Hurt at Work
Ala. Code § 25-5-80 — two thirds of average weekly earnings, medical care paid, and two years to claim
While an injury keeps a worker totally from working for a time, compensation is 66 2/3 percent of the average weekly earnings at the time of the injury, within the weekly maximum and minimum the law sets. A partial disability is paid at the same rate on the earnings lost.
Who handles this in Alabama: Alabama Department of Labor, Workers' Compensation Division; and legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Alabama directory.
The employer also pays for reasonably necessary medical and surgical treatment, rehabilitation, medicine, supplies and devices for an injury arising out of and in the course of the work, up to the set fee schedule.
Written notice within five days. An injured worker gives the employer written notice of the accident within five days after it happens. Without the notice, no medical fees or compensation are owed unless incapacity, fraud or another equally good reason prevented it, or the employer actually knew.
- Compensation is not paid for the first three days of disability, and starts with the fourth day.
- If the disability lasts as much as 21 days, the first three days are paid with the first installment after the 21 days.
- An installment not paid within 30 days after it is due, without good cause, has 15 percent added to it.
The employer's doctor. At the employer's request, an injured worker submits to examination by the employer's physician at reasonable times, and may have a physician of the worker's own choosing present, at the worker's expense.
A claim is barred unless, within two years after the accident, the parties agree on the compensation or one of them files a verified complaint in circuit court. For an injury from cumulative physical stress, the two years run from the date of the injury.
Sources for this section (6)
- Ala. Code § 25-5-57 — Compensation for Disability
- Ala. Code § 25-5-59 — Waiting Period for Compensation; Penalty for Overdue Compensation Payments
- Ala. Code § 25-5-77 — Expenses of Medical and Surgical Treatment, Vocational Rehabilitation, Medicine, Etc.; Medical Examinations; Review by Ombudsman of Medical Services
- Ala. Code § 25-5-78 — Written Notice to Employer of Accident - Required
- Ala. Code § 25-5-80 — Limitation Period for Claims or Actions for Compensation
- Ala. Code § 25-5-88 — Proceedings for Determination of Disputed Claims for Compensation - Commencement of Action, Etc
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Alabama attorney.