Workplace injuries can be devastating, affecting not only your health but your ability to earn a living. Understanding your rights and the process for obtaining these benefits can be complex, but with the help of an experienced lawyer, you can navigate the system effectively and get the support you need. At Long & Long, our team of workers’ compensation lawyers in Orange Beach have extensive experience handling workers’ comp claims and are committed to securing the benefits you deserve after an accident.
Were You Hurt on the Job in Orange Beach?
You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Schedule a free case review with our workers’ compensation lawyers in Orange Beach and see how we can help you get the support you need to recover.
Get Your FREE
Case Review
Fill out the form below for a
FREE case review.
Getting Help Is Easy
The legal system can seem daunting, so we make getting help from our office quick and easy. Just contact us and get started on your free case review!
You Deserve Compensation
You work hard every day, so when you suffer an injury or illness, you deserve compensation. We’re ready to help you fight for that.
No Costly Upfront Fees
You shouldn’t have to worry about costly upfront fees when you should be focusing on recovering. You won’t owe us a dime unless we win for you.
Table of Contents
- Alabama Workers’ Compensation Benefits
- Common Workplace Injuries
- What To Do After a Workplace Injury
- How To File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Orange Beach
- Do I Have a Workers’ Comp Case?
- Workers’ Comp Lawyer FAQs
- How Our Orange Beach Workers’ Comp Attorneys Can Help
- Speak to a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Orange Beach
- Related Articles & Info
Alabama Workers’ Compensation Benefits
In Alabama, workers’ comp benefits are designed to provide financial assistance to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits can be categorized into three main types:
Medical benefits include coverage for all necessary medical treatments related to your work-related injury or illness. This includes:
- Doctor Visits: Consultations with physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers.
- Hospitalization: Costs associated with hospital stays and surgeries.
- Medications: Prescription medications required for treatment and recovery.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation services.
- Medical Equipment: Necessary medical devices and equipment, such as braces or wheelchairs.
- Travel Expenses: Reimbursement for travel to and from medical appointments.
These benefits ensure that injured workers receive the medical care they need without out-of-pocket expenses.
Disability benefits provide financial support if you are unable to work due to your injury. These benefits are divided into three categories:
- Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD): If your injury temporarily prevents you from working, you may receive TTD payments, which are typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to minimum and maximum limits set by Alabama law.
- Permanent Partial Disability Benefits (PPD): If your injury results in a permanent impairment that does not entirely prevent you from working, you may receive PPD benefits. The amount received is based on the severity of the impairment and its impact on your ability to work.
- Permanent Total Disability Benefits (PTD): If your injury leads to a permanent and total disability, rendering you unable to return to any form of employment, you may receive PTD benefits. These are usually two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to state-imposed limits.
If a work-related injury results in death, Alabama workers’ compensation provides death benefits to the dependents of the deceased worker. These benefits include:
- Funeral Expenses: Coverage for reasonable funeral and burial expenses.
- Dependency Benefits: Financial support for the worker’s dependents, such as a spouse, children, or other dependents. The amount and duration of these benefits are determined based on the number and type of dependents.
In Alabama, workers’ comp benefits play a key role in providing financial relief and medical care to injured workers and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered a work-related injury, our workers’ comp attorneys are ready to help you pursue the benefits you need to recover and secure your future.
We’ve won MILLIONS of dollars for our INJURED neighbors.
Common Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries can occur in any industry, posing significant risks to employees. Here are some of the most common workplace injuries:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: These accidents often happen due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or obstacles left in walkways. They can result in injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures and head trauma.
- Muscle Strains: Heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and poor ergonomics can lead to muscle strains and sprains. These injuries are particularly common in industries that involve manual labor, such as construction and manufacturing.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Using sharp tools or machinery can result in cuts and lacerations. These injuries can range from minor cuts to severe lacerations requiring stitches or surgery.
- Being Struck by Objects: Falling tools, materials, or debris can cause serious injuries if they strike an employee. This can lead to head injuries, fractures, and other significant bodily harm.
- Exposure to Harmful Substances: Workers in industries dealing with chemicals, asbestos, or other hazardous materials are at risk of exposure, leading to respiratory issues, skin conditions, and long-term health problems.
- Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Tasks that involve repetitive motions, such as typing or assembly line work, can lead to RSIs, causing pain and discomfort in the hands, wrists, and arms.
- Vehicle-Related Accidents: Employees who drive as part of their job are at risk of vehicle accidents. These can result in a range of injuries, from minor whiplash to severe trauma.
- Machinery Accidents: Operating heavy machinery without proper safety measures can lead to severe injuries, including amputations and crush injuries.
- Falls from Heights: Construction and maintenance workers often perform tasks at elevated heights, increasing the risk of falls. These falls can lead to serious injuries such as fractures, spinal injuries, and head trauma.
- Electrocution: Working with or near electrical systems can lead to electrocution, which can cause burns, heart problems, or even death.
If you’ve suffered an injury or illness as a result of your work, contact us today. Our workers’ comp lawyers in Orange Beach are ready to advocate for you so you focus on recovering from your injuries.
What To Do After a Workplace Injury
If you are injured on the job, it’s important to take the following steps to protect your health and your right to compensation:
- Report the Injury: Notify your employer as soon as possible.
