Workers Comp Attorneys in Hoover

Suffering a work-related injury can be one most difficult events that a worker will ever face. If someone is one of the primary breadwinners in the house, for example, the prospect of missing work for several weeks or months can leave them depressed and anxious about the future. And what happens if the injury is long-term and they cannot go back to their present job?

Employers in Hoover, AL and surrounding communities have an obligation to take care of their workers during times like this. Unfortunately, this does not always happen the way it is supposed to.

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that should cover an employee’s injuries regardless of who was responsible for the accident. But the claims process is overly complicated and difficult to navigate, and many injured workers end up getting frustrated into giving up on obtaining the benefits that they deserve.

The attorneys at Burge & Burge have several decades of experience standing up for injured workers in Hoover, Birmingham, and nearby Alabama communities. We know that those who get hurt on the job are already going through a tough time, which is often made worse by having to deal with the complexities of a workers’ compensation claim. We know the workers’ comp process inside and out, and we work closely with our clients to help them recover the benefits they need and deserve.

Our areas of focus extend far beyond just workers’ compensation. We also assist Hoover, AL area clients with all types of personal injury claims, as well as claims on behalf of injured railroad workers (through FELA) and Social Security disability. Our extensive knowledge of these areas of law allows us to provide a holistic legal solution in which we can explore every available legal avenue toward recovering maximum compensation.

Comment Workplace Injuries in Alabama

Although every profession involves physical risks, there are some industries that are more hazardous than others. Some of the most dangerous industries include:

According to the National Security Council, there are 12,600 workplace injuries in the US each day. That breaks down to one workplace injury every seven seconds, and the result is more than 104 million days of lost production every year.

The NSC lists three common injuries that result in lost workdays:

If a worker gets injured on the job in Alabama and their employer has workers’ compensation insurance, they are entitled to compensation for reasonable and necessary medical costs, a percentage of lost earnings for time missed from work, rehabilitation and travel expenses, vocational training (if moving to a new job), and permanent injury.

These benefits help with a lot of the financial costs of an injury, but they do nothing to compensate the worker for noneconomic losses such as physical and emotional pain and suffering. And because workers’ comp is a no-fault system, employees are generally not allowed to sue their employer for damages. This is not the case, however, if the injury is caused by an outside party.

When a Workplace Injury is Caused by a Third Party

In Hoover, AL and the surrounding areas, there are many workplace injuries that are the fault of parties other than the employer. When is this is the case, an injured worker may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the responsible party. This opens up the possibility of recovering damages for pain-and-suffering that would not be available through a workers’ compensation claim.

Examples of third parties that could be liable for a workplace accident include:

Federal Employer Liability Act (FELA) Claims for Railroad Workers

If you are a Hoover, AL railroad worker and you suffered an injury on the job, the workers’ compensation system does not apply to you. Injured railroad workers in the United States are covered by the Federal Employer Liability Act (FELA).

Under FELA, you can seek a personal injury claim based on your employer’s negligence, which can allow you to recover both economic and noneconomic damages. Keep in mind, however, that you must prove that the railroad company was negligent in order to recover compensation, and this is why you should work with an attorney who has specific experience with FELA claims.

Social Security Disability (SSD) Claims

Another possible way for injured workers to obtain benefits is by filing a Social Security Disability (SSD) claim. To be eligible, you must have a qualifying disability and have worked the required number of quarters. If you have limited assets and income, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program might be available to you.

In either case, getting approved for benefits is extremely difficult, and approximately 70% of claimants are denied in their initial application. We can take a look at your situation to see if you qualify for SSD or SSI, and if you do, to help ensure that you get approved the first time you apply.

Contact an Experienced Hoover, AL Workers Compensation Lawyer

If you have suffered an injury or illness that is related to your job in Alabama, Burge & Burge is ready to go to work for you. We will meet with you to thoroughly assess your case and advise you of your legal rights and options. And if we end up taking your case, we will not charge you any attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

To get started, message us online or call our office today at 205-251-9000 consultation. We look forward to serving you!