415+ Google Reviews
Workers’ compensation benefits allow injured employees to recoup their medical bills and other losses after an accident. These benefits may also extend to workers who develop a health condition on the job, such as an illness resulting from exposure to a toxic substance.
Unfortunately, filing a workers’ compensation claim is not always straightforward. For example, your employer’s insurer may deny your claim for various reasons. However, you don’t have to handle this process alone. Instead, the workers’ compensation lawyers with Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can handle your claim. Our personal injury lawyers can also take legal action against a third party if necessary.
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Include
Most employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees in North Carolina and South Carolina. Generally, workers’ compensation benefits cover medical expenses and a portion of the employee’s wages.
Along with these benefits, you could also apply for:
- Temporary disability
- Permanent disability
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Death benefits
Our workers’ compensation lawyers can determine which benefits apply to your case and help you file a claim.
When Workers’ Compensation Benefits do Not Apply
There are situations where an injured employee would not qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. For example, if the employee suffered an injury while intoxicated or outside their working hours, these benefits usually will not apply.
Taking Legal Action Against a Liable Third Party Instead of Claiming Workers’ Compensation
A third party could be liable for a victim’s losses in some work-related accidents. In these cases, filing a workers’ compensation claim may not be your only route. Our personal injury lawyers can also file a lawsuit to help you recoup your losses.
We can handle all the paperwork involved in the legal process and represent you during settlement talks and a trial if necessary. In addition, when filing a third-party lawsuit, you may be able to seek additional compensation, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life
- Long-term medical expenses, such as rehabilitation and in-home aid
We can communicate with the liable party and their defense attorneys or insurers to help you fight for fair compensation.
Who May Be Liable for Your Losses
A liable third party in your work-related accident could include the following:
- Another motorist if you are a commercial vehicle driver
- A subcontractor
- A manufacturer of defective equipment
- A vendor or supplier of defective materials
Our workers’ compensation lawyers can determine which parties caused or contributed to your accident and work to hold them accountable.
When You Receive a Denial of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
The process of claiming workers’ compensation benefits is complicated. Even a simple clerical error on the forms you submit could lead to a denial of benefits. In other cases, you may not have provided enough information or supporting documentation for your injuries.
Our workers’ compensation attorneys can help you avoid these issues. In addition, they can communicate with your doctors and help you submit supplemental documentation when appealing your denial of benefits.
If an employer challenges your workers’ compensation claim, we can also step in and explore your options. In cases where an employer acted recklessly, we could take legal action against them to recover compensation. Typically, though, filing a workers’ compensation claim means you forfeit your right to sue your employer. Workers’ compensation claims do not require you to prove negligence, unlike in a personal injury lawsuit.
Your Medical Documents Play an Important Role in Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
The best thing you can do for your health is to see a doctor immediately. This act also will benefit your workers’ compensation case because our team can use your medical records as evidence of your work-related injuries.
You should also make sure to follow through with your prescribed treatment plan, as an insurer could discontinue your benefits if you fail to continue with your treatment.
If you file a personal injury lawsuit, your medical records are also vital. For example, we can use your doctor’s prognosis to put a value on any long-term care you will require. We aim to recover your current and future losses, not have you foot the bill for someone’s negligence down the road.
The Workers’ Compensation Lawyers from Our Firm Provide Client-Focused Legal Care
Our legal team understands you have enough on your plate regarding healing from your injuries. Thus, we want to take some of the weight off your shoulders regarding the claims process.
When you bring your workers’ compensation case to our firm, we will give it the personalized attention it deserves. We will never apply a standardized approach to your case. Instead, we will tailor a strategy to suit your particular situation. So, during a free consultation, we can discuss your options and answer any questions.
Call Us Today to Start Your Workers’ Compensation Case
You deserve to rest and recuperate after a work-related accident. Meanwhile, our workers’ compensation lawyers at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can handle your claim or file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
You could recover your medical expenses, a portion of your wages, and other losses. Call us today for a free consultation to learn more about your options. You focus on getting back to normal, and we’ll take care of everything else.