- Seek Medical Attention: Get immediate medical care and follow all treatment plans.
- Document Everything: Keep records of your injury, medical treatments, and any communication with your employer.
- File a Workers’ Comp Claim: Follow your employer’s procedures for filing a claim.
- Consult an Attorney: Speak with a workers’ comp lawyer to help ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
How To File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Orange Beach
Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Orange Beach involves several critical steps to help ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. Understanding and following these steps can help streamline the process and improve the chances of a successful claim.
- Report the Injury: Inform your employer immediately, as delays can affect your claim. Timely reporting can improve the probability that your injuries are documented accurately and promptly.
- Employer’s Responsibility: Your employer must report the injury to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. This step is important as it officially notifies the insurance company of your injury and begins the process of securing your benefits.
- Medical Evaluation: Undergo a medical evaluation to document your injuries. This evaluation will provide the necessary medical evidence to support your claim and determine the extent of your injuries and necessary treatments.
- Complete Claim Forms: Fill out and submit the necessary workers’ compensation claim forms provided by your employer. Accurate and thorough completion of these forms is essential for the processing of your claim and the timely payment of your benefits.
- Follow Up: Stay in communication with your employer and their insurance carrier. Regular follow-ups ensure that your claim is progressing and helps address any issues or additional information requests promptly.
Our qualified workers’ compensation attorneys can guide you through each step of filing your claim, help gather and present the necessary documentation, and advocate on your behalf to help ensure you receive the full benefits you may be entitled to. Reach out today for a free consultation.
Put an Award Winning Firm on Your Side
Do I Have a Workers’ Comp Case?
Determining whether you have a valid workers’ compensation case involves evaluating several key factors. Evaluating these criteria can help you assess your situation and decide on the best course of action.
Work-Related Injury
You may have a workers’ comp case if your injury occurred during the course of your employment. This means the injury must have occurred while you were performing work-related duties, either on-site or off-site, if it was within the scope of your job responsibilities. For example, a construction worker injured on a job site or an office employee hurt while traveling for a work-related meeting could both qualify.
Employee Status
To qualify for workers’ comp benefits, you must be classified as an employee rather than an independent contractor. These employees are typically on the company payroll, receive regular wages, and have taxes withheld from their paychecks.
Timely Reporting
Timely reporting of any injury is crucial in establishing a workers’ compensation case. You must report the injury to your employer within the required timeframe. Prompt reporting ensures that there is a clear record of the injury and that the claim process can begin without unnecessary delays.
Meeting these criteria is essential in establishing a valid workers’ comp claim. If you are unsure about any of these factors or need assistance in evaluating your case, our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can help. We offer a free consultation to review your situation and guide you through the process of securing the benefits you deserve.
Workers’ Comp Lawyer FAQs
If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. Our attorneys can help you gather additional evidence and represent you in hearings.
In Alabama, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Workers’ compensation laws generally prevent employees from suing their employers for work-related injuries. However, there may be exceptions if gross negligence or intentional harm is involved.
The cost of workers’ compensation insurance in Alabama varies depending on the industry and the specific job risks, but it is typically a percentage of the employee’s wages paid by the employer.
Our workers’ comp lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. Attorney’s fees are typically a percentage of the settlement or benefits awarded.
In Alabama, there is a 3 day waiting period before workers’ compensation benefits begin, but if the disability lasts longer than 21 days, benefits are retroactive to the first day of disability.
Even if the accident was your fault, you are generally still eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Alabama.
You should consider hiring a workers’ comp lawyer if your claim is denied, your benefits are delayed, you have a preexisting condition, you are unable to return to work, or you simply want to ensure you receive the maximum benefits possible.
Our Mobile Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
How Our Orange Beach Workers’ Comp Attorneys Can Help
Our Orange Beach attorneys can assist you in several ways:
- Case Evaluation: We will assess the merits of your case and guide you through the claims process. This includes evaluating the details of your injury, determining eligibility, and advising on the best course of action to maximize your benefits.
- Claim Filing: Our team ensures that all paperwork is completed accurately and efficiently. Properly filed claims are crucial to avoid delays or denials, and we will help you gather all necessary documentation and evidence.
- Representation: We advocate on your behalf in hearings and appeals. If your claim is denied or disputed, our experienced attorneys will represent you in legal proceedings to help ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Negotiation: Our attorneys negotiate settlements with insurance companies to maximize your benefits. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, but we leverage our legal skill to secure fair and adequate compensation for your injuries.
- Local Knowledge: Our attorneys possess in-depth local knowledge of Orange Beach and the specific challenges workers face in this area. We understand the local industries, common workplace hazards, and the nuances of dealing with local employers and insurance carriers. This local insight allows us to provide tailored legal strategies and support to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
Speak to a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Orange Beach
If you’ve been injured at work, navigating the complexities of the workers’ comp system can be overwhelming. Speaking to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Orange Beach can provide you with the guidance and support you need. Our dedicated attorneys at Long & Long are committed to helping you understand your rights, file your claim correctly, and fight for the benefits you may deserve. Don’t face this challenging time alone—contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step towards securing your future.
Related Articles & Info
Submit Your Case
"*" indicates required fields
