Workers compensation insurance for Alabama employers.

Varies widely by state, industry class code, payroll, and claims history. Most small businesses pay between $1.00 and $5.00 per $100 of payroll. High-risk class codes can be significantly higher.

workers comp claims have a process that runs partly through the carrier and partly through state administrative law. Doing the basics well from day one matters.

1. Get the injured worker medical care immediately. Emergency care first if needed. Many states require employers to either direct the worker to a designated provider or let the worker choose. Know your state's rule before an injury happens.
2. Report the injury to the carrier promptly. Most states have specific employer reporting deadlines and most carriers require notice within a short window. Late reporting is one of the most common causes of a disputed claim.
3. Document the incident in writing. What happened, when, where, who witnessed it, what equipment was involved, and what conditions existed. Get a written statement from the injured worker as soon as practical.
4. Preserve any equipment or scene involved. Do not move, repair, or dispose of anything connected to the injury until the carrier and any required state inspectors release it.
5. Maintain regular contact with the injured worker. Stay-at-work and return-to-work programs reduce claim costs significantly. Workers who feel forgotten file longer and more contested claims.
6. Cooperate with carrier investigation but do not freelance. The carrier and any defense counsel they assign handle disputed claims. Do not negotiate or settle directly with the worker or their attorney. See our claims help if you are not sure what to do next.