Rehbock & Wilson Anchorage Workers' Comp Attorney | Mat-Su Valley AK Work Injury Lawyer 2026-07-01T14:28:50Z https://www.resultscount.net/feed/atom/ WordPress On Behalf of Rehbock & Wilson <![CDATA[Who pays when a construction worker gets hurt on the job?]]> https://www.resultscount.net/?p=46757 2026-07-01T14:28:50Z 2026-07-01T14:28:50Z Possible sources of compensation after a workplace injury The facts often decide who must pay. In most cases, workers’ compensation covers the main losses. Other claims involve more than one possible payer, such as:
  • Your employer or its workers' compensation insurer: Most employers must carry workers' compensation coverage. This no-fault system generally pays for needed medical care and part of your lost wages while you recover.
  • The general contractor: If your employer is a subcontractor that failed to carry the required workers' compensation coverage, the general contractor may become responsible for providing those benefits.
  • Alaska's Workers' Compensation Benefits Guaranty Fund: If an employer lacks coverage and cannot pay, this state-managed fund may help eligible workers receive benefits.
  • A negligent third party: Another business or person may have helped cause the injury. Examples include a defective equipment maker, an equipment operator from another company or a property owner.
More than one path sometimes applies. Workers' compensation and a third-party claim may cover different losses, so it helps to identify each possible source.

Protecting your rights after a job site injury

Figuring out who should pay is not always simple. Construction projects often include several employers, contractors and outside companies. That setup can make financial responsibility harder to trace. Legal guidance may help clarify which laws apply, find available sources of recovery and protect key deadlines. Early advice also lowers the risk of missing benefits or claims that could affect your recovery.]]> On Behalf of Rehbock & Wilson <![CDATA[I won my workers’ comp claim but my employer retaliated, now what?]]> https://www.resultscount.net/?p=46753 2026-04-17T10:56:44Z 2026-04-17T10:54:55Z You filed a workers' compensation claim and won your case. Your medical bills may get covered and you might receive benefits for lost wages. However, you notice a sudden shift in how your employer treats you at work. The atmosphere feels hostile and you wonder if your employer may be punishing you for filing the claim.

Retaliation red flags

Employers sometimes respond negatively when workers file successful compensation claims. You might see certain warning signs that suggest retaliation could be occurring:
  • Sudden demotion: Your employer moves you to a lower position or reduces your responsibilities without clear justification.
  • Cut hours: Your schedule shrinks significantly compared to what you worked before your injury.
  • Hostile treatment: Supervisors or coworkers exclude you from important meetings or create an uncomfortable work environment.
  • Negative reviews: You receive poor performance evaluations that don't align with your actual work quality or previous assessments.
  • Denied accommodations: Your employer refuses to provide reasonable modifications you need after returning from injury.
Alaska law prohibits employers from punishing workers who file legitimate workers' compensation claims. Understanding your options becomes important if you face these situations.

How you can start to protect yourself

Protecting yourself starts with careful documentation. It is crucial to:
  • Write down every incident that seems retaliatory and include dates, times and any witnesses present
  • Save all emails, text messages and schedule changes that show different treatment
  • Report the behavior to human resources in writing so you create a record of your complaint
You may have legal options if retaliation continues. Workers in Alaska can file complaints with the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Some situations might also involve wrongful termination claims or other employment law violations. Time limits apply to many of these legal remedies. Acting quickly helps preserve your rights and strengthens your position. Legal guidance can help you understand which protections apply to your specific situation and what steps make sense for your case.  ]]> On Behalf of Rehbock & Wilson <![CDATA[Can Alaska workers be fired while on workers’ comp leave?]]> https://www.resultscount.net/?p=46752 2026-01-13T10:14:08Z 2026-01-13T10:12:17Z When firing may or may not be legal Alaska law does not require employers to keep a position open while an injured worker recovers. Workers’ comp pays for medical care and partial wage replacement, but it does not guarantee continued employment. As a result, some employers may legally end employment during an active workers’ comp claim. Employers often cite reasons such as:
  • Company layoffs or full business closures
  • Ongoing performance problems unrelated to the injury
  • Violations of written workplace rules or policies
  • The inability to leave a position vacant long-term
  • Operational changes that affect multiple employees
These reasons may justify a firing only when they truly have no connection to the injury. Employers may not legally fire a worker for filing a workers’ comp claim or for reporting a work-related injury. When a firing occurs soon after an injury, timing matters. To determine if the timing is a coincidence or retaliation, the employee's history is put under a microscope. Employers often point to written records, past warnings and how they treated other workers in similar situations. These details help show whether the reason given for the firing matches what actually happened.

