Free Alabama workers compensation settlement calculator for 2026. Estimate TTD and PPD benefits using the Ala. Code section 25-5-57 schedule, co-employee immunity rules, and current benefit caps.
This site is operated by Mustafa Bilgic, an individual based in Adiyaman, Turkiye. The operator is NOT a licensed attorney, NOT a law firm, and does NOT provide legal advice. This page is informational research compiled from public statutes, agency guidance, and legal-education sources. Verify current law with the official state publisher and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.
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No fake verdicts, invented averages, or testimonials. Dollar examples are hypothetical only. Verify rates with Alabama Department of Labor, Workers' Compensation Division.
Alabama workers' compensation benefits are governed by the Alabama Workers' Compensation Act, Ala. Code Title 25, Chapter 5. Injured workers receive temporary total disability (TTD) at 66 2/3 percent of their average weekly wage, subject to a maximum that adjusts annually based on the state average weekly wage. Alabama has a 3-day waiting period before wage-replacement benefits begin, but if disability extends beyond 21 days, those first 3 days are also compensated retroactively. This 21-day retroactive threshold is longer than many Southern states where 14 days is more typical.
| Rule | Alabama (AL) |
|---|---|
| TTD rate | 66 2/3% of AWW |
| Max weekly formula | 100% of SAWW (adjusts each July 1) |
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Retroactive threshold | 21 days (if disability exceeds 21 days, first 3 days also compensated) |
| Statute of limitations | 2 years from injury or last compensation payment |
| Notice | As soon as practicable (no strict statutory day limit for private employers) |
| System | Court-based (circuit court jurisdiction) |
| Settlement approval | Court approval recommended; structured or lump-sum; receipt of final payment terminates obligation |
| Doctor choice | Employer directs initial treatment; employee may petition court for change of physician |
| Coverage threshold | 5+ employees |
| Governing law | Ala. Code Title 25, Chapter 5 |
| Notable rule | Co-employee immunity (section 25-5-11) bars negligence lawsuits against co-workers, one of the strongest co-employee shields in the U.S. |
Under Ala. Code section 25-5-57, TTD pays 66 2/3 percent of the injured worker's average weekly wage, not to exceed the state maximum. The minimum weekly benefit is $311 (source: FindLaw). Temporary partial disability (TPD) may continue for up to 300 weeks. Permanent total disability (PTD) carries no statutory duration cap and continues for the worker's lifetime as long as total disability persists.
Alabama calculates the average weekly wage from the 52 weeks of earnings preceding the injury. If the worker has not been employed for a full year, a similar-position comparison may be used. Overtime, bonuses, and employer-provided benefits may be included depending on their regularity.
Scheduled weeks for permanent partial disability. Verify with Alabama Department of Labor, Workers' Compensation Division.
| Body part | Weeks |
|---|---|
| Thumb | 60 |
| Index finger | 35 |
| Middle finger | 30 |
| Ring finger | 20 |
| Little finger | 15 |
| Hand | 170 |
| Arm | 222 |
| Great toe | 30 |
| Foot | 150 |
| Leg | 200 |
| Eye | 150 |
| Hearing (one ear) | 52 |
| Hearing (both) | 150 |
Educational estimate only. Verify rates with Alabama Department of Labor, Workers' Compensation Division.
Alabama's co-employee immunity under section 25-5-11 is among the broadest in the country. When a co-worker's negligence causes a workplace injury, the injured employee generally cannot file a personal injury lawsuit against that co-worker. The exclusive remedy is workers' compensation benefits from the employer's insurer. This differs from states like Missouri, where the Second Injury Fund and broader liability theories give workers additional avenues.
The immunity extends to supervisors, managers, and corporate officers acting within the scope of employment. There is a narrow exception for willful conduct that departs from the line of duty, but Alabama courts interpret this exception narrowly. Nearly all workplace injury claims in Alabama are resolved through the workers' compensation system rather than tort litigation.
Alabama excludes several categories from mandatory coverage: domestic employees, farm laborers, casual employees, municipal employees in towns with populations under 2,000, federal employees, and railroad workers covered by FELA. These exclusions are broader than in many neighboring states and mean that a significant number of Alabama workers have no workers' compensation coverage. Employers with fewer than 5 employees are also exempt from mandatory coverage.
Alabama's court-based system means disputed claims are heard in circuit court rather than before an administrative agency. Settlements of disputed claims typically involve court approval, while undisputed claims may be resolved between the parties and the insurer. A "receipt of final payment" filing terminates the insurer's ongoing obligation.
Alabama does not have a formal compromise-and-release process identical to states with workers' compensation commissions. The settlement agreement is a contract between the parties, subject to court oversight if a dispute arises. Medicare Set-Aside considerations apply for workers who are or will be Medicare-eligible.
Alabama employers direct initial medical treatment. The employer or its insurer selects the treating physician. If an injured worker is dissatisfied with the employer-selected doctor, the worker may petition the court for a change of physician. The court grants the change if good cause is shown, such as inadequate treatment or an unreasonable refusal to provide a specialist referral.
Emergency treatment is always covered regardless of provider selection. Alabama has no statutory panel system like Tennessee or Kentucky. Instead, the employer's initial selection right is balanced by the court's oversight power.
Alabama's maximum weekly TTD rate equals 100 percent of the state average weekly wage (SAWW), adjusted each July 1. The most recent FindLaw reference listed approximately $1,130 per week. Verify the current figure with the Alabama Department of Labor.
Three days. Benefits begin on day 4. If disability continues beyond 21 days, the first 3 days are compensated retroactively.
Generally no. Co-employee immunity under section 25-5-11 bars negligence lawsuits against co-workers. A narrow exception exists for willful conduct outside the line of duty.
Two years from the date of injury or the date of the last compensation payment, whichever is later.
Employers with five or more employees must carry coverage. Domestic employees, farm laborers, and certain other categories are excluded.
PPD equals the scheduled weeks for the body part (section 25-5-57) multiplied by 66 2/3 percent of the average weekly wage, capped at the state maximum. An arm is 222 weeks, a hand is 170 weeks, a leg is 200 weeks.
No. SettlementCalculator.xyz is operated by Mustafa Bilgic, a non-attorney individual operator. Consult a licensed Alabama attorney for legal advice.
Visit the Alabama Department of Labor at labor.alabama.gov/wc/ or contact them directly. Rates change each July 1.