Saraland Workers Comp Attorneys

Saraland is a professional-class town. Many folks here work in healthcare, thanks to institutions like the Saraland Family Practice on Ennis St, or Infirmary Health Saraland on Hwy 43 South.

We also have many folks who work in manufacturing, thanks to Parkway Machine & Metal Works on Industrial Pkwy.

These are wonderful places for our citizens to work, and build their careers, but they are also potentially hazardous. A workplace injury could leave you financially unstable and uncertain about the future of your career. While workplace injuries shouldn’t reflect on your abilities as an employee, a number of employers still see injured employees as liabilities. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t collect the benefits you deserve. You work hard for your company, and you are entitled to fair compensation when you are hurt at work.

But what happens if your employer tries to discourage you from filing a claim, insists that you don’t qualify for workers’ compensation, or retaliates against you for making a report? It’s time to protect yourself by talking to a workers’ compensation attorney in Saraland. The team at Thiry & Caddell is ready to help you collect the compensation you’re owed. Call us at 251-478-8880 to set up a consultation.

An Overview of Workers’ Compensation in Alabama

Workers’ compensation is a system that benefits both employees and employers. It’s meant to be an alternative to personal injury claims. In the past, employers were at risk of personal injury claims if an employee was injured due to a coworker’s or owner’s negligence. This could bankrupt a small company. Workers’ compensation allows company owners to pay a small amount for workers’ compensation insurance and get coverage for all workplace injuries.

How does it benefit employees? It ensures that they get paid when they are hurt on the job. If a personal injury claim was their only option, they would have to prove negligence on the part of an employer or coworker before getting any compensation. If no one was at fault for the accident, the injured employee had no options. This way, no matter who is at fault for the accident, an injured employee is guaranteed coverage for their medical expenses and partial income replacement.

In most cases, the system works as intended. There are situations in which the Alabama Department of Labor Workers’ Compensation Division has to step in, hear a case, and make a final determination.

Different Types of Benefits Offered by Workers’ Compensation

Alabama offers several types of benefits for injured workers, including:

• Temporary total disability. Employees may receive benefits if they are temporarily unable to do any of the duties associated with their work.
• Temporary partial disability. This offers compensation for those who are temporarily restricted to light duty due to their work injury. They can still do some of their work duties, but not all.
• Permanent total disability. Once you’ve improved as much as you can, the doctor will report that you have reached maximum medical improvement. At that point, if there are any remaining impairments related to your injury, you may receive permanent total disability benefits if you are completely unable to work.
• Permanent partial disability. If your injury leaves you permanently unable to do some of your job duties, you can receive benefits for the loss of income associated with the injury.
• Death benefits. If an employee dies at work or because of a work injury, the family can receive death benefits if they were financially dependent on the employee. Workers’ compensation will also pay for burial expenses.

How to Protect Yourself After a Workplace Injury

Workers’ compensation is a straightforward system, but it can be difficult to think straight in the aftermath of a workplace accident. Taking the right steps protects your Mobile County, AL workers’ compensation claim.

• Report the accident. Report the incident to your immediate supervisor right away. Your company should have a protocol in place for workplace injuries, and your supervisor can direct you to that protocol.
• Seek medical attention. Medical care is essential after a workplace injury. It documents the injury, links the injury to your workplace, and allows you to start receiving necessary treatment. If your injury is emergent, you may seek care at a nearby emergency room like Mobile Infirmary Emergency in Saraland. If your injury is not an emergency, you have to go to a physician approved by your employer.
• Fill out the necessary paperwork. Keep copies of everything you get from your treating physician and your employer. You’ll likely need to go through a substantial amount of paperwork, including accident reports for your company and all of the documentation required for workers’ compensation. Again, keep copies of the paperwork you fill out and receive.
• Attend all necessary appointments. You are expected to go to all of your scheduled appointments, do all of your recommended physical therapy exercises, and otherwise commit to your treatment.

When It’s Time to Contact a Saraland Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If workers’ compensation benefits employees and employers, you might wonder why you would need an attorney. Many employers still try to keep their workers’ comp claims to a minimum to avoid an increase in rates or being dropped by their insurance provider. Additionally, Mobile County, AL workplace injury claims can trigger OSHA investigations. If a manager or owner knows that they are utilizing unsafe work procedures, they may go to great lengths to cover up their injuries.

When an employer tries to stifle your claim or force you to use your own health insurance, you know that your injury is not being handled properly. You may not get your medical expenses covered, and it’s unlikely that you’ll receive income replacement benefits. It’s time to talk to an attorney to protect your access to workers’ compensation.

You’ll also want to talk to an attorney if you’re under investigation for your workers’ compensation claim or if your employer is retaliating against you. Have you lost hours, gotten unfairly written up, or been targeted by your employer? They may be punishing you for your injury, and that’s illegal. Talking to a workers’ compensation attorney is the next step.

The team at Thiry & Caddell knows that you rely on your income to care for your family. A rogue employer or insurance company shouldn’t keep you from the benefits you deserve. We’ll help you fight for what is fair.

Reach Out to Our Saraland, AL Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today

When you’re ready to move forward with your Mobile County, AL workers’ compensation claim, we’re here to help you explore your options. Schedule a consultation with Thiry & Caddell now by calling us at 251-478-8880 or contacting us online.