and recovering lost wages. Every business in Tuscaloosa with more than 5 employees has to provide workers’ compensation insurance. This is according to the Alabama Department of Labor. Businesses with less than 5 employees are not subject to this requirement. In addition, mental health ailments can be covered in Tuscaloosa, but 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 Tuscaloosa, Alabama are critical for the 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 Tuscaloosa, 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 occurred 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 injury report.
Workplace Fairness Alabama provides a timeline of how to handle the filing process if you’ve sustained an injury at work in Tuscaloosa. You should report your injury to your employer immediately. This can be beneficial should any dispute 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. If possible, you should also ask for 2 copies of the physician’s report. Give 1 copy of the report to your employers for their files, and keep 1 copy for yourself.
Timeline and Other Information
Once alerted, an employer in Tuscaloosa has 15 days to submit the injury report to the insurance provider. 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 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 Qualified Tuscaloosa, Alabama Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were hurt on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring an 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 Tuscaloosa, Alabama
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Tuscaloosa, 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!
