Chickasaw, AL Workers’ Comp Lawyers  

A work injury can upend your life in an instant. One moment, you are performing your daily job duties, and the next, you are dealing with physical pain, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. If you have been hurt at work in Chickasaw, Alabama, you are not alone. Workplace accidents are a reality for many, and the path to recovery can seem daunting. The physical and emotional toll of a work-related injury, coupled with the financial strain of lost wages, can be overwhelming for you and your family.

What Types of Injuries Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Many people are unsure whether their specific injury is covered under Alabama’s workers’ compensation laws. The system is designed to provide benefits for a wide range of injuries and illnesses that occur as a result of your employment. It is not just for catastrophic accidents; even injuries that develop over time can be covered.

Here are some of the most common types of work-related injuries:

Traumatic Injuries from Accidents: These are the most obvious types of work injuries. They can result from a single, identifiable event.

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: These can happen in any work environment, from an office to a construction site, and can cause injuries ranging from sprains and fractures to serious head and back injuries.
• Machinery Accidents: Workers who operate heavy machinery or equipment are at risk for serious injuries, including amputations, crush injuries, and burns.
• Vehicle Accidents: If your job requires you to drive, whether it is a company car or your own vehicle, you may be covered by workers’ compensation if you are in an accident while on the clock.
• Falling Objects: Workers in warehouses, construction sites, and other industrial settings can be struck by falling objects, leading to head injuries, broken bones, and other serious harm.

Repetitive Stress Injuries: Not all work injuries are the result of a single accident. Some develop over time due to the repetitive motions of your job.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This is a common injury for office workers, assembly line workers, and others who perform repetitive hand and wrist motions.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of a tendon can be caused by repetitive movements and can affect various parts of the body, including the shoulders, elbows, and knees.
• Back and Neck Problems: Lifting heavy objects, or even sitting at a desk with poor posture for long periods, can lead to chronic back and neck pain.

Occupational Illnesses: Some work environments expose employees to hazardous substances or conditions that can lead to serious illnesses.

• Respiratory Conditions: Exposure to dust, chemicals, or other irritants can cause asthma, COPD, and other lung diseases.
• Skin Disorders: Contact with certain chemicals or materials can lead to dermatitis and other skin conditions.
• Hearing Loss: Long-term exposure to loud noise in the workplace can cause permanent hearing damage.

What Benefits Are Available to Injured Workers in Alabama?

If you have been injured at work, you may be entitled to several types of benefits under Alabama’s workers’ compensation laws. These benefits are designed to help you with your medical expenses and to compensate you for your lost wages while you are unable to work.

Here is a breakdown of the benefits that may be available to you:

Medical Benefits: Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should cover all of your authorized medical treatment that is necessary and reasonable for your work-related injury. This includes:

• Doctor’s visits and hospital stays
• Surgical procedures
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Medical devices and equipment

Wage Replacement Benefits: If your injury prevents you from working, you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits to replace a portion of your lost wages.

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If you are completely unable to work for a temporary period, you can receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a state-mandated maximum.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you can return to work in a limited capacity with restrictions, and you earn less than you did before your injury, you may receive two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury wages.

Permanent Disability Benefits: If your work injury results in a permanent impairment, you may be entitled to permanent disability benefits.

• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): If you have a permanent impairment but can still work in some capacity, you may receive benefits based on the impairment rating assigned by your doctor.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD): If your injury is so severe that you are permanently and totally unable to return to any gainful employment, you may receive benefits for the rest of your life.

Death Benefits: If a worker is killed in a work-related accident, their dependents may be eligible for death benefits, including a portion of the deceased worker’s wages and a payment to help with funeral expenses.

What Are Some Common Challenges in Workers’ Compensation Cases?    

Even in what seems like a straightforward case, injured workers can face a number of challenges when trying to get the benefits they need. Here are some of the most common issues that arise:

• Claim Denial: Insurance companies may deny claims for a variety of reasons. They may argue that the injury was not work-related, that it was a pre-existing condition, or that the worker did not follow the proper procedures for reporting the injury.
• Disputes Over Medical Treatment: The insurance company may refuse to authorize certain medical treatments, arguing that they are not necessary or reasonable. They may also require you to see a doctor of their choosing for an “independent” medical examination.
• Premature Termination of Benefits: The insurance company may try to stop your benefits before you are fully recovered and able to return to work. They may argue that you are able to work in a light-duty position, even if your doctor has not released you to do so.
• Low Settlement Offers: The insurance company may offer you a low settlement that does not fully compensate you for your injuries and lost wages. They are hoping that you will be desperate enough to accept their offer without a fight.

What is the Workers’ Compensation Claim Process?  

The workers’ compensation claim process can be lengthy and complicated. Here is a general overview of the steps involved:

• Injury and Notice: The process begins when you are injured at work and you notify your employer.
• Filing a Claim: Your employer should provide you with the necessary forms to file a workers’ compensation claim. If they do not, you can get them from the Alabama Department of Labor.
• Investigation: The insurance company will investigate your claim to determine whether it is valid. They may review your medical records, interview witnesses, and request an independent medical examination.
• Acceptance or Denial: The insurance company will either accept your claim and begin paying benefits or deny your claim and provide you with a reason for the denial.
• Appeals: If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. This involves filing a lawsuit and presenting your case to a judge.
• Settlement: Many workers’ compensation cases are settled out of court. A settlement is a lump-sum payment that resolves all of the issues in your case.

What Should I Do If My Claim Is Denied?

It can be devastating to have your workers’ compensation claim denied, but it is not the end of the road. You have the right to appeal the insurance company’s decision. This is where having an experienced Chickasaw workers’ compensation lawyer on your side is most valuable.

A lawyer can:

• Review the Denial Letter: The denial letter should explain the reason for the denial. A lawyer can review this letter and determine whether the insurance company’s reasoning is valid.
• File an Appeal: A lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf and begin the appeals process.
• Gather Additional Evidence: A lawyer can gather the evidence you need to prove your case, such as depositions from your doctors and vocational experts.
• Represent You in Court: A lawyer can represent you in all court proceedings and argue your case before a judge.

Contact a Chickasaw Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

If you have been injured at work, you do not have to go through this difficult time alone. The experienced and compassionate lawyers at Thiry & Caddell, LLP are here to help. We have a proven track record of success in handling workers’ compensation cases, and we are committed to fighting for the rights of injured workers in Chickasaw and throughout Mobile County. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment. You can reach us by phone at (251) 336-3627 or by filling out our online contact form. Let us put our experience to work for you.