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What Injuries Are Covered By Workers’ Compensation In Alabama?

Workers’ compensation in Alabama is a compulsory insurance program developed to compensate workers who get injured on the job. In other words, if an employee gets hurt while in the workplace or while carrying out their work-related duties, the employer should compensate the employee.

Most injuries that happen when a worker is on duty are compensable. Such a worker will need an experienced Alabama workers’ compensation attorney that will see them through the process of getting their benefits.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION IN ALABAMA

In Alabama, most privately owned businesses with more than five workers are included in the Alabama Workers’ Compensation Act. The Act excludes domestic servants, independent contractors, state employees, casual employees, etc.

You must notify your employer within five days of your injury. If your employer accepts liability for your injury, your employer or employer’s insurance company will fill out the First Report of Injury Form. This is the first step in receiving your workers’ compensation in Alabama.

However, if your employer refuses to accept liability or help you pursue your workers’ compensation claim, you may decide to call the Workers Compensation Division for information.

INJURIES COVERED BY WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Not all injuries are covered or recognized by the Alabama Workers’ Compensation Act. Here are some specific injuries that the Act approves for compensation.

SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS

Slips, trips, and falls are a top cause for workers’ compensation in Alabama. It is common for you to encounter slippery surfaces at your workplace. Falling from certain heights (such as scaffolding or ladders) in work environments is also typical.

The causes of trips and slips could be low lighting, wet or oily surfaces, wrinkled carpets or mats, uneven walking surfaces, icy walkways, and many others. Injuries you can get include broken bones, cuts, sprains, etc.

HEARING LOSS

Hearing loss is another common workplace injury. Hearing loss caused by working in noisy environments is compensated under the Alabama Workers’ Compensation Act.

Examples of loud working environments include construction sites, manufacturing plants, mining sites, and others. These environments can negatively affect the hearing of the workers.

While some Alabama courts treat occupational hearing loss as an injury, others treat it as an occupational disease. Either way, hearing loss is covered in the workers’ compensation.

HEAD, NECK, BACK, AND SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Injuries to the head, neck, back, and spinal cord can be dangerous if not handled properly. Back and spinal cord injuries could result from repetitive stress, while head and neck injuries could be an outcome of traumatic accidents in the workplace.

According to the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute, approximately one in 10 Americans suffer from one at least back injury. And many of these injuries are from work-related accidents or stress.

Head and neck injuries could result from collisions, falling, and other accidents. Back and spinal cord injuries can be from lifting heavy things, standing or sitting for long periods, falling, etc.

Examples of head, neck, back, and spinal cord injuries are concussions, whiplash, cracked vertebrae, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), etc.

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

It is a disorder caused by nerve compression in the carpal tunnel, a passageway in the wrist where nerves and flexor muscles pass. Carpal tunnel syndrome characteristics are discomfort or weakness in the hands and sensations of tingling, numbness, or even burning.

Those predisposed to this syndrome have jobs requiring long hours of hand and wrist usage, like carpenters, builders, manufacturing industry workers, etc.

OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES

Occupational diseases vary according to the occupation of the worker. For instance, if a worker develops lung conditions, like asthma, because of constant inhalation of fumes or asbestos while on the job, such a worker deserves workers’ compensation in Alabama.

Another example of an occupational disease is silicosis. Silicosis affects the lungs of the patient. It is caused by silica dust inhalation, a tiny crystal found in sand, rock, or mineral ores. Miners are more susceptible to this occupational disease. This means they are eligible to get workers’ compensation.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR WORKERS’ COMP? GET MIKE BELL LAW TO REPRESENT YOU!

Medical conditions that develop over time due to your job can significantly affect you and your finances. Unfortunately, many Alabama workers who get injured while working don’t get the benefits they deserve.

But, with Mike Bell Law, we ensure you have compensation for your work-related injury. We consist of Alabama workers’ compensation attorneys that are devoted to protecting injured workers.

If you were hurt at work and need help getting your workers’ compensation, contact us today. We are available 24/7 to attend to you and answer all your questions.

Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers is committed to answering your questions about personal injury law issues in Alabama and Georgia.

WE OFFER A FREE CONSULTATION and we’ll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and find out how much your case is worth!

 

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