[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/workplace-accident-faqs\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/workplace-accident-faqs\/","headline":"Workplace Accident FAQs","name":"Workplace Accident FAQs","description":"If you\u2019ve never been injured at work and had to navigate the Alabama workers’ compensation system, it can be confusing and overwhelming. It\u2019s no wonder many injured workers have questions about what benefits they may be eligible for, how to apply, how to appeal a rejection, and so...","datePublished":"2022-01-12","dateModified":"2026-04-01","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/author\/dothanalabamalawyer\/#Person","name":"Aaron Gartlan","url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/author\/dothanalabamalawyer\/","identifier":6,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3d2cf6b9fa253242e9c4d79550a007842dd4738da75634f31cb576c537fb5159?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3d2cf6b9fa253242e9c4d79550a007842dd4738da75634f31cb576c537fb5159?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Gartlan Injury law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Gartlan-Logo-3Color-Horizontal-NoBackground-2.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Gartlan-Logo-3Color-Horizontal-NoBackground-2.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/warehouse-injury.png","url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/warehouse-injury.png","height":627,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/workplace-accident-faqs\/","video":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=54cpdBoYwZA#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=54cpdBoYwZA","name":"Work Injury Lawyers || Gartlan Injury Law","description":"ADDRESS:\nGartlan Injury Law\n408 S Foster St\nDothan, AL 36301\n\nPHONE:\n(334) 699-4625","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/54cpdBoYwZA\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/54cpdBoYwZA\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/54cpdBoYwZA\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/54cpdBoYwZA\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/54cpdBoYwZA\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2019-10-10T17:45:19+00:00","duration":"PT1M46S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/54cpdBoYwZA","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC_3-KhtACb15xdEWmYBKgFA#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC_3-KhtACb15xdEWmYBKgFA","name":"Gartlan Injury Law","description":"Attorney Aaron Gartlan and our team at Gartlan Injury Law are aggressive advocates who always have our clients' best interests at heart. We are dedicated to providing outstanding service to personal injury victims and their families in Dothan and throughout Alabama and to pursuing maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.\n\nADDRESS:\nGartlan Injury Law\n408 S Foster St\nDothan, AL 36301\n\nPHONE:\n(334) 699-4625","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/ytc\/AIdro_kBVfrIFk4Bsc_V6O0WlwZayeYFHPJcGO1Jg8bofguUsw=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=54cpdBoYwZA#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=54cpdBoYwZA#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=54cpdBoYwZA&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=54cpdBoYwZA#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":159}]]},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=W8YZYuMeMh8#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=W8YZYuMeMh8","name":"#7 The Trials Podcast \u2013 Workplace Injuries with Vocational Experts Dr. Michael & Dr. Matt McClanahan","description":"In this episode of The Trials Podcast, we dive into the real challenges injured workers face under Alabama\u2019s Workers\u2019 Compensation system. Joined by vocational experts Dr. Michael McClanahan and Dr. Matt McClanahan, we explore how workplace injuries impact a person\u2019s ability to return to work, earn a living, and provide for their family. The McClanahans share their decades of experience evaluating cases, explaining how vocational evidence plays a critical role in proving disability and employability in court. From outdated compensation laws to the uphill battles workers face against employers and insurers, this conversation sheds light on the importance of expert testimony and advocacy in work injury cases.\n\nGartlan Injury Law\n408 S Foster St\nDothan, AL 36301\n(334) 699-4625\nhttps:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/W8YZYuMeMh8\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/W8YZYuMeMh8\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/W8YZYuMeMh8\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/W8YZYuMeMh8\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/W8YZYuMeMh8\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2025-09-18T14:21:18+00:00","duration":"PT35M11S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/W8YZYuMeMh8","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC_3-KhtACb15xdEWmYBKgFA#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC_3-KhtACb15xdEWmYBKgFA","name":"Gartlan Injury Law","description":"Attorney Aaron Gartlan and our team at Gartlan Injury Law are aggressive advocates who always have our clients' best interests at heart. We are dedicated to providing outstanding service to personal injury victims and their families in Dothan and throughout Alabama and to pursuing maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.