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You don’t legally need to hire a lawyer to file a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina. However, a lawyer can provide invaluable legal and negotiation support during the process. A lawyer can gather evidence and advocate on your behalf with insurance companies, increasing the chances of a successful claim.
Workers’ compensation claims can stand or fall on the strength of your legal representation. Contact a workers’ compensation lawyer in North Carolina from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, to learn more about how we can help.
How Does Workers’ Compensation Function in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, businesses with three or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage will pay for employee injuries they sustain while on the job. When you sustain an injury at work, you need to notify your employer, who will then file a claim.
For example, if you fell at work and broke your arm, you would notify your supervisor in writing. Once you’ve reported the injury and the insurance company has opened the claim, you submit supporting evidence. Once your claim is approved, you can start receiving benefits for your medical expenses and lost work income.
The basic steps sound simple, but workers’ compensation claims can get complicated quickly. Insurance companies may dispute your injuries, and your employer may refuse to file. Insurance companies also have teams of lawyers who might try to reduce your benefits.
How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help You
Below are just a few of the ways that a workers’ compensation lawyer from Farmer & Morris, PLLC, can help with your claim:
Gathering Evidence
A lawyer can help you gather evidence for your claim. They can organize your medical documentation and get accident reports from your employer. Your attorney can also coordinate with medical and vocational experts to provide testimony about your injuries and work limitations.
Administrative Support
Filing a workers’ compensation claim involves paperwork and forms. A lawyer can handle this administrative burden and respond to requests for additional information and evidence. Filing errors can delay your claim, so it helps to work with a lawyer to get things right the first time.
Formal Litigation
If the insurance company denies your claim or tries to reduce or terminate your benefits without warning, your lawyer can escalate the case to the North Carolina Industrial Commission. The commission will review the denial and determine whether it was made in error. If you disagree with the decision, a lawyer can file an appeal at higher court levels.
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When Should I Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
Ideally, you should contact a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as you decide to file a claim. Below are some other situations where hiring a lawyer from Farmer & Morris, PLLC, would make sense:
- Your claim was denied. A denial is a sure sign that you should talk to a lawyer. Claims get denied for a number of reasons, from filing errors to a lack of evidence. Whatever the reason, insurance companies are required to tell you in writing the justification for their decision. A lawyer can appeal denials and look for alternative sources of compensation.
- Your benefits have been terminated. Insurance companies may try to cancel or reduce your benefits if they have disputes about your injuries or think you can return to work at full capacity.
- You have permanent injuries. Claims for minor injuries are much easier to process without a lawyer. But claims involving serious or permanent injuries are much more complex, and a lawyer can help organize medical documents and expert testimony.
- Your employer refuses to report the injury. Employers are legally required to submit a claim when an employee reports a work injury. If your employer refuses to file a claim, a lawyer can step in and demand that they respond as they are legally required to.
How Much Does a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Cost?
Many people are hesitant to get legal representation because they are worried about the cost. However, most workers’ compensation lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Any attorney fee is taken directly out of the final settlement, so you don’t have to worry about paying upfront.
Additionally, if you don’t win your case, you don’t have to pay a lawyer’s fee. In North Carolina, attorney’s fees for workers’ compensation claims are capped at 25% in most cases. This means that you can acquire legal representation without worrying about payment. A lawyer from Farmer & Morris, PLLC, can handle the difficult legal legwork while you focus on healing.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer from Farmer & Morris, PLLC
Do you have more questions about whether you need a workers’ compensation lawyer in North Carolina? If so, contact the team at Farmer & Morris, PLLC. Our team has recovered over $100 million for thousands of deserving clients. Call us today to schedule a case consultation with a knowledgeable attorney.
