Birmingham Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you get hurt at work in Alabama, in most cases, you will be entitled to workers’ comp benefits. An experienced Birmingham workers’ compensation lawyer at Hare, Wynn, Newell, & Newton can help you ensure that your claim is handled properly.

As one of the preeminent injury law firms in the South, we also make sure you aren’t forced back to work before you’re ready. To learn more about the workers’ compensation claim process and how much your claim may be worth, contact one of the skilled personal injury lawyers at our office today to schedule your risk-free case review.

If you have suffered a workplace injury in Birmingham, contact Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton to get the best representation for your case. In our 130 years of serving workers in Birmingham and throughout Alabama, we have learned what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve. Choosing the right attorney for your claim can have a huge impact on your settlement so trust the firm that has collected over $2 Billion in awards and settlements for clients. Call our office today at (855)965-1688 to schedule your free consultation with our expert lawyers.

Your Workers Compensation Attorney Will Make Sure You Receive Your Benefits

If you qualify for workers’ comp benefits, you’ll receive medical care while you’re waiting to go back to work. You’ll also receive replacement wages. In Alabama, you’re entitled to the following benefits if you’re injured on the job:

• If you’re deemed to have suffered a temporary partial disability, you’ll receive ⅔ of your average weekly benefits. You’ll be paid weekly. Payments are not to exceed 300 weeks.
• If you’re considered permanent partial disability, you’ll still receive ⅔ of your average weekly income. However, there is no limit to how long you’ll receive your benefits.
• The maximum weekly amount you can receive is $832.
• The minimum amount you can receive per week is $229.

Most workers comp cases don’t go on for the 300 weeks. And very few go on for an unlimited duration. Most cases settle long before then.

Most Workers Compensation Claims Settle

Very few cases go on for more than a year or two. Once it gets to that point, it makes more sense to settle. Your settlement amount will depend on how badly you were hurt. It also depends on what part of your body is injured.

Every body part is given a dollar value. For example, your back is worth more than your hand. And, your hand may be worth more than your hearing. It depends on what kind of work you did prior to your work accident.

In Birmingham Alabama, the courts would rather you settle your claim than have it drag on for years and years. It’s better for the insurance companies and the employees.

Your employer is also more willing to settle a claim than hold your job indefinitely. They pay for insurance. If an employee is permanently disabled, he probably won’t be able to work anytime soon. It makes more sense for the employer to work out a settlement than dragging the case on and on.

Once your workers’ comp case settles, you can’t go back to the employer for more money. For example, if you end up with additional medical bills down the road, there’s nothing you can do about it. Your settlement money is intended to be used for this purpose.

Your Birmingham Attorney Knows the Workers Compensation Laws in Alabama

One reason you want to rely on an experienced workers comp lawyer in Birmingham, Alabama is that they know the laws. They know what the requirements are to qualify for workers compensation.

In order to receive workers comp benefits, you have to meet the following:

• You must be working at the time you get hurt or realize you’re sick
• You must be doing work that’s within the scope of your employment at the time of your injury. For example, if you’re a waitress at a bar but get hurt carrying cases of beer in, there may be an issue. Unless your employer told you to unload the truck, your claim may be denied. Your boss can claim that you weren’t hired to do that work. Your Alabama personal injury lawyer will challenge these claims.
• You must show that you were actually injured
• Your attorney has to prove that you can no longer do your job. If you’re a secretary and you hurt your ankle, it’ll be hard to convince a court that you can’t do your job.
• Your injury must not be caused by a pre-existing condition. A pre-existing condition won’t automatically disqualify you from getting workers comp. However, your employer may claim that your job isn’t responsible for your injuries.

Whether or not your injury could prevent you from doing your job depends on the type of injury you suffer.

What are the Most Common Types of Work Injuries?

Certain injuries are more common in work accidents than others. People who do physical labor are going to be more likely to be injured. This is because they’re lifting heavy objects and subjecting their bodies to stress all the time.

Some of the more common injuries we see with workers comp cases include:

• Back Injuries – You may suffer a muscle strain or disc issues. You could even suffer a spinal cord injury
• Brain injuries – If you sustain a traumatic brain injury, you should qualify for workers comp
• Neck Injuries – You could suffer a tendon tear or even a broken neck
• Knee Injuries – You may tear your ACL or meniscus. Both will require surgery and physical therapy
• Hip injuries – You may break your hip or suffer muscle strains
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – There are other repetitive stress injuries, but the most common type is carpal tunnel
• Occupational Illnesses such as cancer, respiratory infections, etc.

Some of these injuries may keep you out of work for months or years. Others may have you back in commission in no time at all. You have to miss at least three weeks of work in order to apply for workers’ comp. Anything less than that and you’re expected to use your personal time to cover your wages.

How Would My Workers Comp Claim May Be Denied?

Most workers’ compensation claims are paid without any issue. It’s only when there’s a question as to the legitimacy of your injuries that the employer may deny your claim. Some of the more common reasons a claim may be denied are:

You Were Using Drugs or Alcohol at the Time of Your Accident

Most if not all employers are going to deny your claim in these situations. Some companies have programs that employees can take advantage of if they’re willing to go to treatment. However, if drugs and alcohol played a role in your accident, you probably won’t receive benefits.

You Weren’t Working at the Time of Your Injury

If you were off the clock or not on work property, your claim is not going to be covered. For example, if you were on lunch and got hurt crossing the street to your work, you won’t be eligible for workers comp.

You Were Terminated Prior to Your Injury

If you are terminated from your job prior to getting hurt, your claim won’t be paid. Let’s say you get fired and punch a wall on your way out. You can’t then file a workers’ comp claim to get your hand treated.

You Were Doing Something Outside the Scope of Your Employment

Not all employers are very strict on this rule. If you can show that you were normally asked to do the same task, you’ll be eligible for benefits. Or, if you were just trying to help your employer, they probably won’t deny your claim.

There are a few basic things you have to do if you have a work accident. If you don’t follow the rules perfectly, your entire claim could be denied. And, if your claim is denied, it’s not very easy to appeal.

The appeals process takes a long time. You’ll have no way to pay your bills while you wait. It’s important that you do the following if you get hurt at work:

• Report the accident to your supervisor immediately
• Make sure Human Resources is aware of your injuries
• Seek medical treatment right away from a company-approved doctor
• Take a drug test if it’s required by your employer
• Call a Birmingham workers compensation lawyer

If you do all of these things, chances are, your claim will be approved. There is no guarantee. Your claim could be denied for some other reason. If you want to protect your rights under workers’ comp in Alabama, you really want to retain a Birmingham workers’ compensation lawyer. Call the experts at Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton today to get experienced professionals on your side.

Contact a Birmingham Workers Compensation Lawyer Today

If you get hurt at work, you need to contact a workers’ compensation lawyer in Birmingham today. Your attorney can make sure your claim is handled right. They can also stay in touch with your employer and their insurance company.

The other good thing about having your attorney is if your claim is denied. They may have to file an appeal on your behalf. This is not something you want to handle yourself. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for clients through both lawsuits and settlements, let us do the same for you.

Call us and schedule your risk-free initial consultation today. It’s absolutely free and you pay nothing until your case settles.