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Workers' Compensation Summary - Alabama

The Workers' Compensation Division of the Department of Industrial Relations is responsible for the administration of the Alabama Workers' Compensation Law. The following brief summary is intended to provide a general overview of Workers' Compensation coverage and benefits in Alabama. See the separate topic for help with acronyms. For further information contact your local or state Workers' Compensation Program office. This information is based on data originally provided by the U.S. Department of Labor and updated by the Workers' Compensation Division, and is current as of August 2010.

In Alabama, compensation benefits are adjusted annually, and changes become effective July 1 of each year. The rates shown below are in effect from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011.

Type of Law and Insurance Requirements

In Alabama, workers' compensation is compulsory, and no waivers are permitted. There is no state fund. Employers may insure through private carriers, self-insurance, or employer groups. Employers with fewer than 5 employees are exempt.

Coverage of Agricultural Workers

Employers may secure coverage voluntarily, even though no statutory provisions are prescribed.

Coverage of Domestic Employees

Employers are permitted to provide voluntary coverage.

Medical Benefits

Full medical benefits are provided with no time or monetary limitations.

Benefits for Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

The percentage of worker's wage paid is 66 2/3. For weekly payments, the minimum is $204 (27 1/2 percent of SAWW or worker's average wage, if less) and the maximum is $740, 100% of SAWW. The maximum period of payments is the duration of disability.

Benefits for Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

The percentage of worker's wage paid is 66 2/3. For weekly payments, the minimum is $204 (27 1/2 percent of SAWW or worker's average wage, if less) and the maximum is $740, 100% of SAWW. The maximum period of payments is the duration of disability.

Benefits for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

The percentage of worker's wage paid is 66 2/3. For weekly payments, there is no minimum and the maximum is capped by statute at $220. For non-scheduled injuries, the maximum period of payments is 300 weeks. In case a scheduled permanent partial disability follows or accompanies a period of temporary total disability resulting from the same injury, the period of TTD shall not be deducted from the maximum number of weeks set for each partial disability; in case of non-scheduled PPD, such periods shall be deducted.

Disfigurement Benefits

Alabama law covers disfigurements that are "Serious, materially affecting employability". Benefits are 66-2/3 percent of employee's average weekly earnings for a maximum period of 100 weeks.

Contact Information

Department Of Industrial Relations
Workers' Compensation Division
649 Monroe Street
Montgomery, Alabama 36131

Phone: (334) 242-2868
Toll-free: 1-800-528-5166
Fax: (334) 353-8262

Internet: http://dir.alabama.gov/wc/

Additional Information

The Alabama Workers' Compensation Act is available online at:
http://www.legislature.state.al.us/CodeofAlabama/1975/123309.htm

The Alabama Workers' Compensation Basic Claim Handling Manual is available in PDF format (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) online at:
http://dir.alabama.gov/docs/guides/wc_claimhandling.pdf

Other State's Summaries

Curious about the Workers' Compensation program in another state? Want to see a summary like this one? Click here to select another state's summary.

Source

Information for this topic was drawn from pages of the DIR website at:
http://dir.alabama.gov/wc/
http://dir.alabama.gov/docs/guides/wc_weeklywage.pdf

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