Workers’ compensation benefits are crucial for keeping the North Carolina workforce safe and healthy. When someone is hurt on the job, the company’s insurance policy is supposed to pay for their medical bills and missed time at work. When the company or the insurance provider fails to offer fair compensation, the injured worker can work with a Marion workers compensation lawyer to receive sufficient financial compensation.
While some may think that workplace injuries only happen at construction sites and factories, a serious injury or death can happen in any work environment. Even in an office environment, someone can incur a serious injury when reaching for a heavy object.
Repetitive stress injuries can result from daily tasks performed at a desk. Any obstruction on the ground can cause a severe slip-and-fall injury that requires the filing of a workers’ compensation claim. Moreover, those in the transportation industry may be involved in a vehicle accident in the course of their work duties.
The types of injuries in Marion that can be used as the basis for filing a claim vary considerably, including:
Some types of injuries are known as catastrophic injuries if they cause permanent disability or disfigurement. For instance, the injured worker may lose a limb or suffer extensive harm that leaves them temporarily or permanently disabled.
No matter what type of injury you are facing, having legal representation can greatly improve the chances that you receive every penny you are entitled to under the state’s workers’ compensation program.
Following an injury, workers are reliant on their employer’s workers’ compensation program for help paying medical bills and other costs related to the injury. It is unfortunate that sometimes, those companies put profits over the needs of workers. Many workers have learned that there are benefits to hiring a workers’ compensation attorney early on in the claim process.
Dealing with an unexpected injury can be stressful, and having to navigate the complicated worker’s compensation claim process can be even more stressful. Your attorney can help you focus on recovery and handle the claim process on your behalf, easing your worries.
As the claim is filed and reviewed, your attorney can keep you updated on how the process is going. An insurance company is far less likely to try to violate your rights when they know that you have legal representation.
If your claim is denied for any reason, your lawyer can review the claim and resubmit it. If needed, your lawyer can represent you through the appeals process. Many workers’ compensation lawyers are only paid once their clients receive compensation from the insurance policy.
A: The amount of time it takes to settle a workers’ comp case in North Carolina can differ. Cases that have high potential settlement amounts are more likely to require more time for negotiation. Small cases with minor injuries are more likely to settle much sooner. Although the idea of waiting weeks or months for a fair settlement may seem undesirable, holding out for the full compensation amount you deserve is sometimes worth the wait.
A: The North Carolina workers’ compensation law describes a no-fault system where employees give up certain rights to sue in return for an insurance program that is privately funded by employers. Insurance companies classify injuries according to certain categories, and compensation is awarded accordingly. Most companies that employ three or more workers are required to maintain workers’ compensation coverage.
A: Workers have two years to file a claim with their workers’ compensation company. If you have questions about your eligibility to file a claim, consult with a personal injury attorney, especially if you are nearing two years from the time of the incident that caused the injury.
A: North Carolina’s workers’ compensation program pays two-thirds of the worker’s normal wages for the duration of the recovery period. Once a worker has recovered (and if their doctor concurs), the worker is expected to return to work. Insurance companies often defer to a medical doctor on treatment matters.
At Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, we handle every aspect of our clients’ claims. From the initial application to the settlement negotiations and final payout, our lawyer can be by your side the entire time. We take pride in our many years of acting as a strong, uncompromising voice that speaks up for workers in Marion and surrounding communities.
Whether you have immediate concerns about paying mounting medical bills or questions about the long-term implications of your disability, we’re here to help. To schedule your consultation, please contact our office today.