If you find yourself injured on the job in North Carolina, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits by law. These benefits serve as a financial safety net, supporting employees who sustain injuries during their employment.
Navigating the workers’ compensation process can be overwhelming, especially as you heal from your injury and plan your time off work. However, understanding your rights is essential, and with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer by your side, you may be able to secure medical care, rehabilitation services, and financial assistance to aid in your recovery and return to work.
Whether your injury results from a slip and fall, a machinery malfunction, or any other workplace accident, seeking the guidance of a Board-Certified workers’ compensation lawyer at Daggett Shuler can significantly aid in securing the resources you need to heal and return to work confidently.
Our clients who have been injured on the job come from a variety of occupations, including:
In our practice, we understand that workplace injuries can take various forms, each presenting unique challenges and requirements for recovery. Whether a client has strained their back while lifting heavy objects, endured the aftermath of a work-related car collision, or faced debilitating joint injuries, our dedicated team of workers’ compensation lawyers is committed to advocating fiercely on their behalf.
We recognize the profound impact these injuries can have on individuals and their families, not only in terms of physical pain but also the financial strain and emotional toll they cause. That's why we work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the benefits and medical treatment they rightfully deserve. From filing paperwork on time to taking on the insurance companies, we work hard to help secure maximum compensation and comprehensive care for our clients.
Pursuing workers’ compensation benefits after a work-related injury can be a complicated and frustrating process to navigate on your own. The North Carolina Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Daggett Shuler work closely with you to guide you through each step of your case. Obtaining qualified legal counsel early can help ensure your claim is handled appropriately. Our Board-Certified Specialist in North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law will help you get the benefits you are entitled to.
An injury at work can be sudden—such as a strain while lifting a heavy object, a blow to the head, a fall from a ladder, or a site accident. There is often little doubt that workers’ compensation should cover such injuries. However, insurance companies commonly deny valid claims—blaming an injury or disability on other activities or pre-existing conditions. They also may deny claims they argue do not fit the legal definition of an accident under the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act.
Be careful when talking with rehabilitation nurses, case managers, or vocational experts about your case, your feelings about your case, your job, or your return to work. Speaking with anyone except your lawyer, doctors, or other medical care provider regarding your claim is unwise. To be safe:
Hiring a Board-Certified lawyer for your workers' compensation claim in North Carolina can be beneficial for several reasons:
Hiring a Board-Certified workers’ compensation lawyer at Daggett Shuler can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your rights are being protected and that you have someone advocating for your best interests throughout the workers' compensation process.
Depending on the extent of your injuries—and the facts of your case—you may also be eligible to receive short-term or long-term disability insurance benefits. We can advise you on how such disability benefits—as well as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicare benefits—can affect your Workers’ Compensation case.
It's important to note that the specifics of workers' compensation coverage can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the employer's workers' compensation insurance policy terms. Additionally, workers' compensation typically provides benefits regardless of who was at fault for the injury or illness as long as it occurred during employment. Workers' compensation typically covers the following:
This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and other medical treatments related to workplace injury or illness.
Workers' compensation partially replaces lost wages for time missed from work due to injury or illness. The amount typically covers a percentage of the worker's average weekly wage.
If the injury or illness results in temporary or permanent disability, workers' compensation may provide additional benefits to compensate for the loss of earning capacity.
Workers who require vocational rehabilitation or job retraining due to their injury or illness may be eligible for these services through workers' compensation.
Suppose a worker dies as a result of a workplace injury or illness. In that case, workers' compensation may provide death benefits to the worker's dependents to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial support.
Workers' compensation may cover reasonable travel expenses for medical appointments related to workplace injury or illness.
Workers may need to hire a lawyer to help navigate the workers' compensation process. Workers' compensation may cover reasonable legal fees associated with the claim.
As an injured worker in North Carolina, you have several rights protected by state workers' compensation laws.These rights ensure injured workers receive the medical care and financial support they need to recover from work-related injuries or illnesses and return to productive employment. If you have questions about your rights or need assistance with a workers' compensation claim, you may consider consulting with a knowledgeable attorney familiar with North Carolina's workers' compensation laws. These rights include:
You have the right to receive necessary medical treatment for your work-related injury or illness. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other treatments deemed reasonable and related to your injury.
If you suffer a work-related injury or illness, you have the right to file a workers' compensation claim with your employer's insurance carrier. You must report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident or when you become aware of the injury.
If your injury prevents you from working, you have the right to receive compensation for lost wages. Typically, workers' compensation benefits cover a percentage of your average weekly wage.
