Understandably, sustaining an injury, whether on the road, at home, or on a commercial property, can be a stressful experience. However, when an injury happens while you are on the job, knowing how to proceed can make matters even more confusing. Often, those who are injured while on the job worry that their employment may be in jeopardy, as their injuries may prevent them from performing their job duties. Fortunately, if you are injured in the workplace, you have certain rights protected under Alabama’s workers’ compensation laws. Therefore, if you’ve suffered an injury while on the job, you should enlist the help of a skilled Birmingham Workers’ Compensation Lawyer who can help guide you through these challenging times and protect your rights.
What Rights Do Employees Have After an On-the-Job Injury?
If you sustain an injury while working, it’s crucial to understand that worker’s compensation is available under Alabama law. Employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance and are legally obligated to maintain a safe work environment. Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage replacements and medical benefits to employees who are injured in the course of their employment. Unlike other personal injuries, you don’t need to prove your employer’s negligence in causing the accident. Instead, you must demonstrate that you were injured within the scope of your job duties. It’s important to note that if you file a workers’ compensation claim, you are forfeiting your right to sue your employer for damages.
Nevertheless, there are instances in which workers’ compensation may not cover a particular injury or illness. For example, if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol on the job, and your intoxication was the sole cause of your injury, you would not be eligible for workers’ compensation. Another scenario where you would not qualify is if you were engaging in “horseplay.” Ultimately, if you were engaged in an activity outside the scope of your job duties or violating safety rules, you will be barred from recovering workers’ compensation benefits.
What Should I Do After a Workplace Injury?
Without realizing it, many injured parties make mistakes following a workplace accident that hinders their ability to recover compensation for their damages. Don’t make those same mistakes. After a workplace accident, your priority should be seeking immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, you must see a medical professional to ensure you receive the necessary treatment. From here, you must inform your employer of the injury. Next, you will need to file a workers’ compensation claim.
You shouldn’t be surprised if your employer tries to counter or deny your workers’ compensation claim to minimize their liability for your injuries. If your employer violates your rights, you can request a hearing from the Workers’ Compensation Board. They will examine the facts of your case to determine whether you have a valid claim.
As you can see, navigating this process can be challenging. Fortunately, you are well within your rights to acquire legal representation. At Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers, we are prepared to help you safeguard your rights.
