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In Decatur

Decatur Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Missy Wigginton

Hello friends and family, I am Missy Wigginton, also known as Mama Justice. When meeting me, some people ask me how I got my name. The answer: I h...

Decatur, Alabama Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

After sustaining a personal injury in the workplace, most people endure significant injuries that leave them unable to work. This quickly leads to lost wages and unpaid medical bills. To recover some of their lost earnings and other damages, injured workers are entitled to claim workers’ compensation.

Workers’ compensation law states that the coverage it provides is designed to give workers who have been injured on the job with a portion of their salary and coverage for their medical expenses while they recuperate.

Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

If you are having issues collecting your valid workers’ compensation benefits after a personal injury, a workers’ compensation attorneys can help you remedy the situation. At Mama Justice, our Decatur workers’ comp attorneys will protect your rights by unmasking many underhanded techniques insurers use to avoid making payouts in favor of protecting their bottom line.

How Does a Workers’ Compensation Claim Work?

When a worker is injured at their place of employment, they may be eligible to receive compensation for their lost wages and medical expenses that occur as they recover from their injury. To collect workers’ compensation, you must file a workers’ compensation claim and satisfy the specific criteria set forth by the Alabama Department of Labor before you can be approved.

Once your claim is confirmed, you will receive a portion of your workers’ compensation benefits. If your claim is rejected, you can reach out to an attorney who can help you get workers’ compensation for your workplace injuries in Decatur, AL. Although employers and insurance companies frequently make this process more complicated than it needs to be, an attorney with decades of experience handling workers’ compensation claims can help you take action and successfully resolve any problems.

How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Decatur, AL

For most people, filling out forms and filing paperwork is not their top priority after a severe workplace injury, but it is essential to meet all deadlines and follow specific rules for your workers’ compensation claim to be filed appropriately. Contact our Decatur workers’ compensation lawyers as soon as possible.

Report a Workplace Injury

Regardless of whether a worker was injured after falling from a height or in a slip-and-fall accident, you must report any personal injury to your employer immediately. In Alabama, the statute of limitations to apply for compensation for a workplace injury is two years from the cause of action. Although two years certainly sounds like a long time, reporting your injury as soon as it happens can have a significant impact on your case later on.

Seek Medical Care

Immediately following an injury at work, you should seek medical attention. This will ensure you receive any medical care and act as a record of evidence. According to the Alabama Department of Labor, you need to ask your supervisor or employer which hospital or physician you should go to, and then make sure you visit that specific office or facility for your treatment.

Fill Out Workers’ Comp Forms

After a doctor examines you, your next step is to fill out Alabama’s workers’ comp forms. Your employer should provide you with the necessary paperwork. Injured workers can also visit the Alabama Department of Labor’s website and fill out the forms online. All forms should be filed out as soon as possible after your injury.

Wait For Your Claim To Be Accepted or Denied

After you fill out the forms, your employer will file your paperwork with the insurance carrier. Most people find out if their claim was approved or denied in 14 to 30 days. If your claim was not approved and you are denied compensation, you need to reach out to an Alabama workers’ compensation lawyer to represent you and get you and your family the financial compensation you are entitled to.

Decatur Workers’ Compensation FAQ

After being seriously injured in an accident at your place of employment, you probably have many questions regarding how the claims process works. An Alabama workers’ compensation attorney can give you the dependable answers you are looking for to make the best decisions for you and your situation.

Do I Need an Attorney for My Workers’ Comp Claim?

Just like workers’ compensation in other states, Alabama workers’ comp is intended to simplify the process of recovering damages. In some instances, the system works how it is meant to, and injured workers will not need to hire an attorney. Unfortunately, claims involving a workplace injury can quickly become extremely complicated.

If you feel your case is being treated unfairly, we encourage you to enlist the help of a Decatur personal injury attorney from Mama Justice with a track record of successfully handling Alabama workers’ compensation claims.

It is not uncommon for insurance companies to deny claims unjustly in an attempt to avoid a payout. An Alabama workplace injury lawyer will know the most effective way to help you get the settlement you deserve so you can move forward with your life.

How Long Can I Collect Workers’ Comp in Alabama?

Generally speaking, you can collect Alabama workers’ comp for up to 300 weeks after a workplace accident for a permanent or temporary disability or until maximum medical improvement is reached, whichever comes first.

Maximum medical improvement is when a physician decides that you have reached a point where additional recovery is unlikely, and it is doubtful you will improve past this point. Maximum medical recovery does not indicate that an injured victim has made a complete recovery.