\n\nADDRESS:\nGartlan Injury Law\n408 S Foster St\nDothan, AL 36301\n\nPHONE:\n(334) 699-4625","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/ytc\/AIdro_kBVfrIFk4Bsc_V6O0WlwZayeYFHPJcGO1Jg8bofguUsw=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=W8YZYuMeMh8#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=W8YZYuMeMh8#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=W8YZYuMeMh8&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=W8YZYuMeMh8#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":43}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=W8YZYuMeMh8#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":2}]}],"about":["Workplace Injury"],"wordCount":1048,"articleBody":"If you\u2019ve never been injured at work and had to navigate the Alabama workers’ compensation system, it can be confusing and overwhelming. It\u2019s no wonder many injured workers have questions about what benefits they may be eligible for, how to apply, how to appeal a rejection, and so on.The quickest way to get the answers you need in situations like these is to speak with an experienced Alabama workplace injury lawyer. Gartlan Injury Law has more than 20 years of experience protecting injured workers\u2019 rights. We can investigate your case and tell you whether you might be eligible for a workers compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit.We would be honored to represent you in your case, so contact our office today for a free consultation.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWho Is Entitled to Workers\u2019 Compensation in Alabama?According to the Alabama Department of Labor, the law requires most employers with five or more employees must carry workers\u2019 compensation coverage. That applies whether the employees work full-time or part-time. However, the Department of Labor says certain workers are exempt from this requirement, regardless of the size of the business they work for.Exempt workers include:Employees of the state or federal governmentDomestic servants\u201cCasual\u201d employeesFarmworkersOwner\/operators or leased operators of trucks engaged in interstate commerceFurthermore, for an accident to be covered by your employer\u2019s workers\u2019 compensation insurance plan, you must have sustained your injuries while engaged in a work-related activity. For example, if you slipped on a wet floor while at work, that would likely be considered a work-related accident. But if you\u2019re involved in a fight with another employee at your workplace, that would probably not be covered by workers\u2019 compensation because fighting is reckless, dangerous, and unrelated to your work duties.There are some gray areas when it comes to workplace injuries. For instance, if you were hurt in a car accident while out on a delivery or sales call, that would likely be covered by workers\u2019 compensation because you were engaged in a work-related activity. However, your daily commute is typically not considered a work-related activity, so you likely couldn\u2019t claim workers\u2019 compensation benefits if you\u2019re hurt while traveling to or from your job.\ufeffWhat Types of Workplace Injury Cases Does Your Alabama Law Firm Handle?Depending on your job, where you work, and other factors, there are all kinds of different injuries you could sustain on the job. A few examples of the workplace injuries we handle at Gartlan Injury Law include:Slip-and-falls\/trip-and-fallsConstruction accidentsMachinery explosionsBurnsElectric shocksBroken bonesScaffolding injuries\/collapsesWork-related car accidentsExposure to toxic chemicalsFalls due to defective or broken stairs, railings, etc.Industrial accidentsCrushed, amputated, or torn limbsBack and neck injuriesTraumatic brain injuriesCould I Bring a Personal Injury Lawsuit If a Non-Employer Third Party Caused My Injury?You generally cannot sue your employer if you\u2019re injured on the job in Alabama because workers\u2019 compensation is a no-fault benefit that precludes personal injury claims. The theory here is that injured workers give up their right to file a lawsuit in exchange for getting the benefits they need more quickly. They don\u2019t have to spend a bunch of time investigating the accident to determine who is to blame. How well this works in practice is another matter.However, if you\u2019re injured at work by someone who doesn\u2019t work for your employer, you may be able to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit against them. That is important because you can potentially collect more compensation through a personal injury claim than from workers\u2019 compensation. If you\u2019ve sustained severe injuries, this additional compensation could make a significant difference in terms of your quality of life.Our workplace injury lawyer can look at your case to determine whether you might have a viable personal injury claim against a non-employer third party.How Long Do You Have to File for Alabama Workers\u2019 Compensation Benefits?Information from the Alabama Department of Labor indicates you have five days from the date of your injury to report it to your employer. However, the Department of Labor also says if you notify your employer of your injury within 90 days, that should suffice.Regardless, you want to notify your employer about your injury in writing as soon as possible after an accident. If you cannot do this yourself, have a trusted colleague, friend, or family member notify your employer on your behalf. Make the report in writing to ensure a documented record of your actions.Our attorney can ensure you timely file notice. Just reach out to us for help as soon as possible.How Long Do You Have to File an Alabama Workplace Injury Lawsuit?If you have a case for a personal injury claim against a non-employer third party, your deadline to file a lawsuit is the same as Alabama\u2019s typical