Are Part-Time Employees Covered by Alabama Workers’ Compensation

Are Part-Time Employees Covered by Alabama Workers’ Compensation?

Over the years, we have spoken with many injured workers who assumed their injury would not be covered by workers’ compensation because they were employed on a part-time basis. That belief is understandable—but under Alabama law, it is generally incorrect.

Alabama’s Workers’ Compensation Act does not distinguish between full-time and part-time employees when it comes to coverage. The statute defines an employee broadly as “every person in the service of another under any contract of hire, express or implied, oral or written.” In other words, the focus is on the employment relationship—not the number of hours worked each week.

Whether an employee works 10 hours a week or 40 hours a week, they may still be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if certain requirements are met. To establish a valid claim in Alabama, an injured worker generally must show that:

• The injury occurred in the course of employment
• The injury arose out of job-related duties
• The employer has five or more regular employees
• The worker provided timely notice of the injury to the employer

The number of hours worked becomes relevant primarily when calculating the worker’s average weekly wage, which affects the amount of any wage-replacement benefits—not whether coverage exists in the first place.

This issue often arises in industries that rely heavily on part-time labor, such as retail, food service, healthcare, and hospitality. Injuries in these settings can be just as serious as those suffered by full-time employees, and the law does not exclude workers simply because their schedules are limited.

If you were injured on the job while working part-time, it is important not to assume you are excluded from coverage. Part-time status alone does not eliminate your rights under Alabama’s workers’ compensation laws.

If you have suffered a job injury and you have questions about your rights and benefits under Alabama’s workers compensation laws -don’t hesitate to contact and speak with one of the experienced Alabama Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability attorneys at Powell and Denny today for a free consultation. Appointments are available in person, or virtually via Zoom if more convenient.  Powell and Denny would appreciate the opportunity to help.  And remember, there is no fee unless you collect.

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Powell and Denny have been selected as one of the Best Law Firms by U.S. News and World Report for each of the last 7 years, have been selected as one of Birmingham’s Top Lawyers by B-Metro Magazine for the last 3 years, have been selected by The National Advocates as one of the Top 20 Workers’ Compensation Firms (plaintiffs) and Powell and Denny, P.C.-has been selected as one of the “Best of the Best” law firms by The American Registry

Mr. Denny is AV rated by Martindale Hubbard (the highest rating possible) and Mr. Powell has been rated as Superior by The National Registry and selected as a Lawyer of Distinction.

+ Powell and Denny have successfully represented injured workers from Birmingham, Huntsville, Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, Athens, Decatur, Town Creek Ardmore, Hartselle, Madison, Toney, Scottsboro, Ft. Payne, New Hope, Guntersville, Albertville, Boaz, Ashville, Anniston, Gadsden, Cullman, Jasper, Gardendale, Morris, Kimberly, Centerpoint, Leeds, Tarrant City, Fairfield, Hueytown, Bessemer, Adger, Tuscaloosa, Cordova, Alabaster, Pelham, Harpersville, Opelika, Phenix City, Montgomery, Clanton, Calera, Enterprise, Monroeville, Mobile, Evergreen, Centreville, Brent, West Blocton, Woodstock, Brierfield, Lakeview and towns and cities in between.

 

 

Are Part Time Employees Covered by Alabama Workers’ Compensation