If you are injured at work, you could be faced with more than the physical pain and discomfort of your injury. You may also be faced with the ongoing medical and rehabilitative treatments necessary for your physical recovery, the inability to enjoy your usual social and leisure activities, and the unexpected disruption of your income stream.
Many people might find it challenging to fully focus on their physical recovery while they worry about the effect a total loss of income will have on themselves and their families. One way to ensure your family has the financial support it needs during your recuperation is to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
A Lincolnton workers comp lawyer can help you navigate the road to a successful workers’ compensation claim while you concentrate on your physical healing. Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC at (828) 286-3866 to find out how we can help you file a complete and accurate workers’ compensation claim.
Determine Your Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Applying for workers’ compensation is a complex procedure. Start by informing us of your injury as soon as possible to get filing help right from the beginning. After you report your injuries, follow these additional steps:
- Get emergency medical help right away
- Tell your healthcare provider or emergency room physician that your injury is work-related
- Provide written notice of your injury to your employer
- Follow your physician’s health care recommendations
- Start the compensation filing process
- Do not engage any activities that exceed any restrictions imposed by a healthcare provider
After you make your employer aware of your injury, they may ask you to visit a specific healthcare provider. After your injuries have been treated, complete the required forms with our assistance.
For a free legal consultation with a workers' compensation lawyer serving Lincolnton, call 828.286.3866
We Can Help You Complete The Required Claims Forms
The North Carolina Industrial Commission provides a plethora of forms that must be completed to initiate a claim, determine your eligibility for workers’ compensation, and the amount of any payment you might be entitled to receive during your recuperation.
Contact Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC at (828) 286-3866 for assistance with your workers’ compensation claim. Speak to a member of our team to find out how a Lincolnton workers comp lawyer can help ensure your claim is filed on time and your payments are received on time.
Lincolnton Workers' Compensation Lawyer Near Me 828.286.3866
Types and Amounts of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Discuss the nature, severity, and expected duration of your injuries with your lawyer. In addition to covering your medical expenses, the state of North Carolina generally has two categories of workers’ compensation benefits (as the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act states):
- Temporary benefits: Injured employees who qualify for total disability will qualify to receive up to 66 2/3% of their average weekly income until they are able to return to work or for a maximum of 500 weeks. Your lawyer can help you determine if you qualify for an extension of benefits at that time.
- Lifetime benefits: To qualify for permanent total disability, your injury must involve the loss of both hands, arms, feet, legs, or eyes or any two of these body parts. Other qualifying injuries for permanent disability include spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, gross and fine motor disorders, and second or third-degree burns that cover more than 33% of your body.
Share copies of your medical records with your legal team to determine the type, amount, and duration of benefits you qualify to receive. Your lawyer can help you determine if the injury you sustained qualifies for workers’ compensation benefits.
Time Plays an Important Role in Filing and Collecting Workers’ Compensation
Filing a successful workers’ compensation claim depends on meeting a specific timeline. The North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act imposes the following time limits:
- According to N.C. Stat. § 97-22, you must notify your employer of your injury in writing within 30 days
- According to N.C. Stat. § 97-24, you must file a claim for workers’ compensation within two years of the date of the injury
In addition to filing deadlines that hold you accountable, your employer has certain time restrictions they must comply with in regard to your workers’ compensation claim:
- According to N.C. Stat. § 97-28, you are not eligible for benefits for the first seven days following your injury
- According to that same statute, you could be entitled to retroactive benefits for injuries that last longer than 21 days
Because of the nature of injuries, the length of your recovery time and the extent of your medical treatments and bills will vary from worker to worker. Each workers’ comp claim is unique. Your workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand how the relevant timeline may affect your claim for benefits.
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Let a Lincolnton Workers Comp Lawyer Help You
Workers’ compensation benefits are intended to help people just like you who are injured on the job and experience a disruption to their anticipated income that creates an inability to support themselves and their family.
If you believe an on-the-job injury entitles you to workers’ compensation benefits, a lawyer in your area can help you file a complete claim for the compensation you need and deserve. Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC at (828) 286-3866 to speak to a member of our client services team about your workers’ compensation claim today.
Call or text 828.286.3866 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form