What workers commonly misunderstand

After a firing, many workers assume everything ends at once. That is not true. When an injury happens at work and treatment remains necessary, workers’ comp benefits can continue even after employment ends. Some workers also believe an employer’s explanation is final. It is not. Employers must back up their stated reason with documentation, prior discipline or evidence that they treated other workers the same way. Without that support, the firing may be illegal. Many workers may also think they can sort things out later. In practice, delays often make it harder to review what happened or preserve important details. Early clarity can matter more than people expect.

What this means for injured workers

Losing a job during recovery can feel devastating. Still, fear should not stop injured workers from learning how the law applies to their situation. Workers’ compensation does not fully shield from job loss, but it also does not give employers unlimited power to fire injured workers. Some firings fall into a gray area shaped by timing, documentation and motive. When a firing happens during a workers’ comp claim, it’s important to understand how the law generally treats these situations. That knowledge can help injured workers know whether medical care and wage benefits may continue, even after the job itself ends.]]> On Behalf of Rehbock & Wilson <![CDATA[Does workers’ comp cover injured Alaska fishermen?]]> https://www.resultscount.net/?p=46750 2025-10-28T15:50:17Z 2025-10-28T15:50:17Z Route 1: No standard workers' comp Alaska law excludes a commercial fisherman, as defined under state law, from typical workers' compensation benefits, which is the key difference between your job and nearly every other job in the state. Since the law excludes you, you cannot receive the standard benefits, meaning:
  • No compensation for lost wages through the AWCA
  • No medical coverage paid for by a traditional workers’ comp claim
  • You must pursue other routes for your claim
This exemption means you do not have the guaranteed, "no-fault" safety net that land-based workers rely on when they are injured. It’s a situation that forces you to consider other options for medical bills and lost income.

Route 2: Fishermen's Fund

Alaska set up the Fishermen's Fund as a unique emergency medical resource. Fees from commercial fishing licenses pay for this state-run program. However, it is an extremely limited option for injured fishermen. The special fund covers only medical expenses and is generally a “payer of last resort” to other insurance. Furthermore, the fund has a specific provision that reimburses the vessel owner for 50% of the vessel's protection and indemnity (P&I) insurance deductible, up to a specified cap, for claims filed under the P&I policy. Injured fishermen must have held a valid commercial fishing license or a limited entry permit at the time of their injury to be eligible for these limited benefits.

Route 3: The Jones Act

The most important avenue for full financial recovery for injured commercial fishermen is through federal rules: the Jones Act and general maritime law. These powerful laws offer much more comprehensive coverage. Unlike the state’s no-fault workers’ compensation system, the Jones Act allows you to seek damages from your employer. However, you must prove they were negligent or that the vessel was unseaworthy and contributed to your injury. Under the Jones Act, you can recover full damages, including lost wages and pain and suffering, if negligence or unseaworthiness is proven. Separately, general maritime law entitles you to a daily living allowance (maintenance), medical expenses (cure), and unearned wages, which are no-fault remedies owed until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or the end of your contract/fishing season, whichever comes first.

Seek skilled guidance for Alaska’s unique system

Alaska's commercial fishermen are up against a complex system for injury claims. The AWCA is out, the Fishermen’s Fund is highly limited, and the Jones Act is complex. Successfully navigating these layered state and federal remedies requires deep knowledge of maritime laws and compensation rules.]]> On Behalf of Rehbock & Wilson <![CDATA[Dangers of a desk job: Workers’ compensation rights in Alaska]]> https://www.resultscount.net/?p=46749 2025-07-30T15:36:14Z 2025-07-30T15:36:14Z You have been typing on your computer for hours, your eyes feel strained, your back is aching and your wrists feel numb. When most people think about workplace injuries, they picture construction zones or factory floors, not cubicles. But desk jobs can cause real physical harm over time. Knowing your rights can help you protect your health and financial stability.

Yes, office injuries count

Workers’ compensation in Alaska covers more than just sudden injuries. It also applies to health problems that build up over time, especially when your daily work causes them. Office workers may be at risk for:
  • Repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Neck, back or shoulder pain from poor posture or an uncomfortable desk setup
  • Eye strain and headaches from too much screen time
  • Stress or anxiety from a high-pressure work environment
Injuries that build over time, like those from desk work, are just as valid as sudden accidents under Alaska’s workers’ compensation system. 

