Workplace Injuries in Alabama: A Guide to Legal and Financial Recovery

As recently as 2022, private industry employers in Alabama reported 37,300 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses among workers. These injuries are often catastrophic, leaving individuals with severe, sometimes permanent, injuries that knock clients out of commission and cause substantial financial strain.

Types of Workplace Accidents We Handle

Workplace accidents happen every seven seconds in the U.S., according to the National Safety Council. In Alabama, the majority of injuries occur in the trade, transportation, utilities, manufacturing, education, and health services sectors. Workers in these industries regularly deal with hazardous materials and dangerous equipment, which requires heightened vigilance from both employers and employees.

The most common workplace accident cases we handle include:

• Being struck by or against objects or equipment
• Caught or crushed by equipment
• Collapsing structures
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Overexertion
• Equipment accidents
• Exposure to toxic materials
• Worksite explosions
• Unsafe work environments
• Electrical accidents
• Construction accidents
• Heavy machinery accidents
• Motor vehicle accidents related to work
• Assaults by coworkers
• Workplace-related wrongful deaths

Common Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries can severely impact a client’s quality of life, both physically and mentally. Immediate medical attention is crucial for the client’s health but also for the purposes of documenting injuries for any potential claims. Common injuries include:

• Muscle, back, and neck strains
• Lacerations and abrasions
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Contusions
• Soft tissue tears
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Tendinitis
• Hearing and eye damage
• Puncture wounds
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Chemical burns
• Amputations
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals
• Respiratory issues
• Disfigurement
• Paralysis
• Wrongful death

?

Steps to Take After a Workplace Accident

The client’s health should always come first. We recommend seeking medical attention immediately after an injury, even if it seems minor, as some effects may not be immediately apparent. According to the Alabama Department of Labor, you should:

1. Report the incident to your supervisor or employer immediately.
2. Check with your employer about which doctor to see for your injury. While the employer selects the initial physician, you may choose another from a panel if dissatisfied with the initial treatment.

?

The Reality of Workers' Compensation

While workers' compensation can provide some financial relief, it often falls short—especially for life-altering injuries. To qualify for workers' compensation in Alabama, the client must:

• Work for a covered employer
• Suffer an injury from an unexpected event occurring during employment
• Provide proper notice to the employer, generally within five days.

If eligible, clients can often recover two-thirds of their average weekly wage and have medical expenses covered. There is a two-year deadline from the accident date to file a claim.

?

Understanding Third-Party Claims

Alabama law restricts suing employers or coworkers for simple negligence. However, a client can file a civil lawsuit against a negligent third party (other than the employer). Examples include:

• Injuries from negligent drivers while on the job
• Injuries from defective tools or equipment (product liability)
• Subcontractor injuries on construction sites

Third-party claims can cover lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In wrongful death cases, claims can cover funeral expenses and more.

?

Now What?

Facing a workplace injury can be overwhelming, but your client doesn’t have to navigate it alone. We’re here to help clients secure the compensation needed for recovery. Call us today to discuss a potential case.