Following your accident, you could be rated as being permanently disabled, which means you won’t be able to work ever again. If this is the case, you could be entitled to collect weekly workers’ comp payments for two-thirds of your salary for the rest of your life. If someone dies due to a workplace accident, their beneficiaries may be entitled to collect payments for as long as 500 weeks and funeral and burial expenses.

Why Was My Workers’ Comp Claim Denied?

Under some circumstances, an insurance carrier will reject your workers’ comp claim. The Alabama Department of Labor reported that there are several exceptions to these claims that often result in them being denied. For example, your claim could be rejected if you were:

Not at the job site or not on the clock when your accident occurred
Made redundant before the accident happened
Determined to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol prior to your accident
Performing a task outside the usual scope of your employment
Not using the proper safety appliances and precautions provided by your job
Your injury occurred more than two years ago

If you feel that your claim was denied without cause, you need to speak with our Decatur workers’ compensation attorneys. Our Alabama law firm has decades of experience helping our injured clients get the damages they are entitled to.

How Can a Workers’ Comp Attorney Help Me?

It is common for valid workers’ compensation claims to be denied. A reputable work-related injury attorney can help ensure that your claim is accepted. To help you collect financial compensation for lost wages and recover from your injuries, our Alabama workers’ comp attorneys will:

Prove that you were injured while you were at work
Handle all communications with the insurance company, other attorneys, and your employer
Help you file a third-party claim for workers’ compensation if your job does not carry insurance
Ensure that all deadlines are met
Represent you at any hearings and in court

Does My Employer Have to Offer Workers’ Compensation?

The Alabama Department of Labor says those workers who are injured on the job can receive the medical care and benefits that will allow them to make the fullest recovery possible. If your family member was killed in a workplace accident, workers’ compensation law in Alabama even has workers’ compensation benefits for the deceased’s dependents through death benefits.

Once a business reaches a certain size, employers are mandated to carry workers’ comp insurance. In Alabama, any employer with five or more employees is required to have workers’ compensation coverage. Certain employers, like those involved in construction or agricultural work, might be eligible to opt out of state workers’ comp programs.

What Is the Difference Between Workers’ Comp and a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

The primary difference between a personal injury claim and a workers’ comp claim is that a personal injury claim is based on negligence, whereas a workers’ comp claim is not. When you file a personal injury claim, you must prove that the at-fault party’s negligence was the proximate cause of your injuries. A workers’ compensation claim only requires you to prove that you were injured on the job.

The other major difference between the two is that a personal injury claim allows the plaintiff to seek compensation for pain, suffering, emotional trauma, and, if applicable, punitive damages, none of which are available through workers’ compensation.

Our Alabama lawyers understand workers’ compensation law and can expound on the differences between the two types of claims and which is the most suitable for your case.

What Injuries Qualify for Workers’ Compensation in Decatur?

To be eligible to collect workers’ comp benefits, the employee’s injury must have occurred during the normal course of their duties. A few of the more common kinds of conditions or injuries that allow injured workers to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits include:

Injuries caused by an accident at work, such as electric shock or other workplace injuries
Repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
Workplace illnesses, such as mesothelioma
Emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder
The worsening of a pre-existing condition

Unlike a personal injury claim, negligence does not need to be established for a workers’ compensation claim to be valid. You can still be covered whether or not negligence played a role in your injury. You could still be covered even if you were partially liable for the accident that caused your injury.

What Benefits Can I Get for My Workplace Injury?

The United States Department of Labor states that injured employees can receive multiple benefits from an injury claim. A Decatur workers’ compensation lawyer can review your case and advise you on what forms of compensation you will likely collect. This compensation could include:

Medical Expenses

Any expenses you have incurred relating to the care and treatment of your injuries, such as co-pays, surgeries, prescription medications, emergency room fees, etc., can be reimbursed via your workers’ comp benefits.

Vocational Rehabilitation Expenses

If your injuries have left you unable to perform the job you had before your accident, you might qualify for vocational rehabilitation. This is a rehabilitation service provided by the insurance carrier to assist you in finding another comparable job.

However, it is important to remember that the insurance carrier might try to cut off your workers’ comp benefits if they find out your employer offered you another job that you could have performed but turned down anyway.

Wage Reimbursement

According to the Alabama Department of Labor, workers’ compensation provides injured employees with about two-thirds of the income they lost while they were unable to work. There are some caps and limitations on the amount a worker can collect and the length of time for which they can obtain reimbursement for lost wages.

Get a Free Consultation With an Decatur Workers’ Compensation Attorney

The Decatur workers’ comp attorneys at Mama Justice are familiar with the tactics that insurance carriers use when dealing with workers’ comp claims. Our Decatur workers’ compensation lawyers will ensure you understand workers’ compensation law and present the strongest case possible while we negotiate with the insurer on behalf of you and your family.

