Huntsville Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Getting hurt on the job is one of the most difficult times for an employee since most people live paycheck to paycheck. It’s even more frustrating when the workers’ compensation insurance company gives you a hard time about getting the proper medical treatment, paying for your missed time from work, and paying a fair amount for a severe injury or permanent disability.

We love helping people get back on their feet – physically, emotionally, and financially.

We can ensure you get the medical treatment you need, that you are being paid temporary total disability benefits, and that you get the most compensation possible for any permanent injury.

Alabama Workers’ Compensation Benefits

There are 3 primary workers compensation benefits under Alabama law. It’s important to understand these benefits:

Benefit #1: Medical Treatment

First, the employer is required to pay for 100% of medical treatment for the work-related injury. This right to medical treatment remains open forever unless you agree to waive that right as part of a settlement.

The downside is that the workers’ comp insurance company has a right to select your doctors. Another issue is that workers’ comp can be slow to schedule appointments and tests.

Benefit #2: TTD

The second benefit is called temporary total disability (TTD). If you are out of work due to a doctor’s order, your employer must pay you 66.6% of your average weekly wage during this time period. This benefit is called TTD.

TTD amounts are calculated on the average weekly wage for the last 52 weeks. In addition, TTD is not considered taxable income in most instances. Once you are released back to work, TTD benefits will stop.

Benefit #3: Permanent Disability Benefits

The third benefit is compensation for permanent partial disability or permanent total disability. The amount of this benefit can vary depending on the severity of the injury, the body part injured, and whether you are able to return to work after reaching maximum medical improvement.

For more information about workers’ compensation benefits in Alabama, watch attorney Tommy Siniard’s in-depth explanation:

How to Know Whether a Workers’ Compensation Settlement Offer is Fair

The amount of your settlement depends on various factors, including your average weekly wage, the “impairment rating” assigned by your doctor, and whether you can return to work making the same amount of money.

We usually don’t attempt to reach a settlement until your doctor states that you are at “maximum medical improvement.” This is simply the point in time where the doctor believes that you are back to normal or to your “new normal.” After all, some people are never the same after getting hurt on the job.

The Law Is Not Good for Injured Workers

Beware – Alabama’s workers’ compensation laws favor businesses and not injured workers. To make matters worse, the benefit rates have not been updated since the early 1970s. While inflation and cost of living has skyrocketed, the amount of benefits has not been updated.

Workers’ compensation laws about permanent disability payments can be confusing. You need a personal injury lawyer on your side who has the answers.

Workers’ Compensation FAQS:

What are workers’ compensation benefits in Alabama?

There are 3 primary benefits: workers’ compensation insurance has to pay for 100% of medical treatment, 2/3 of your average weekly wages while you are out of work on doctors’ orders and has to pay you an amount if you have a permanent partial or permanent total disability. Review this information for a full explanation.

Can I choose my own doctors if I’m hurt on the job?

Unfortunately, no, you cannot. Under Alabama workers compensation law, the insurance carrier has a right to authorize treating physicians. If you do not like your authorized doctor, you have a right to choose from a panel of four other doctors.

Does workers compensation insurance have to pay for medicine for my injury?

Yes. If your authorized doctor prescribes you medication for your injury, then workers comp insurance is required to pay 100% of the cost of the medicine.

If I’m hurt on the job, is all I can get workers’ compensation benefits?

Not necessarily.  In some cases, you may be entitled to additional compensation. For example, if you’re in a wreck while on the job, you would be entitled to workers compensation benefits and be entitled to collect from the at-fault driver. Other examples include injuries from defective products while on the job and when a co-worker intentionally removes a machine safety guard, which results in injury.

Let Us Review Your Workplace Injury Case

We will meet with you for no charge to review your workers’ compensation claim. Our attorneys have handled more than 1,000 workplace injury cases. We are ready to get to work for you.