Tuscaloosa Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Tuscaloosa is a regional center of education, industry, healthcare, and commerce for West Alabama, regularly employing more than 100,000 residents. If you have been injured in a workplace accident in Tuscaloosa or have been diagnosed with an occupational illness, you have the right to compensation.

The largest employers in this area include the University of Alabama, Mercedes-Benz, and DCH Regional Medical Center. There are other major manufacturing, education, and healthcare, and support service employers that make up Tuscaloosa’s healthy economy. As workers, you rely on wages and benefits to survive and thrive.

But a workplace injury or illness can happen at any time, causing any number of physical, emotional, and financial issues. Getting the help you need and the resources to continue paying your bills can become a challenge.

At Weaver Tidmore, LLC, we have been fighting for the rights of injured workers in Alabama for nearly two decades. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you get the benefits you need and deserve after a workplace injury or occupational illness.

Examples of Common Workplace Accidents and Injuries

In Alabama, there are thousands of workplace accidents and injuries each year:

Common Workplace Accidents

• Workplace violence
• Slip and falls
• Explosions
• Struck by objects
• Electrical shock
• Transportation Accidents
• Burn injuries

Common Injuries and Occupational Illnesses

• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Hearing and vision loss
• Lung diseases
• Toxic chemical exposure
• Skin conditions
• Overuse and repetitive stress injuries

What Does Alabama Workers’ Compensation Cover?

A work injury is likely to cause significant stress and major disruptions in your life. The Alabama workers’ compensation system provides various types of benefits meant to compensate you for some of these losses.

Medical Benefits

While not paid directly to you, workers’ compensation does pay for all reasonable and necessary medical care related to your work injury. For it to be covered, you must obtain authorization for treatment from the insurance company.

Temporary Disability Benefits

If you will be off work for more than three days due to your injury, workers’ compensation will reimburse you two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to a cap of $892 per week. If you remain off work for more than 21 days, you will get reimbursement for that 3-day waiting period. These benefits are payable until you return to work or reach maximum medical improvement.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Once you have completed your medical treatment, you will be evaluated for any permanent impairment. If you have permanent partial disability, this is payable based on a formula. A finding of permanent total disability means you will continue to receive weekly disability payments for life, or until you settle your claim.

Other Benefits

Other benefits that workers’ compensation might pay include mileage to and from medical appointments and vocational rehabilitation services when necessary. If a worker is killed due to a workplace injury, workers’ compensation pays funeral and survivor benefits.

Reasons Your Workplace Injury Might Be Denied

While many workers’ compensation claims are straightforward, some employees run into resistance from the start. An employer can choose to deny that the injury happened on the job or be completely uncooperative. If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, here are a few reasons why this might happen:

• You waited too long to notify your employer. You are supposed to let them know within five days of the accident. To file a legal claim, you have two years from the date of injury.
• You were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which contributed to the accident.
• You were behaving recklessly at work, such as fighting, which caused the accident.
• Your employer says that your injury was not work-related.
• You didn’t provide the insurance company with requested medical records.
• No one witnessed your accident.
• The insurer wants to save money, so denied your claim.

These are just a few reasons for claim denial, and many are not even legitimate. If you were genuinely injured at work and are running into obstacles, it is time to speak with an attorney.

Why It Is a Good Idea to Hire an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Every workers’ compensation claim is unique, but few employers and insurance companies will be forthcoming about the types and extent of the benefits available to you when you need them the most. A Tuscaloosa workers’ compensation lawyer can help protect your right to compensation after a work-related accident.

Even if your injuries are minor, you may still be entitled to compensation. Some employers are known for unethical and even illegal practices that are meant to intimidate employees and save money on insurance claims. Examples include reducing hours or wages, unlawful termination for filing a claim, and making an employee feel uncomfortable at work.

Some of the ways an attorney can help after a workplace injury include:

• Helping you prove a case if a claim was denied
• Making sure your benefits are correct
• Identifying other opportunities for compensation
• Helping you receive a fair and appropriate settlement
• Preventing workplace discrimination

It is important to note that you are not required to have a lawyer to file a workers’ compensation claim. But having one in your corner can help you navigate this complex process and give you peace of mind knowing that someone is fighting for your rights to full compensation.

Injured at Work in Tuscaloosa? Contact Us Today.

Even though workers’ compensation benefits are supposed to be paid to injured workers without regard to fault, the reality is often much different. If your employer rejects responsibility, denies your claim, or you are not getting the benefits you deserve, it is time to take immediate action.

At Weaver Tidmore, LLC, we will use our familiarity and experience with Alabama workers’ compensation law to your fullest benefit. Our legal team will examine the facts of your case and create a strategy to help you collect maximum benefits from every available source.

Contact our office today at (205) 980-6065 to schedule a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us anything until we collect on your behalf.