Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in Alabama

The worker should notify the employer within five days of the accident, and in any case within 90 days. If the employer already has actual knowledge of the injury, that counts as notice.

A claim is barred unless a verified complaint is filed in court within two years from the date of the accident. If compensation has been paid, the two years run from the date of the last compensation payment. Payment of medical bills does not count as compensation for this purpose.

Report the injury to your supervisor or employer right away and ask which doctor to see. A claim is made by notifying the employer of the accident and injury and applying for benefits; the employer or insurer files the First Report of Injury (WC Form 2) with the state. If the employer denies the claim, the worker may call the Workers' Compensation Division to speak with an examiner, or hire an attorney.

Alabama does not use an administrative hearing board for disputed claims; contested claims are decided in circuit court after a verified complaint is filed (within the two-year limit). Before or instead of court, the Division's Ombudsman Program offers free, informal benefit review conferences and mediation, but only if both the employer and the worker agree. An agreement reached there is binding unless a court sets it aside within 60 days for fraud, newly discovered evidence or other good cause.

In Alabama a workers' comp claim is filed by properly notifying your employer of the accident and injury; report any injury immediately to your supervisor or employer. The employer, insurance carrier or third-party administrator files the state reports (WC Form 2 First Report of Injury, Form 3 Supplementary Report, Form 4 Claim Summary). If the employer declines liability, you may call the Workers' Compensation Division and ask for an Examiner: 334-956-4044 or 1-800-528-5166. There is no injured-worker online claim portal; the division's online portal is for assessments.