If you have suffered an injury at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. It can be challenging to navigate the workers’ compensation system on your own, so it is essential to seek the help of an experienced attorney.
At Collier Law, our Kannapolis NC personal injury attorneys have years of experience helping people file workers’ compensation claims and get the benefits they deserve. We would be happy to discuss your case with you and advise you on the best course of action.
Our team members prize the attorney-client relationship above all else. We will keep all of our conversations confidential when you turn to us. In addition, we’ll work to help you recover lost wages and other expenses you’ve incurred due to your injury. Contact us as soon as you can for a free consultation.
How the Workers Compensation System Works in North Carolina
There are many large employers in the area, of course, including the following:
- ACN
- Amazon Health
- Atrium Health
- Corning Inc.
- Hendrick Motorsports
- Roush Fenway Racing
- Perdue Farms
- Speedway Motorsports
- Sysco
- And many others
Unfortunately, large and small workplaces alike can be very dangerous places. When an accident happens, it can lead to severe injuries. Even non-physical work can result in injuries that can be debilitating. Thankfully, people who are hurt on the job may be able to recover lost wages and other expenses through North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system.
The workers’ compensation system in North Carolina is a no-fault system. This means that you do not have to prove that your employer was at fault for your injury to receive benefits. Instead, all you need to do is show that the injury or illness occurred due to your job.
If you are injured or become ill as a result of your job, you can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Several benefits are available, including medical expenses, wage replacement, and death benefits.
Medical Expenses
Under the workers’ compensation system, employers are required to provide employees with reasonable and necessary medical care for work-related injuries or illnesses. This includes both initial treatment and follow-up care.
Wage Replacement
If you are unable to work because of a work-related injury or illness, you may be entitled to wage replacement benefits. These benefits are designed to help you continue to receive a portion of your income while you cannot work. The amount of the benefit will depend on your average weekly wage and how long you are unable to work.
Death Benefits
If an employee dies as a result of a job-related injury or illness, their family may be eligible for death benefits. The benefit amount will depend on the employee’s average weekly wage and the number of dependents. In addition, you might be able to obtain compensation on behalf of a loved one through not only workers comp but possibly through a wrongful death lawsuit as well if medical malpractice occurred.
Types of Injuries that Qualify for Workers Comp
Many types of injuries can qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Some common examples include:
– back injuries
– neck injuries
– carpal tunnel syndrome
– burns
– occupational asthma
Common Ways Insurance Companies Challenge Workers Compensation Claims
There are a lot of arguments insurance companies – and employers – will often try to make against paying a workers’ compensation claim. These include the following:
– The injury did not occur as a result of the job.
– The injury was pre-existing.
– You can return to work, even if you are still in pain.
– You refused medical treatment or failed to follow your doctor’s orders.
If you have been injured at work, it is important to seek the help of an experienced attorney who is familiar with all the legal issues that can arise from a workers comp claim. It can be difficult to navigate the system on your own, so it is important to seek the help of one of the experienced workers’ compensation lawyers with Collier Law.
What to Do if You’ve Been Injured on the Job
If you have been injured on the job, there are a few steps you should take:
– If you have been injured at work, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible and keep all of your doctor’s appointments.
– You should also report the injury to your supervisor as soon as possible.
– Keep all of your doctor’s appointments and follow their orders.
– Contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer for help filing a claim.
Light Duty Return to Work
If you are injured in North Carolina, your employer will often attempt to make you return to work before you are ready. There are certain hoops the law requires the employer to jump through, but many employers will take advantage of an unrepresented worker to get around these.
The statute covering return to work light duty states that before an injured worker may return to work, the employer must have a light-duty job description approved by the treating physician. In addition, the proposed work must be within the employee’s work restrictions. This is very important to know, as there have been cases where an employer will make someone return to work light duty only to find a reason to terminate them at a later point.
Questions to Ask Your NC Workers Compensation Attorney
If you have been injured on the job, there are a few questions you should ask your workers’ compensation attorney:
– What is the process for filing a workers’ compensation claim?
– What are the benefits available?
– How long will it take to receive benefits?
– Can I continue to collect workers’ compensation if I am able to return to work, even if I am still in pain?
– Will my employer be notified that I am filing a claim?
How Can Collier Law Help With Your Workers Comp Case??
If you have been injured on the job, it is important to seek the help of an experienced attorney. At Collier Law, we can help you file a workers’ compensation claim and get the benefits you deserve.
We have years of experience helping people receive the benefits they are entitled to, and we practice law with passion. Our attorneys have a track record of success in not only workers comp cases but also car accidents, wrongful death, social security disability, and other areas.
We would be happy to discuss your case with you. Contact us today for a free consultation.