If the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement, we will see your case all the way through to trial. Our Decatur workers’ compensation lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. That means that you pay no attorney’s fees or out-of-pocket costs unless we achieve a favorable resolution to your case. Call us at (888) 484-1476 to schedule your free consultation with one of our lawyers.

About Our Firm

Hello friends and family, I am Missy Wigginton, also known as Mama Justice. When meeting me, some people ask me how I got my name. The answer: I have 2 sons. When they were little, we always had a yard full of kids. All my boys’ friends called me Mama Missy because I made sure they were all fed and had plenty of cool drinks on those hot, southern, summer days. Being a mama is one of the most rewarding and best jobs that God has ever blessed me with.

I am also thankful that God put me in a position where He can use me to help others in very difficult times. I, too, have been in difficult times, the worst of which being when my 25-year-old son left this earth for his heavenly home. Through the trials and tribulations of my loss, God remained faithful. Losing my son taught me that all things that happen in life can be used for good. My job allows me to be Mama Missy not only to my beloved children and grandchildren but to everyone who needs justice. Hence the name, Mama Justice. Although I am familiar with many areas of law, I focus my practice on personal injury cases. I represent injured people in all types of wrecks, accidents and work-related issues. For many folks, a car crash or work-related accident has the potential to turn their lives upside down, leaving them unsure of which direction to turn. When this happens to you, my goal is to help you through your most difficult times and make sure that you are properly represented when dealing with insurance companies. I will take on the headache of dealing with insurance companies so you can focus on getting better. I will personally work your case and ensure that every client stays informed and is treated as a friend and family member here at Mama Justice. Our business model is just that—to treat all clients like family! If you have had a wreck or been in an accident, then you have come to the right place—we are here to help you. Call us at (833) 626-2587 today for a free consultation!

If you were injured or lost a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence,contact our Mississippi personal injury lawyers or call us at (833) 626-2587 for a free and confidential consultation.

Mississippi

Personal Injury Attorneys

Serving Mississippi and Tennessee

Few things are as upsetting as being injured due to the careless or reckless actions of another person or company. Here at Mama Justice – MW Law Firm, we are committed to helping everyday people throughout Mississippi and Tennessee get through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Our lawyers are licensed in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama, with active cases in all three states. Led by founding attorney, Missy Wigginton, AKA Mama Justice, our legal team brings decades of experience in personal injury and wrongful death law to our practice. Here at the firm, we have a lot of empathy for you and your situation; that’s why we listen to your story and work tirelessly to obtain the best possible results for your case.

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EXPERIENCE

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Over 40 Years of Combined Experience

With over 40 years of combined experience, we are dedicated to fighting for your rights and obtaining the best possible outcome for your case.
We Treat Our Clients Like Family

We always treat you with care and attention. Our goal is to stand by your side and help you navigate through the legal issues when you need us.
Fierce & Hands-On Legal Team

Our team has a proven track record of holding accountable parties responsible. No matter how difficult, complex, or stressful your situation may be, we are prepared to help.
Direct Communication

When you hire us, you can count on us to handle your case personally. We are involved from start to finish and you will be informed throughout the entire process.

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Catastrophic Injuries

I love them!! Best to ever do it!!! Mama Justice is where it's at!! They will never let you down!! Some of the best people I've

Work Injury Client Testimonial

Definitely recommend Mama Justice. They have been there for me and I highly recommend!!!!!

Client Experience after a Car Accident

I love them!! Best to ever do it!!! Mama Justice is where it's at!! They will never let you down!! Some of the best people I've

The Most Common Types of Personal Injury Claims Mama Justice Handles

Our team at Mama Justice has handled a wide variety of different personal injury claims in our decades of personal injury law experience. We work tirelessly to obtain the best possible results for our clients. We treat them like family.

We understand that being a lawyer involves much more than just knowing and understanding the law. It takes compassion and the ability to be aggressive when necessary. Led by our founding attorney, Missy Wigginton, AKA Mama Justice, our legal team brings decades of personal injury law experience to the table.

The most common types of personal injury claims filed in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama each year are those related to:

If you have been injured in a personal injury accident in Jackson, Tupelo, Corinth, Columbus, Starkville, Greenville, Hattiesburg, Southaven, or one of the surrounding areas, Mama Justice can help you get the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries and losses. We also handle claims in Tennessee and Alabama so call us today to talk about your accident and see if you can pursue compensation.

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