Your North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
Getting hurt at work happens across all job industries. Work accidents can lead to stressful and painful physical impairments. You may not know how you will afford your medical expenses, especially while being unable to work and support your family. If you suffered a work-related injury, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to pay for these expenses and others.
Navigating The Challenges Of Workplace Injuries
We represent clients in injury claims resulting from accidents or hazardous conditions, assist with occupational illnesses linked to workplace exposures, and guide individuals through the appeals process for denied claims.
Additionally, we pursue third-party claims for further compensation and help clients navigate eligibility for both temporary and permanent disability benefits, ensuring they receive the financial support necessary for their recovery.
Who Is Eligible For Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina?
If You Can Answer "YES" To The Following Questions You May Be Eligible For Workers’ Comp In North Carolina:
- Were you injured on the job/at your workplace?
- Did you report the injury to your employer orally and in writing immediately and in any event within 30 days?
- Does your employer have at least 3 employees?
- Does your employer carry workers’ comp insurance?
Sometimes workers get pushback from their employer when they shouldn’t. Most employees across the state are eligible for workers’ comp benefits. If you think you’re being wrongfully denied benefits, contact our workers’ compensation lawyers for help.
Because workers’ comp is a no-fault system of insurance, you don’t have to prove someone else was at fault for the incident that injured you; but you must have sustained the injury while performing your job, even if it involved a car accident while driving a company vehicle. An employer who does not carry this insurance but who is supposed to may be breaking the law and subject to severe penalties.
Your Work Injury Consultation at Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers
With over 150+ years of combined experience, consulting our attorneys immediately after an injury or development of illness can help us build a case for the maximum benefits you are entitled to under no-fault work injury insurance. We offer detailed advice on each step in the claims filing or appeals process and even offer suggestions on the proper specialists and medical doctors to see for treatment.
If you work in an industry where you are frequently exposed to extremely loud noises, you may find that you subsequently develop hearing loss that prevents you from continuing to work. In these cases, you should be entitled to workers compensation benefits that can support you while you are out of work.
Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more hearing loss claims be denied by insurance companies, despite establishing that your hearing loss was directly caused by the conditions of your work environment. In cases like these, you should secure an experienced North Carolina workers comp lawyer who can help you beat your denied claim and retain the workers comp benefits you deserve for your hearing loss.
Requirements for North Carolina Workers Compensation Approval
To be approved for workers comp in NC, you need only demonstrate that your hearing loss was caused by the work you perform for your employer. Once you secure your approval, you will be able to begin collecting your weekly disability benefits, which amount to approximately 66 percent of your average weekly income.
You’ll also have your medical expenses covered by the insurer and be provided with opportunities for education or vocational training, since you’ll likely need to find gainful employment in another industry.
The insurance company is never going to be happy about paying out on a claim, as every claim they approve means that they are losing money. Sadly, this typically results in claimants who really need their benefits being forced to wait for the approval they’re rightfully entitled to.
Fighting a Denied Workman’s Comp Claim
When you receive a denial letter, that doesn’t mean this is the end of the road for your case. Generally speaking, we can work with the insurance adjuster to correct any problems there were in your initial claim so that you can be approved. This is not always the case, however. In many cases we will need to proceed with a formal appeal.
Your appeal will be filed with the North Carolina Industrial Commission, who will, in turn, review your case to ascertain your eligibility for workers comp. If your claim is still denied at this level, your workers comp lawyer will prepare to bring your case in front of an impartial administrative law judge.
Here, we will provide supporting medical documentation, witness statements, expert testimony, and other evidence that will demonstrate your need for workers comp benefits for hearing loss. Your employer and their insurance company will need to speak to their reasons for denying your claim, and the judge will then issue a verdict.
Claims that are denied at this level will have the opportunity to be heard in the North Carolina Court of Appeals or even the North Carolina Supreme Court, if necessary. You can expect your attorney to advise you accordingly as to what will be the best option in your case.
Consult with a North Carolina Workers Comp Lawyer
If you’re suffering from hearing loss and aren’t sure how to go about obtaining workers compensation benefits, get help from a North Carolina workers comp lawyer at Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, P.A. as soon as possible. Give our office a call at (252) 777-2222 or complete the quick contact form below to schedule your free case review today.
Workers’ Compensation FAQs
There are many details that go into workers’ compensation cases. Getting a workers’ comp claim approved can be quite complicated for those who are also dealing with the consequences of the injuries or illness they suffered due to their work environment.
For this reason, we have compiled a few of the most common questions our clients have had regarding their North Carolina workers’ compensation cases. Read on to learn more about the specifics of workers’ compensation benefits in our state.
Being injured at work is a difficult thing to go through. You know you deserve the benefits that workers’ compensation can give you, e...
We Will Fight For The Benefits You Deserve
Navigating workers’ compensation law can be challenging, and it’s often unclear what questions to ask an attorney or whether to pursue a private lawsuit. This no-fault insurance provides benefits regardless of who caused the accident, but without legal representation, there’s no one to advocate for your best interests. Employers and insurance companies aim to settle cases quickly and minimize payouts.
Our experienced attorneys are on your side and dedicated to maximize the compensation you receive. It is important to choose a skilled North Carolina workers’ comp attorney who will fight aggressively on your behalf. When you retain us as your lawyers, we will make sure you get the proper medical treatment you need. We’ll work to make sure you are reimbursed for your out-of-pocket expenses and the costs of any medication you are prescribed for your injury or illness. We’ll be here to negotiate settlements and to work toward maximizing your compensation.