Truck and car accidents on the job.

Why The Report calls these five alarm fires

Most Alabama work injury red flags point toward one serious issue. A crash while working can point toward several at once. The injured worker may have a workers' compensation claim, a separate claim against another driver or company, medical treatment issues, wage-loss issues, future work restrictions, and Social Security Disability concerns.

That overlap can make the case more complicated than an ordinary workers' compensation claim. It can also create mistakes if one part of the case is settled without understanding how it affects the others.

Facts that should be reviewed

• Whether the worker was on the clock or performing a job duty when the crash happened.
• Whether another driver, trucking company, contractor, or third party may share fault.
• Whether workers' compensation has accepted or denied the injury.
• Whether the worker has neck, back, head, shoulder, hip, or leg injuries that may affect future work.
• Whether medical treatment, MRI, surgery, pain management, or referrals are being delayed or disputed.
• Whether the worker has permanent restrictions, an FCE, MMI issues, or Social Security Disability concerns.

Practical guidance

The worker may need help, but it does not necessarily need to be Powell & Denny. The important point is that a qualified Alabama lawyer should understand both the workers' compensation claim and any related injury claim before releases, settlements, or resignation papers are signed.

Red Flags: Evaluator