Know your options if you are dealing with pain

Desk jobs may seem low-risk, but they can still lead to serious, long-term pain. If your condition is caused by your work, you may qualify for:
  • Coverage for doctor visits, treatment and physical therapy
  • Partial wage replacement while you recover
  • Payment for lasting injuries or physical limits
  • Job retraining if you cannot return to your old position
If you are not sure whether your situation qualifies, talking to a workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your options and protect your rights.

Your desk injury is a cause for compensation

You do not have to lift heavy equipment to get hurt at work. Office injuries are real and can have a lasting impact on your health. You deserve the right treatment and support, just like any other worker. If you think your job is causing pain or strain, talk to a workers’ compensation attorney in Alaska. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather the right documents and take steps toward getting the care and benefits you need.  ]]> On Behalf of Rehbock & Wilson <![CDATA[What is the most dangerous work environment?]]> https://www.resultscount.net/?p=46748 2025-04-27T01:58:24Z 2025-04-27T01:58:24Z What is the most dangerous career setting? Workers in Alaska may take jobs in some of the most dangerous industries. Many people look at workplace fatality statistics when ranking how dangerous certain careers actually are. However, the reality is that multiple people sustain injuries for every one workplace fatality. Therefore, looking at lost-time incidents and injury reports can provide better insight into workplace safety than looking at fatalities. When looking at the professions where workers report the highest rate of injury, one workplace stands out as far more dangerous than any other. According to data gathered over more than two decades, hospitals are more dangerous than any other private industry workplace setting. Each year, hospitals saw 157.5 injuries per 10,000 full-time employees. Private employees in all industries only saw 105.2 injuries per 10,000 employees. Construction, which many people view as a very dangerous career, saw 147.4 injuries per 10,000 full-time workers, while the manufacturing sector only had 105.2 injuries per 10,000 workers. Like professionals in any career, injured or sickened hospital employees may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. They can apply for benefits that replace their wages and pay for their medical treatment. Learning about job hazards and workers' compensation benefits can help employees assert themselves after an incident on the job. Hospital workers may be more likely than many others to file a workers' compensation claim because of their elevated risk of a work injury.]]> On Behalf of Rehbock & Wilson <![CDATA[3 of the top workplace risks for semi-truck drivers]]> https://www.resultscount.net/?p=46747 2025-02-01T02:58:23Z 2025-02-01T02:58:23Z 1. Sprains and strains According to federal workplace injury statistics, injuries related to overexertion are the leading cause of lost-time incidents involving semi-truck drivers. Sprains and strains account for roughly half of all lost-time incidents involving commercial truck drivers. They may hurt themselves by responding aggressively to unsafe traffic conditions or while loading and unloading their vehicles.

2. Fractures and other crash injuries

Collisions are another common reason why truck drivers might get hurt at work. While they are less likely than those in passenger vehicles to suffer fatal injuries, they could easily break bones or develop other injuries from a crash that force them to take a leave of absence to recover. Truck drivers involved in collisions may need to take eight weeks or more away from work to heal. They may need workers' compensation to replace their lost wages and to pay for their medical treatment.

3. Pain from repetitive strain injuries

Truck drivers spend all day in a small space. They have to maintain constant control of a vehicle, which can put strain on their arms, hands, shoulders, feet and knees. They may even develop injuries to the lumbar spine from remaining seated for so long while working. Repetitive strain injuries often require time off for the worker to recover and could sometimes force truck drivers to change professions or move into a lower-paid local transportation job. Drivers who are aware of their job risks may find it easier to assert themselves if they get hurt at work. Filing a claim for workers' compensation benefits can help truck drivers recoup their lost income and pay for their medical care.]]> On Behalf of Rehbock & Wilson <![CDATA[What are the biggest safety hazards for construction professionals?]]> https://www.resultscount.net/?p=46746 2024-11-02T22:21:36Z 2024-11-02T22:21:36Z Falls Working at a significant elevation is dangerous. Construction workers may need to work on a second-story roof or multiple stories above ground. If they end up falling, they are at risk of severe injury and possibly death. Employers generally need to provide appropriate safety equipment to help minimize the risk of a fall.

Struck-by incidents

There are many kinds of moving equipment at the average construction site. From heavy machinery to materials lifted by cranes, those items can sometimes make accidental contact with workers. Struck-by incidents include scenarios in which falling objects hit workers or where machinery strikes a construction professional. Such incidents can lead to death or can cause severe injuries ranging from broken bones to spinal cord injuries.

Electrical exposure

Construction sites create many opportunities for exposure to electricity. Some professionals help install or update wiring, which is hazardous. Others may regularly use power tools. Temporary power supply and fraying electrical cords might result in their exposure to a dangerous amount of electricity. Even accidental contact with power lines can lead to major injuries for those working in construction.

