What Happens After You Report a Job Injury and Request Medical Treatment in Alabama?

What Happens After You Report a Job Injury and Request Medical Treatment in Alabama?

After suffering a job injury in Alabama, the first and most important step is to report the injury to your employer and request medical treatment. Once you have done that, many injured workers assume the process will move quickly and smoothly from there.

Sometimes it does. Other times, the process can become confusing. Understanding what normally happens after you report a workplace injury can help you know what to expect and what your rights are under Alabama’s workers’ compensation laws.

The Employer Should File a First Report of Injury

Once an employee informs their employer that they have been injured at work and requests medical treatment, the employer is generally required to file a First Report of Injury.

This report notifies:

• the Alabama Department of Workforce (f/k/a Department of Labor), and
• the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier

that a job injury has occurred.

Once the report is filed, the workers’ compensation insurance carrier typically becomes involved in the claim.

The Insurance Carrier Becomes Involved

After receiving the injury report, the workers’ compensation insurance carrier will usually assign an adjuster to the claim. The adjuster’s role is to:

• review the injury report
• determine whether the claim will be accepted
• authorize medical treatment
• coordinate benefits if the worker is unable to work

Sometimes the adjuster may contact the injured worker to ask questions about how the injury occurred.

Medical Treatment Is Typically Provided by the Employer’s Doctor

Under Alabama workers’ compensation law, the employer generally has the right to select the initial treating physician. This means that the injured worker will usually be directed to a doctor chosen by the employer or the workers’ compensation insurance carrier.

This doctor becomes the authorized treating physician, and most treatment decisions will be made through that physician.

The authorized doctor may recommend:

• diagnostic testing such as X-rays or MRIs
• physical therapy
• medication
• injections
• or, in more serious cases, surgery

Wage Benefits May Begin if You Cannot Work

If the authorized treating physician determines that your injury prevents you from working, you may become entitled to temporary total disability (TTD) benefits.

Under Alabama law, these benefits are generally calculated as: two-thirds of your average weekly wage

There is also a three-day waiting period before benefits begin, although those first three days may be paid if the worker is unable to work for 21 days or longer.

Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions

It is extremely important that injured workers follow the instructions of their authorized treating physician.

Missing appointments, ignoring medical advice, or failing to comply with treatment recommendations can create problems in a workers’ compensation claim. Medical records often become important evidence in determining:

• whether the injury is work-related
• how serious the injury is
• whether permanent limitations exist

Disputes Sometimes Arise

While many workers’ compensation claims proceed without major problems, disputes can arise during the process. Common issues include:

• medical treatment being denied
• the insurance carrier claiming the injury is not work-related
• disagreements about work restrictions
• benefits being delayed or stopped

If such issues occur, it may become necessary to take additional steps to protect your rights under Alabama’s workers’ compensation laws.

Reporting a job injury is only the first step in the workers’ compensation process. After you report the injury and request medical care:

1. Your employer should file a First Report of Injury.
2. A workers’ compensation insurance adjuster will likely be assigned to the claim.
3. You will usually be directed to an authorized treating physician.
4. If you are unable to work, you may become entitled to temporary disability benefits.

Understanding these steps can help injured workers navigate the process and ensure they receive the medical treatment and benefits to which they may be entitled under Alabama law.

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 win.

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What Happens After You Report a Job Injury and Request Medical Treatment in Alabama