Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Raleigh, North Carolina
Are you suffering from a work injury in Raleigh, North Carolina? Learn more about workers’ compensation and how a Raleigh work injury lawyer at Ricci Law Firm can help you.
Compensation After A Work Injury
Suffering from a work injury is something that can happen in every industry. In the aftermath, you’re left to deal with stressful and painful injuries. Mounting medical costs may pose a serious threat to support your family when you’re unable to work. In the event of a work-related injury, you may qualify for WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFITS to cover your costs and expenses.
It’s important to choose a Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyer who will fight on your behalf. When you choose us as your lawyers, we will make sure you get the proper medical treatment you need. We’ll work to make sure your insurer reimburses you for any out-of-pocket expenses. We also fight to cover the costs of any medication your doctor prescribes for your injury or illness. We’ll be here to negotiate settlements and to work toward maximizing your compensation.
To help you maximize the benefits payments you deserve, we offer detailed advice on the proper steps to take to file the most effective claim or appeal possible. Our help in gathering all necessary information, including medical records, accident and incident reports, and medical opinions can be invaluable in your quest for workers’ compensation benefits.
Talk to a lawyer for a free case evaluation today.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides medical and disability benefits to cover expenses as a result of a work injury. Workers’ compensation entitles those who have suffered from an injury on the job to cash benefits and medical care while they recover.
It can be burdensome to navigate North Carolina workers’ compensation law by yourself. No-fault insurance qualifies you for specific benefits regardless of who caused the accident that resulted in injury. Despite the fact that you don’t need to demonstrate who was at fault to claim your benefits, it’s still in your best interest to have an experienced attorney looking out for your best interests.
It is likely the insurance company and your employer will want to close your claim as quickly as possible for the lowest amount possible. With the experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Ricci Law on your side, you can rest assured that you will be in optimal position to maximize the compensation you’re eligible to receive.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Workers who sustain injuries or illnesses during the course of their work are entitled to monetary benefits under the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act. Although certain types of employers are exempt from having to carry workers’ comp insurance, those required to carry it should be providing you with your benefits if you have suffered an injury.
North Carolina workers’ compensation can help cover:
- Ongoing care
- Missed wages
- Illness
- Funeral costs
- Repetitive injury
- Accident or injury
- Disability benefits
If they offer these benefits, you deserve everything your employer owes you. Although you have the option of filing the paperwork by yourself, you should consider Ricci Law’s 6 decades of combined experience in workers’ compensation law to maximize your results.
Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina
If you get hurt on the job or develop an illness that you believe is work-related, it’s imperative that you take action. There are several steps that you should take following a work injury in North Carolina.
Seek Medical Treatment
In the event of a workplace injury, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
Notify Your Provider
When first seeking treatment, it’s important to notify your doctor or healthcare provider that your condition is related to your employment. This will aid the provider in billing your care towards workers’ compensation.
Notify Your Employer Orally
You should do this as soon as possible – whether before or after treatment.
Provide A Written Notice
The sooner that you notify your employer in writing, the better. In most instances, you have only 30 days to report your injury to your employer. It’s crucial that you provide written notice as soon as you can.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Workers sometimes encounter resistance from their employers when they shouldn’t. Most employees across North Carolina are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. If you feel at all like you are being denied the benefits you deserve, contact our Raleigh workers’ compensation attorneys today at (919) 897-7616.
Most Common Workers’ Compensation Injuries and Claims
Not sure if your work injury is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits? Workers’ compensation covers almost all serious work injuries that require medical care.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system of insurance employers are required to carry for their employees. Employees can access workers’ compensation in exchange for giving up their rights to file a personal injury claim. It provides payment of medical expenses and wage loss benefits for workers who are injured while on the clock or in the course of the job or if they acquire a work-related illness. You aren’t required to prove that someone else was at fault for the incident that injured you. But, you must have sustained the injury while performing your job. An employer who doesn’t carry this may be breaking the law and subject to severe penalties.
To be eligible for workers’ compensation in North Carolina:
- Your injury must occur while you are working or from your work in the case of an illness
- Your injury must arise because of the work you are doing
- Your injury must be caused by an accident or, in the case of a back injury, a specific incident
Additionally, your employer must employ at least three individuals.