Caught-between incidents

Sometimes, workers end up stuck between two objects. A cave-in that occurs while a worker is performing a task inside a trench could lead to a caught-between situation. Workers could also end up pinned by equipment against a wall or another piece of machinery. Any of these hazards could cause career-ending injuries or leave a worker in the hospital for weeks. Construction workers with serious on-the-job injuries may need help obtaining workers' compensation benefits to pay for their medical costs and lost wages, with is okay. Learning about job hazards can help workers avoid them and recognize when they should assert themselves due to unnecessary danger in the workplace.]]> On Behalf of Rehbock & Wilson <![CDATA[Who chooses an injury victim’s doctor for workers’ comp treatment?]]> https://www.resultscount.net/?p=46745 2024-07-26T22:51:07Z 2024-07-26T22:51:07Z A worker can choose the doctor they see Employees in Alaska may already have a standing relationship with a physician they trust. A worker concerned about symptoms might seek evaluation from their primary care physician. If they suddenly develop symptoms with little warning, they might go to an urgent care facility and see whoever is on the schedule that day. Thankfully, regardless of who diagnoses them and who provides the treatment, workers' compensation can potentially reimburse that medical professional. The current rules in Alaska allow the employee to select the medical professional who provides their care during their claim. The one exception to that rule involves a worker in need of emergency treatment. When an incident renders a worker unconscious and in need of emergency support, their employer may arrange for their transportation to a medical facility and may choose the healthcare provider who treats them initially. The ability to select the physician for a workers' compensation claim can help an employee feel more comfortable following a recommended course of treatment. They don't have to worry about the professional having a conflict of interest because of the pre-existing relationship with the business. Learning the basic rules about workers' compensation benefits is important. Injured employees may need assistance understanding available benefits and obtaining the support they need. Seeking personalized legal guidance is a great way to get started.]]> On Behalf of Rehbock & Wilson <![CDATA[Workers’ compensation claim denials: how many times can you appeal?]]> https://www.resultscount.net/?p=46744 2024-04-22T20:33:31Z 2024-04-22T20:33:31Z Denials happen Now, imagine you are at home and your employer's insurance company sends you a letter saying that they have denied your claim. You probably feel shocked—you never expected this to happen. After all, you got injured on the job. You say to yourself that this surely must be a mistake. Confused and upset, you wonder what to do next.

Your claim is denied. Now what?

Let's say they deny your workers' compensation claim and you are confident it must be a mistake. Unfortunately, it is not a simple, informal process to communicate that to the insurance company, and there is an established procedure that you must go through. It is not as simple as picking up the phone, talking with someone, explaining why it's a mistake, and them approving your claim. In fact, if they deny your claim, they will explain to you why they denied it. For example, they can deny your claim because:
  • The insurance company does not believe your injury qualifies for compensation
  • The injury not being related to your job
  • The insurance company does not have enough information about your injury
  • You sent your claim in after the deadline, or the insurance company received it late

What you can do

The next step is to focus on the reasons for the denial. Of course, you can have an attorney help you with this. After all, workers' compensation attorneys deal with denials every day and know what to do. If you can do this, it might give you the best shot at a successful outcome. However, keep in mind that the process is the same. The most critical action here, however, is for you to:
  • Gain an understanding of why they denied your claim
  • Please read the letter carefully and understand what they are telling you

File an appeal

In Alaska, you can appeal their denial. The process involves the following steps:
  1. Request for reconsideration: this is your first appeal. You ask the insurance company to review your claim again. You must make this request within 60 days after you receive the letter they sent you denying your claim.
  2. Appeal to the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board: if the insurance company still denies your claim, you can take your case to the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board, where a panel will take the information from your side and the insurance company's side and decide whether you qualify for workers' compensation benefits.
If you appeal to the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board, ensure you are prepared to present your case clearly. Have an attorney with you if you can. The Board will set a hearing, and you and the insurance company will present your side of the story.

Further appeals

Now, let's say the Board denies your claim. If the Board denies your claim, is it all lost? Not necessarily. You can actually appeal to the Alaska Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission. This Commission will review the Board's decision to ensure they followed the law correctly. If the Commission tells you that the Board was correct in its decision, you can take your case to the Alaska Supreme Court. In summary, you will have three opportunities to appeal, and if none of those work, you can still take your case to the Supreme Court. It is critical to understand that denials are telling you something. Ensure you have a robust case and gather as much evidence as possible, even if you are running in circles. Get double the evidence, or triple it if possible, to show that your claim is valid and makes you eligible for workers' compensation benefits.]]>