Statute of Limitations in personal injury cases. Per state law, you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit against a non-employer third party.What Benefits Are Available from Alabama Workers\u2019 Compensation?Workers\u2019 compensation benefits are more limited than the compensation you could receive through a personal injury claim. These benefits include:The total value of any medical treatment you need to treat your work-related injuriesPartial wage-replacement benefits \u2013 You can receive up to two-thirds of your average weekly wages, up to a limit set by state law. For 2021, the maximum weekly compensation benefits you could receive is $983\/week.Disability benefits \u2013 Depending on the severity of your injuries and how long you\u2019ll have to miss work while you heal from your injuries, you could receive:Temporary partial disability benefitsTemporary total disability benefitsPermanent partial disability benefitsPermanent total disability benefitsWhat Compensation is Available in an Alabama Workplace Injury Lawsuit?A personal injury lawsuit against a non-employer third party allows you to seek compensation for more losses than you can through a workers compensation claim, including payment for:Medical bills\/medical careAll lost wagesReduced earning potentialPain and sufferingEmotional distressDamaged personal propertyHave more questions about what compensation you could recover after a workplace accident? Contact Gartlan Injury Law today to schedule a free initial consultation.{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Who Is Entitled to Workers\u2019 Compensation in Alabama?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"According to the Alabama Department of Labor, the law requires most employers with five or more employees must carry workers\u2019 compensation coverage. That applies whether the employees work full-time or part-time. However, the Department of Labor says certain workers are exempt from this requirement, regardless of the size of the business they work for.\\n\\nExempt workers include:\\n\\nEmployees of the state or federal government\\nDomestic servants\\n\u201cCasual\u201d employees\\nFarmworkers\\nOwner\/operators or leased operators of trucks engaged in interstate commerce\\nFurthermore, for an accident to be covered by your employer\u2019s workers\u2019 compensation insurance plan, you must have sustained your injuries while engaged in a work-related activity. For example, if you slipped on a wet floor while at work, that would likely be considered a work-related accident. But if you\u2019re involved in a fight with another employee at your workplace, that would probably not be covered by workers\u2019 compensation because fighting is reckless, dangerous, and unrelated to your work duties.\\n\\nThere are some gray areas when it comes to workplace injuries. For instance, if you were hurt in a car accident while out on a delivery or sales call, that would likely be covered by workers\u2019 compensation because you were engaged in a work-related activity. However, your daily commute is typically not considered a work-related activity, so you likely couldn\u2019t claim workers\u2019 compensation benefits if you\u2019re hurt while traveling to or from your job.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What Types of Workplace Injury Cases Does Your Alabama Law Firm Handle?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Depending on your job, where you work, and other factors, there are all kinds of different injuries you could sustain on the job. A few examples of the workplace injuries we handle at Gartlan Injury Law include:\\n\\nSlip-and-falls\/trip-and-falls\\nConstruction accidents\\nMachinery explosions\\nBurns\\nElectric shocks\\nBroken bones\\nScaffolding injuries\/collapses\\nWork-related car accidents\\nExposure to toxic chemicals\\nFalls due to defective or broken stairs, railings, etc.\\nIndustrial accidents\\nCrushed, amputated, or torn limbs\\nBack and neck injuries\\nTraumatic brain injuries\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What Benefits Are Available from Alabama Workers\u2019 Compensation?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Workers\u2019 compensation benefits are more limited than the compensation you could receive through a personal injury claim. These benefits include:\\n\\nThe total value of any medical treatment you need to treat your work-related injuries\\nPartial wage-replacement benefits \u2013 You can receive up to two-thirds of your average weekly wages, up to a limit set by state law. For 2021, the maximum weekly compensation benefits you could receive is $983\/week.\\nDisability benefits \u2013 Depending on the severity of your injuries and how long you\u2019ll have to miss work while you heal from your injuries, you could receive:\\nTemporary partial disability benefits\\nTemporary total disability benefits\\nPermanent partial disability benefits\\nPermanent total disability benefits\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What Compensation is Available in an Alabama Workplace Injury Lawsuit?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A personal injury lawsuit against a non-employer third party allows you to seek compensation for more losses than you can through a workers compensation claim, including payment for:\\n\\nMedical bills\\nAll lost wages\\nReduced earning potential\\nPain and suffering\\nEmotional distress\\nDamaged personal property\"}}]}"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Workplace Accident FAQs","item":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/workplace-accident-faqs\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]