Alabama Workers’ Compensation Guide 2026
Understand notice, employer-directed care, the panel of four, temporary benefits, court filing, and official assistance.
Report immediately and preserve notice
The Department’s guide says notice should be given within five days and in any event within 90 days after the accident. Report immediately in writing, keep delivery proof, and preserve incident facts, witnesses, medical restrictions, and wage records.
Alabama generally requires non-construction businesses with five or more employees to maintain coverage. Construction rules and statutory exclusions differ, and smaller employers may elect coverage.
Follow employer-directed medical care
The employer or carrier generally selects and directs authorized care. If further treatment is required and the worker is dissatisfied with the initial treating physician, the worker may request a panel of four physicians selected by the employer and choose a second physician from that panel.
Except for emergencies and other justified situations, using an unauthorized provider can create a payment dispute. Obtain referrals and decisions in writing.
Temporary and permanent benefits
TTD usually pays 66⅔% of AWW within the injury-date limits, with the low-wage exception. TPD uses two-thirds of the wage difference and is limited to 300 weeks. Permanent total disability may continue without a fixed statutory week cap, while permanent partial benefits use scheduled or body-as-a-whole rules and separate limitations.
The first three disability days are a waiting period. Benefits begin with day four, and disability lasting as much as 21 days makes the first three days payable.
Claims and the two-year court deadline
The Department can provide examiner assistance, but disputed compensation claims are handled in court. Its guide states that a verified complaint generally must be filed within two years of the accident or, when compensation payments were made, within two years of the last compensation payment. Medical payments alone are not treated as compensation for that rule.
Do not treat the employer’s First Report of Injury as a substitute for protecting the worker’s own deadline.
Official help and common questions
The Alabama Workers’ Compensation Division lists examiner and medical-dispute assistance. Legal advice and representation must come from a qualified attorney.
Who files the First Report of Injury?
The employer, carrier, or administrator files the state reporting form; the worker should still preserve personal notice evidence.
Can a claim exist with no witness?
Yes. The Department states that lack of a witness does not allow the employer to refuse to report the claim.
Who chooses the first treating doctor?
The employer or carrier generally directs the initial authorized medical care.