Have you been injured while on the job?
Sounds like the beginning of every personal injury commercial you’ve seen, huh?
Unfortunately, the question is not as trivial as you may think. The U.S. Department of Labor reported 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2021. With such a high number of injuries occurring yearly, you should be aware of actions to take if you are injured.
Steps To Take Following Work Injury
- Seek medical assistance. Even if the injury is minor, make sure your medical team is aware of all injuries sustained. Give them a detailed description of the event.
- Immediately report the injury to a supervisor. All injuries, minor and major, should be reported. The Alabama Workers’ Compensation Act requires an employee to provide written notice of an injury within five days of the accident.
- Make notes. Include details such as names of witnesses, date, time, type of injury, and circumstances surrounding the accident. Get photo or video evidence if possible.
- Submit a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation pays monetary benefits for injuries sustained while performing work functions. The Alabama Workers’ Compensation Law requires employers to provide coverage if a business regularly employs five or more people.
- Contact a workers’ compensation lawyer. Your lawyer will make sure your interests are protected.
Common Workplace Injury Questions
What is workers’ compensation insurance?
Business insurance that gives benefits to employees who’ve suffered injury or illness at work.
What does workers’ compensation cover?
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Disability payments
- Rehabilitation
- Funeral
- Payments to family in the event of employee death
Depending on the type of injury or disability, the payment time limits can range from 300 to 500 weeks. There might also be unlimited payments for permanent disability.
How long do I have to file a claim?
You have two years from the date of injury to file a worker’s compensation claim.
What are examples of workplace injuries?
- Falls
- Back Injury
- Repetitive motion injury
- Vehicle accidents
Although a small sample, these injuries can cause broken bones, carpal tunnel, musculoskeletal issues, and spinal and back problems. Some may even cause death. The U.S. Bureau of Labor reported that Alabama had 85 fatal work injuries in 2020.
Can I get fired for being injured at work?
No. Alabama protects workers who have filed for workers’ compensation from being fired and other negative actions through its workers’ compensation laws.
Returning To Work After Your Injury
Your company should have an established return-to-work program to reinstate injured employees once they are medically cleared to return. A return-to-work program is only successful when the employee and employer both do their part to support it.
Here’s what you can do:
- Obtain a note from your doctor specifying your work restrictions.
- Consult your attorney before signing documents from your employer or insurance company.
- Keep your employer up to date with your medical condition and what your physician determines is an appropriate return to work.
- Discuss accommodations and restrictions with your employer.
Disrupted physical and financial health can lead to weeks, months, or years of pain and stress. Likewise, if you have been injured at work, please contact the experienced attorneys at Timberlake & League. We will work to get the compensation you deserve.