Common Injuries
Workers’ compensation covers many types of injuries. If you’ve suffered from any injury, including those listed below, you are probably eligible for workers’ compensation:
- Struck by object
- Crushed by object
- Falls
- Caught in/between
- Electrocution
- Fire / explosion
- Inhalation of toxic fumes
Common Causes of Workplace Injuries
Overexertion and bodily reaction, slips, trips, and falls, and contact with objects and equipment are the top three most common causes of workplace injuries in America. Together, they account for more than 84 percent of all nonfatal injuries that result in days away from work. Other common injuries include:
- Falls from heights
- Occupational diseases caused by things such as exposure to toxic hazards or repetitive strain
- Defective equipment or parts
- Exposures to toxic substances
Far too often, claimants are wrongfully denied benefits and unaware of their rights. If you suffer a work-related injury or illness, contact a Raleigh work injury attorney as soon as possible. They can assist you in taking all the necessary steps to seek compensation. Suppose there was another party involved, such as a contract worker or an equipment manufacturer involved in your injury. In that case, you might also be able to file a personal injury claim.
Common Claims
- Slips, trips, and falls – Falls are common in businesses such as restaurants and bars, where frequent spills lead to slippery surfaces.
- Electrocution – an electrical shock can lead to burns, nerve and organ damage, brain injuries, and even cardiac arrest. Electrical shocks can happen as a result of loose wires, malfunctioning equipment, lightning, and similar hazards.
- Struck by or against objects – An injury from a large or heavy object is something that can happen in any occupation. This can happen as the result of objects falling from shelves, malfunctioning machinery, or employees slipping or tripping into an object.
- Overexertion – This is one of the most common work-related injuries. Overexertion happens when someone places more strain on their body than it can handle. This may occur as a result of lifting heavy objects, unnatural twisting and rotating, or hyperextension.
- Transportation – Car accidents may not immediately come to mind, though they count if the accident occurred within the course and scope of your employment. Emergency responders, truckers, and delivery drivers are at high risk, but they can happen to anyone.
- Machinery – Large, complex machines like construction or manufacturing equipment that are poorly maintained increase the chance of employee injury.
- Unintentional inhalation – Workers in the medical field and related injuries may find themselves being unintentionally exposed to dangerous drugs. This may, in turn, lead to an accidental overdose.
- Workplace violence – Workers in the criminal justice system or that work with the public may face physical violence. Physical assaults between co-workers may also be eligible for a workers’ comp claim.
- Fires or Explosions – Fires and explosions can be catastrophic, as they can lead to severe burns, lung damage, shockwave damage, and many other severe injuries.
Contact Our Experienced Raleigh Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
Our Raleigh, NC workers’ compensation attorneys dedicate themselves to helping you seek your deserved benefits. We have the knowledge and experience to assist you with your initial claims and any following appeals. Request a free case evaluation today, or fill out our contact form.
Workers’ Compensation FAQ
Workers compensation cases include many details and can be a complicated process, especially for people dealing with the injuries or illnesses resulting from their work environment. Compiled here are some of the most common questions we receive from clients about North Carolina workers’ compensation law.
What Must an Employee Do When an Injury Occurs?
Report the injury to the employer and in writing, immediately and in any event within 30 days.
How Long Am I Eligible to Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Workers compensation benefits are eligible to be collected until your physician approves you to return to work. If you are suffering from a permanent partial disability, the law allows you to collect benefits for the maximum number of weeks. After that expires, disability benefits can be collected to replace the benefits received from workers’ compensation insurance.
What if My Employer Does Not Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
If your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance, an attorney can help you should report it to the North Carolina Industrial Claims (NCIC) Criminal Investigations & Employee Classification Division. If injured, you should file a Form 18 and a Form with the Commission.
What Do I Do If My Employer or Insurer Denies My Workers Compensation Claim?
If either your insurer denies your North Carolina workers’ compensation claim, an attorney can help. We can help address any issues with your claim such as providing additional medical documentation, or we can request a hearing with the North Carolina Industrial Commission, which will issue a decision about your claim.