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An Overview of Workers Compensation in Alabama

Simple Guide to Workers Compensation in Alabama

Understanding what workers’ compensation benefits cover can help injured workers in Alabama pursue the opportunities available for filing a claim. There are two key benefits that it provides to employees after a workplace injury—medical treatment and partial wage payments if you are unable to return to work. After taking the initial steps toward filing a claim, it’s helpful to know what each benefit covers and what it does not.

What to Expect From Medical Treatments

Since your employer or their insurance carrier pays for all medical care related to your accident, Alabama law allows them to select the doctor that treats your injuries. This helps them avoid paying for noncritical lab work or surgery. The workers’ compensation insurance carrier’s objective is to get you treated and back to work. This means less downtime for the company while keeping premiums low. However, this doesn’t mean that you can receive substandard care.

There are no statutes of limitation on payment for workers’ compensation medical treatment. Paying for your medical treatment is an obligation—whether it was your fault or not. Your employer or their insurance carrier is responsible for the life of your injury claim and your treatment.

How Partial Salary Payments Work

Sometimes, injuries are extensive enough to require significant time off work. Workers’ compensation also provides partial salary payments while you recover. If you miss more than three days of work due to your accident, your employer is required to pay you two-thirds of your average weekly salary, beginning on the fourth day. However, if you are permanently unable to return to work, then you may be offered a lump sum settlement or a lifetime of partial wages, depending on the type of injury sustained and its prognosis.

If you were injured on the job or denied workers’ compensation benefits, then speaking with a personal injury attorney may help you get the care you deserve. The team at Carey & Hamner, P.C., has been providing aggressive representation to the Wiregrass, AL, area for over 20 years. Call (334) 673-1800 today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

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