If you have trouble getting workers’ compensation benefits after an on-the-job injury in Morgan County, you have options for challenging the decision and pursuing compensation. A Decatur workers’ compensation attorney from Morris Bart will review your case with you for free today.
We could identify a liable third party who caused or contributed to your injuries. While you cannot legally sue your employer or a coworker, you can hold another party responsible if you have evidence that shows their negligence.
Understanding Alabama Workers’ Compensation Claims
Under Alabama law, all businesses with more than five employees should have workers’ compensation coverage. Only a few industries are exempt from this rule. Many companies that do not have five employees still opt to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers.
Workers’ compensation insurance provides benefits any time a covered employee:
- Suffers an acute injury at work or while working
- Suffers a chronic use injury the doctor attributes to your job
- Receives a diagnosis of a work-related illness
In most cases, workers notify their employer of their covered injury, and the employer follows the process outlined by the Alabama Department of Labor. However, this step does not always go smoothly. The employer may refuse to report the injury, deny it occurred at work, or otherwise refuse to cooperate.
What Happens If the Insurance Company Denies My Claim?
Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company could also deny your claim. If this situation happens to you, you have two options to fight for benefits:
- Connect with a Decatur workers’ compensation lawyer about your next steps
- Call the Alabama Department of Labor Workers’ Compensation Division to report the issue to an examiner, who will investigate the problem
You want someone on your side who will fight for your best interests and believe you when you say you suffered injuries or illness because of work. Morris Bart is here to help.
For a free legal consultation with a Workers’ Compensation lawyer serving Decatur, call (256) 666-3010
Benefits Available from Alabama Workers’ Compensation Claims
Under the Alabama Workers’ Compensation Act, employees who suffer injuries or contract illnesses on the job qualify for several types of benefits with an approved claim.
Medical Treatment Coverage
Workers’ compensation should provide coverage for medical assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of work-related injuries. This benefit is usually paid directly to the doctor or hospital. Some rules limit who injured workers can see to diagnose and treat their condition. You may need to see a doctor on a list of physicians approved by your employer.
Wage Loss Compensation
Wage loss compensation is perhaps the most well-known workers’ compensation benefit available. This benefit pays a portion of your lost wages if you cannot work because of your injuries or illness. As a result, you could receive up to two-thirds of your usual take-home pay.
The wage loss benefits depend on the extent of your injury or illness, your prognosis, and whether you can return to work. They could include:
- Temporary total disability benefits, which are the most common
- Temporary partial benefits
- Permanent partial disability
- Permanent total disability
Vocational R
Workers’ compensation coverage also pays for vocational rehabilitation for injured workers who:
- Cannot go back to their previous job
- Need training to adapt to performing their job with new impairments
- Require additional job skills to earn a living because of their injuries
Catastrophic Injuries and Death Benefits
When a worker suffers catastrophic injuries, they might qualify for additional benefits. If a worker suffers fatal injuries, their family should receive money toward funeral and burial costs, as well as a death benefit.
Morris Bart Can Help Injured Workers Get Compensation
Morris Bart has helped clients get the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve for over 40 years. We know the specific steps necessary to challenge a denial or file a claim when an employer disputes your report of an on-the-job accident.
Navigating this process can be complicated. However, we can ensure you have every opportunity to recover compensation based on your workers’ compensation coverage, allowing you to focus on getting treatment and healing. In addition, our team will use our resources to:
- Investigate the accident
- Gather evidence to support the claim
- Calculate the appropriate benefit amount
- Complete the necessary paperwork
- Navigate the appeals process if needed
Our workers’ compensation attorneys also review cases to determine if our clients have a case against liable third parties and can pursue these claims.
Click to contact our Decatur Personal Injury Attorneys today
What Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?
If a third party caused or contributed to your injuries, you might file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. This option could be in addition to receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
The recoverable damages in this type of claim include:
- Any unpaid medical expenses
- Additional lost wages
- Other expenses and losses
- Pain and suffering and other noneconomic damages
In many of these cases, the legal doctrine of respondeat superior applies because both the victim and the negligent party were working when the incident and injuries occurred. When an employee causes injuries while working, you could hold their employer vicariously liable in most cases, meaning we would file a claim or sue another company for compensation.
Discuss Your Workplace Injuries With One of Our Lawyers
Morris Bart serves injured workers in Decatur from our Huntsville office. We will meet you here, at your home in Decatur, or at your hospital or rehabilitation facility. We represent our clients based on contingency fees and don’t charge any upfront fees.
Our workers’ compensation lawyers will review your claim denial and related concerns for free, going over your legal rights and options for compensation with you. Call (256) 666-3010 today to make an appointment.
Questions?Call (256) 666-3010
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
