Although workplace injuries are often associated with dangerous jobs or those involving manual labor, they can occur in almost any profession. If you have been hurt on the job, you may have a long way to go until you can recover from your injuries and get back to work.
Meanwhile, you may struggle to pay your bills and care for your family. North Carolina workers’ compensation regulations are designed to help, but they sometimes fall short. A Salisbury workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand your rights and get the compensation you need.
At DeMayo Law Offices, our Salisbury personal injury lawyers have over 250 years of combined experience fighting for injured victims like you. Contact us today for a free consultation and tell us what happened.
Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina
When you are injured in the workplace, you are entitled to certain benefits under North Carolina law. To qualify, you must have been involved in an accident, and it must have taken place during or because of your employment.
Depending on your injury, workers’ compensation benefits can help you pay for medical expenses such as:
- Hospital stays
- Surgical procedures
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Medications
You may also be entitled to temporary or permanent disability benefits for the time you are unable to work. A Salisbury workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and which benefits apply to your situation.
For a free legal consultation with a workers' compensation lawyer serving Salisbury, call (877) 333-1000
Can You Sue Your Employer for Workplace Injuries?
In most cases, you can’t sue your employer for on-the-job injuries. North Carolina’s workers compensation laws shield employers from lawsuits for negligence, instead requiring them to participate in the workers’ compensation program to compensate employees.
However, there can be an exception in cases where the employer intentionally harmed you, or caused your injury through misconduct that they should have reasonably known had the potential to result in injuries.
If you believe you may have cause for a civil suit against your employer, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer in Salisbury. We can help you choose your next steps.
Salisbury Workers' Compensation Lawyer Near Me (877) 333-1000
Should You Settle Your Workers’ Compensation Case?
As your medical treatment progresses, you may be presented with the opportunity to settle your case. If you accept, this puts an end to your workers’ compensation benefits in exchange for a lump sum payment or a series of structured payments.
Whether you should accept a settlement is highly dependent on your injury, your prognosis, and your future outlook. It is important to speak with an attorney who can advise you on the benefits and pitfalls of accepting a settlement in your specific situation.
You are not required to take a settlement just because it is offered. If you wish to settle but you are unhappy with the offer, an attorney can negotiate on your behalf for compensation that may better meet your needs.
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How a Salisbury Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help
When you are seriously injured in the workplace, it is smart to consult with an attorney to be sure you are getting the compensation you need from your employer. A lawyer can help you avoid many common mistakes that sometimes derail the claims process.
While every case is unique, some of the ways your workers’ compensation lawyer in Salisbury may be able to help include:
- Managing the claims process: North Carolina workers’ compensation laws can be complicated, and you need to follow the correct steps to qualify for compensation.
- Complying with deadlines: To maintain your rights under workers’ compensation laws, your lawyer can help you adhere to important deadlines and file specific paperwork.
- Explaining your rights: Your attorney can help you understand your choices in different circumstances, and avoid manipulation by insurance companies or your employer.
- Investigating your case: Our attorneys can investigate your accident, review medical records, interview witnesses, and conduct other research to understand what happened and ensure you are on the right track.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: If you are offered a settlement, your attorney can deal with insurance companies to negotiate for better compensation.
- Appealing denials: If your claim is denied, your lawyer can help you appeal the denial and represent you in hearings.
- Civil representation: If a rare situation occurs where you must sue your employer, your attorney can represent you in a civil suit.
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What Steps Should You Follow if You Are Injured on the Job?
The North Carolina Industrial Commission administers the Workers’ Compensation Act. According to the NCIC, there are specific steps you need to follow if you have been injured on the job. Doing so preserves your rights and can ensure you can get the benefits you need.
- Report your injury to your supervisor and seek medical care.
- Inform your healthcare provider that your injury is work-related.
- Inform the appropriate manager at your workplace that you have experienced a work-related accident.
- Within thirty days, give written notice to your employer that outlines the date of the accident and a description of your injury.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions for your medical care.
If you need help understanding the requirements for qualifying for workers’ compensation in North Carolina, an experienced attorney can help you with the process.
Statute of Limitations for Workers’ Compensation Claims
While you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident, you have two years to file a workers’ compensation claim. It is important to understand the difference. If you aren’t sure if you should file a claim, you can consult an attorney for advice.
Contact a Salisbury Workers’ Compensation Attorney
When you are hurt at work, you could face extensive injuries that require weeks or months for recovery. Workers’ compensation insurance can meet medical and financial needs, but you may not be sure it will completely cover your damages.
A Salisbury workers’ compensation attorney can explain the process of getting the compensation you need. If the system fails you, we can fight on your behalf so you can get the money you need to start getting your life back on track.
Since 1992, our team at DeMayo Law Offices has fought for the rights of those who need help most. Contact us for a free consultation to learn how we can help you.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
