by Bernard D. Nomberg, Partner, The Nomberg Law Firm
Recently propublica.org published a most interesting interactive chart showing how much compensation a worker is entitled to receive for injuries sustained on the job. This state by state comparison is really informative and also troubling for Alabama workers. Unfortunately for Alabama workers, Alabama’s values are the lowest in the United States for almost every injury and well below the national average.
For instance, the total loss of an arm pursuant to the Alabama’s Workers’ Compensation Act is worth $48,840. In Georgia, the same injury is worth $118,125. In Mississippi, the injury is worth almost double Alabama at $92,718. Alabama is well-below the national average at $169,878.
For the total loss of a leg in Alabama, the injury is worth $44,000. In Georgia, it is worth $118,125, while in Mississippi it is worth almost double Alabama at $81,128. The national average is $153,221, so Alabama is $110,000 lower than the national average.
Earlier this month, an important article came out concerning the dismantling of workers’ compensation laws designed to protect injured workers. The article discusses that over the past decade, states have slashed workers’ compensation benefits, denying injured workers help when they need it most and shifting the costs of workplace accidents to taxpayers. It is a most interesting read.
A third article, published today, discusses the fallout of workers’ compensation reforms. This article shares the stories of five injured workers. We have represented so many people over the years who share very similar stories to those listed in this troubling article.
The recent state by state chart of injuries and articles discussing the dismantling of workers’ rights as well as failed reforms hi-light the need for injured workers to hire attorneys to help protect their dwindling rights. Now, more than ever, Alabama workers need protection.
We have discussed on our blog the benefits of hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
We have discussed valuing workers’ compensation cases.
Also, we have discussed what we as lawyers for injured workers can do after you have been hurt at work.
As shown above, Alabama workers have limited recovery pursuant to the Alabama Workers’ Compensation Act. However, we believe an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can maximize the recovery for the injured worker and give proper legal advice in order serve the best interests of the injured worker.
If you have questions about the value of your workers’ compensation claim or questions about your rights under the Alabama Workers’ Compensation Act, contact the attorneys at the Nomberg Law Firm today. (205) 930-6900 or visit us at nomberglaw.com.
Bernard D. Nomberg has practiced workers’ compensation law in Alabama for more than 20 years. Bernard has earned an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell’s peer-review rating. He has been selected a Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine as well as a Top Rated Attorney by B-Metro Magazine.