If your injury results in temporary or permanent disability, you have the right to receive disability benefits. The amount and duration of benefits depend on the extent of your disability and your ability to work.
If you are unable to return to your previous job due to your injury, you have the right to vocational rehabilitation services. This may include job retraining, education, job placement assistance, and other support services to help you return to suitable employment.
If your workers' compensation claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You may request a hearing before the North Carolina Industrial Commission to present evidence and arguments supporting your claim.
It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for filing a workers' compensation claim or exercising your rights under workers' compensation laws. Retaliation may include termination, demotion, harassment, or other adverse actions.
Your medical records and personal information related to your workers' compensation claim are protected by privacy laws. Your employer and their insurance carrier must maintain the confidentiality of your medical information.
Workers' compensation claims can vary widely depending on the nature of the work environment and the types of tasks employees perform. However, some common types of workers' compensation claims include:
Slips, Trips, and Falls: These are among the most common workplace injuries. They can occur due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways, or inadequate lighting.
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): RSIs result from repetitive motions or overuse of certain body parts. They're common in jobs that involve typing, assembly line work, or other repetitive tasks.
Muscle Strains and Sprains: These injuries can occur from lifting heavy objects, sudden movements, or improper lifting techniques. They often affect the back, shoulders, and neck.
Cuts, Lacerations, and Punctures: Workers in industries like construction, manufacturing, and food service are at risk of cuts and puncture wounds from tools, machinery, or sharp objects.
Burns: Employees in kitchens, industrial settings, or laboratories may suffer burns from hot surfaces, chemicals, or fires.
Falling Objects: Workers in warehouses, construction sites, or manufacturing facilities may be injured by falling objects or debris.
Vehicle Accidents: Workers who drive as part of their job, such as delivery or truck drivers, are at risk of vehicle accidents.
Exposure to Harmful Substances: Employees may suffer health issues from exposure to toxic chemicals, fumes, or other hazardous substances in the workplace.
Electrocution: Workers in electrical equipment or wiring industries may suffer electric shocks or electrocution.
Work-Related Illnesses: These can include respiratory problems from exposure to asbestos or other airborne pollutants, as well as occupational diseases like carpal tunnel syndrome or mesothelioma.
These are just some examples, and the specific types of workers' compensation claims can vary depending on factors such as the industry, workplace safety measures, and job duties.
If you or a loved one has been injured at work, call Daggett Shuler today at (336) 724-1234 for a free, confidential consultation. You can also submit a Free Case Evaluation Form below. We will gladly speak with you for free—and you only pay if we help you receive benefits or a settlement and the Industrial Commission approves the attorney fee.
When you suffer an injury at work in North Carolina, you can file a claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission for workers’ compensation benefits. This covers costs resulting from work-related injuries, such as medical bills and lost wages, and must be filed promptly after your accident.
Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer must approve or deny your claim within two weeks from the notice of the injury. It is helpful to hire a workers’ compensation attorney to guide you through the complex claims process to win your benefits as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, insurance companies notoriously deny valid workers’ compensation claims to protect their profits. If this happens, you must appeal the denial by filing a Request for Hearing (Form 33) with the assistance of a North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer.
After your claim is denied and you file a Request for a Hearing, you and your attorney will proceed with the following:
If you were injured at work due to the negligence of a third party, and not your employer, you might be entitled to file a separate, third-party claim. These claims often occur in work-related automobile accidents.
Usually, workers’ compensation benefits cover only a portion of the damages sustained after a workplace accident. However, a third-party legal action may allow you to obtain additional money to cover damages.
Even though your injuries and damages were due to a work-related accident, the workers’ compensation system does not protect the third party involved. All parties responsible for your injuries need to be held accountable.
When you sustain injuries in a work-related accident, you may begin to accumulate medical bills for your treatment. This can be overwhelming, especially with diminished income due to time off work.
Fortunately, under North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law, your employer or their insurance carrier is supposed to provide your medical treatment at no cost to you. However, your employer in North Carolina can generally direct your medical care and select your treating providers in exchange for the coverage.
Under the law, you may have the right to request a second opinion from a new doctor or medical care provider. You may even request a transfer of your medical treatment to a different provider. To learn more about your options when filing a workers’ compensation claim, speak with a Board-Certified North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer at Daggett Shuler today.
Our attorneys have helped clients with legal support through workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability, personal injury, car accident claims, and more. Our clients know that we stand beside them when they are going through a difficult time. Read reviews from real clients, and if you had a positive experience with Daggett Shuler Law, please consider leaving a review.
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