Were you injured in a logging accident in Alabama? If so, you might be eligible for Alabama workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical treatment and replace a percentage of the wages you lose while you recover. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may also be able to pursue a third-party injury claim if someone other than your employer contributed to your injury.
It’s important to speak with a knowledgeable Alabama logging accident injury attorney. The skilled and compassionate lawyers at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C. have extensive experience navigating both workers’ compensation cases and third-party injury claims. We can help you pursue the compensation you need to recover and start again. Contact us now for a free and confidential consultation.
Why Is Logging So Dangerous?
Logging is a physically demanding and dangerous occupation. The logging industry has one of the highest fatality rates per capita. Workers may spend their entire shift cutting trees. They work outdoors, often high above the ground, and the work environment is generally fast-paced. Workers may have to cut trees on unstable or rough terrain and in rainy or hot weather.
There are many risks involved with logging. You could fall out of the tree. You could have a tree fall on you. It can be difficult to control the momentum of a tree and which direction it will fall. Add in the dangerous machinery, such as chainsaws, logging machines, and tools with sharp edges, and you have an extremely dangerous work environment.
Most Common Logging Accidents
Some of the common types of logging accidents include:
- Hit by falling objects accidents
- Struck by objects accidents
- Struck by logs and tree limbs accidents
- Caught in or caught between accidents
- Injuries caused by defective equipment
- Falls from heights
- Accidents resulting from inclement weather
Logging Site Accident Injuries
Some of the common injuries resulting from logging accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord damage, including paralysis
- Back injuries
- Chest injuries
- Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains
- Amputations, especially fingers, toes, and limbs
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Compartment syndrome
- Disfigurement
- Bruises, cuts, and lacerations
How Does an Injured Person File a Logging Claim?
In Alabama, if a worker suffers an injury resulting from a logging accident, they can usually file a workers’ compensation claim. Alabama employers must offer workers’ compensation coverage if they have five or more employees (not including independent contractors). The injured employee files this claim with the workers’ compensation department of the Alabama Department of Labor.
In some cases, a worker may also be able to file a third-party claim. This is a personal injury claim for compensation filed against a third party, separate from the employer, who may be partially or fully responsible for the worker’s injuries and losses.
Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Logging Lawsuits
If you’ve been injured in a logging accident on the job in Alabama, you are likely eligible for benefits under the state workers’ compensation laws. You may be able to receive medical benefits and wage-loss benefits. Surviving family members of someone killed in a logging accident may claim death benefits. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C. can explain what you could be entitled to.
If you bring a third-party logging lawsuit, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries, including types of compensation that workers’ comp doesn’t cover, such as pain and suffering. The logging accident attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C. are prepared to fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve, which may include:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Estimated future wage loss due to disability
- Pain and suffering
How Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Help You
Logging accidents can result in severe injuries. The severity of these injuries can lead to costly medical bills for surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term treatment. You may have to miss work to treat your injuries, resulting in lost income. Some injuries even require lifelong care.
If you suffered a logging accident injury, the knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C. want to help you determine your options for obtaining financial recovery, whether through a workers’ compensation claim, a third-party claim, or both. Our logging accident lawyers are here to provide the skilled and aggressive representation you need. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation.
