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When to Hire a Workers Comp Lawyer

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When to Hire a Workers Comp Lawyer

Workers’ compensation is a system in the United States and many other countries that provides benefits to workers who are injured or become ill due to their job. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you have been injured or become sick while working.

Contact Collier Law to get more information if you’re unsure whether to hire a workers comp lawyer. We offer free consultations so that you can learn more about your rights without obligation. When you speak with a lawyer, ask about their experience with cases like yours and whether they think you have a strong case.

Collier Law works on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us anything. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation to get started on your workers’ comp case.

Workers’ Compensation Law in North Carolina

The North Carolina workers’ compensation system is a state-run insurance program that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. Workers’ compensation benefits can include medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits.

You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you are injured at work or become ill due to your job. If you are injured at work, you should report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits even if you cannot return to work.

If you become ill due to your job, you should also report this to your employer as soon as possible. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if your illness is caused by exposure to hazardous materials or if you are diagnosed with a work-related illness.

When to Hire a Workers Comp Lawyer

You should consider hiring a workers comp lawyer if:

Your Employer Denies Your Claim

Sometimes, an employer may deny or refuse injured workers’ claims for benefits. If this happens, you may need to hire a lawyer to help you get the benefits you deserve. A lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need to prove your entitlement to benefits.

You Have a Pre-Existing Condition

If you have a pre-existing condition, you may still be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if your job aggravated or worsened your condition. However, your employer may try to deny your claim based on your pre-existing condition. If this happens, you may need to hire a lawyer to help you get the benefits you deserve.

You’ve Suffered a Permanent Disability

You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you’ve suffered a permanent disability due to your job. However, your employer’s insurance carrier may try to deny or reduce your claim. If this happens, a workers’ compensation attorney can help you fight the denial and get the benefits you deserve.

You’ve Been Fired or Forced to resign

While North Carolina is an at-will employment state, there are some exceptions to this rule. One exception is if you’ve been fired or forced to resign because you filed a workers’ compensation claim.

You Receive or Want to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits

If you’ve been injured at work and cannot return to work, you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits. However, the process of applying for these benefits can be complex. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you navigate the application process.

A Third Party Caused the Accident

If you were injured in a work-related accident that was caused by a third party, such as a defective product, you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you determine if you have a case and represent you in court.

You May Need to File an Appeal

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied or you are not offered a fair settlement, you may need to file an appeal. A lawyer can help you navigate the appeals process and represent you at your hearing.

If any of the above situations apply to you, you should consider hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer. And if you don’t think you fit in any of the above situations, you can still consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer to get their opinion on your case. At Collier Law, we offer free consultations, so you have nothing to lose by giving us a call.

What Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at Collier Law Do For Me?

A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you in a number of ways, starting with managing your medical treatment to ensure that you receive all the benefits you deserve under the North Carolina workers’ compensation commission.

Negotiate With the Insurance Company

One of the most important things a lawyer can do is negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out claims. They will often try to lowball you on your settlement or deny your claim altogether. A lawyer will fight to get you the full amount of benefits you deserve.

File an Appeal

If your claim is denied, or if you are not offered a fair settlement, a lawyer can help you file an appeal. They will help you navigate the appeals process and represent you at your hearing.

Represent You At a Workers’ Comp Hearing

A lawyer can represent you if you need to go to a workers’ compensation hearing. This is usually only necessary if your employer is contesting your claim.

Protect Your Rights if Your Employer Attempts to Retaliate Against You

If you’ve filed a workers’ comp claim, your employer may not retaliate against you. This includes firing you, demoting you, or reducing your hours. If your employer does take any of these actions against you, a lawyer can help you file a retaliation claim.

Workers’ Comp Benefits in North Carolina

Workers’ compensation benefits in North Carolina can include medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits.

  • Medical Expenses: Workers’ compensation will pay for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your work injury. This includes doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, and more.
  • Income Replacement: Workers’ compensation will replace a portion of your lost wages if you cannot work because of your injury. The amount you receive is based on your average weekly wage.
  • Death Benefits: If a worker dies directly from a work-related injury, their surviving spouse and dependent children may be eligible for death benefits. These benefits can include funeral expenses and a portion of the deceased worker’s lost wages.

If you are an injured worker, you should contact a workers’ compensation lawyer at Collier Law to discuss your case. You may be entitled to more benefits than you realize. And if your claim has been denied, a lawyer can help you file an appeal.

Contact a Workers Comp Attorney at Collier Law

You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you have been injured at work. However, the claims process can be complex and confusing. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate the system and fight for the benefits you deserve.

We value the attorney-client relationship and will honestly evaluate the details of your individual case and offer personalized, compassionate legal counsel at no obligation to you. We work hard to earn our clients’ trust and business, and we only get paid when you do. Contact us today for a free evaluation.