Claims Kit

Posting Requirements       Ala. Code 25-5-290(d)

Employers must post a notice containing information regarding the Ombudsman's phone number, insurance carrier name and phone number in one or more conspicuous places.

FORM WCC#1 State of Alabama Workers' Compensation Information

The fines and penalties for noncompliance with the Alabama Workers' Compensation Act are $1,000 and $100 for every day it takes the Division to get the employer in compliance.

Making a false statement to obtain workers' compensation benefits (Ala. Criminal Code, Section 13A-11-124) is a Class C Felony under Alabama law. False statements are punishable by up to $5,000 and up to 10 years in prison. Felony theft statutes may also apply.

Penalties for Late Reporting

There is no statute that addresses time periods for employer reporting. It is governed by the terms of the policy of insurance between the employer and the carrier.

Reporting of claim by Employer Code of Alabama 25-5-4

The employer must file form WC 2 - Employer's First Report of Injury with their carrier within fifteen (15) days after the date of injury or date of notification if days lost from work exceed three (3) days.

Physician Selection Code of Alabama 25-5-77

The employer will select the treating physician at the time of the accident. If an employer/carrier fails to direct the injured worker to a specific physician or medical facility, the injured worker may be entitled to see the physician of his choice. The employer/carrier would still retain the right to approve all referrals.

However, if surgery is recommended, and the employee is unsure as to whether they wish to move forward with surgery, they may request a second panel of four.

The term "physician" includes medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy and chiropractor.

Change of Physician

If the employee is dissatisfied with the initial treating physician selected by the employer, and if further treatment is required, the employee may so advise the employer, and be entitled to select a second physician from a panel or list of four physicians selected by the employer