Code of Alabama - Title 25: Industrial Relations and Labor - Section 25-5-80 - Limitation period for claims or actions for compensation

Section 25-5-80 - Limitation period for claims or actions for compensation.

In case of a personal injury not involving cumulative physical stress, all claims for compensation under this article shall be forever barred unless within two years after the accident the parties shall have agreed upon the compensation payable under this article or unless within two years after the accident one of the parties shall have filed a verified complaint as provided in Section 25-5-88. In cases involving personal injury due to cumulative physical stress, compensation under this article shall be forever barred unless within two years after the date of the injury one of the parties shall have filed a verified complaint as provided in Section 25-5-88. In cases involving claims for lost earning capacity under Section 25-5-57(a)(3)i., other than those involving cumulative physical stress, following termination of employment as outlined therein, compensation under this article and Article 4 shall be forever barred unless brought within two years of the termination. In case of death, all claims for compensation shall be forever barred unless within two years after death, when the death results proximately from the accident within three years, the parties shall have agreed upon the compensation under this article or unless within two years after the death one of the parties shall have filed a verified complaint as provided in Section 25-5-88. Where, however, payments of compensation, as distinguished from medical or vocational payments, have been made in any case, the period of limitation shall not begin to run until the time of making the last payment. In case of physical or mental incapacity, other than the minority of the injured person or his or her dependents, to perform or cause to be performed any act required within the time in this section specified, the period of limitation in any case shall be extended to become effective two years from the date when the incapacity ceases.

(Acts 1919, No. 245, p. 206; Code 1923, §7570; Code 1940, T. 26, §296; Acts 1984, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 85-41, p. 44, §9; Acts 1992, No. 92-537, p. 1082, §25.)

Last modified: May 3, 2021