So far in 2018, federal workers in Alabama filed 1,634 claims, which resulted in 553 payments and over $82 million in benefits and medical expenses paid by federal workers’ compensation programs.

Private industries represent thousands of more claims brought by individuals who have suffered injuries when they were simply doing their job.

If you were injured at work, it is important that you understand your rights and take steps to protect them.

Workers’ Compensation Eligibility in Alabama

According to the Alabama Department of Labor, you must meet the following requirements in order to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits:

• You work for an employer covered by workers’ compensation, which usually includes employers with five or more employees.
• You were injured from an accident.
• The accident arose out of and in the course of your employment so that there is a relationship between your employment and the accident. This accident must have occurred while you were employed at a place you were supposed to be while you were fulfilling duties for your employer
• You gave your employer notice within five days of the accident.
• The accident was not caused by your willful misconduct or by you trying to hurt yourself or other employees.

Workers’ compensation lawyers in Alabama can help you file your claim with your employer and ensure that you provide complete details regarding the cause, location and timing of the accident.

Benefits You Can Receive from a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Your employer is responsible for paying the hospital, medical, and surgical treatment expenses that stem from your workplace injury or illness. This includes payment for chiropractic treatment, medicine, medical supplies, crutches, assistive devices, and other reasonably necessary medical treatment and supplies.

Monetary benefits are two-thirds of your average weekly earnings per week.

If your loved one died as a result of a workplace accident, their employer is required to pay up to $6,500 for burial expenses. You may also be eligible for 50% of his or her average weekly earnings or two-thirds of the earnings if there are two or more dependents.

What Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Alabama Do

Workers’ compensation attorneys in Alabama help injured workers collect the benefits to which they are entitled. They advocate for workers and ensure that they are able to take advantage of the no-fault system in Alabama.

They can help investigate the claim and determine if any witnesses saw the accident. They also help injured workers navigate the workers’ compensation system and complete necessary forms. If a workers’ compensation application is denied, your lawyer can appeal the decision and represent you at a hearing.

If a third party is partially responsible for your accident, Beard & Beard can also explore whether a third-party claim may be available. This situation may arise if a defective machine or product caused your accident. If you were injured while driving, they can investigate if you may be able to file a claim against the negligent driver.

Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you were injured on the job, Beard & Beard can help – they have been assisting injured workers since 1973. Don’t wait.