Before the accident, work was just one part of your life. Yet, after suffering an on-the-job injury, it can feel all-consuming. In a situation like this, you have options. Under North Carolina law, you can seek compensation for your medical bills and some of your lost income through workers’ comp. Securing these benefits can prove to be an uphill battle, however.
If you suffered injuries in a workplace accident in Dallas, the Dallas personal injury lawyers from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can file a claim with your employer’s insurer. Our personal injury lawyers can also explore alternative options, such as a third-party lawsuit, if your accident involved another party’s negligence.
Either type of case can get complicated, but at a time like this, you deserve to focus on your physical recovery. While you do that, our workers’ compensation team can handle the legal process and keep you updated along the way.
Our Dallas Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Charge Nothing Upfront
You don’t have to worry about upfront attorney’s fees or hourly retainers when you work with Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC. Our workers’ compensation attorneys take cases on contingency, so we only take a percentage of your benefits when your case resolves.
This way, you don’t have to worry about incurring additional losses when seeking benefits, and you know we will be dedicated to your case.
Your Lawyer Seeks the Benefits Available Through Workers’ Compensation
In North Carolina, workers’ compensation benefits cover a victim’s medical expenses and a portion of their wages, usually around two-thirds of their income up to a maximum set by the state.
Depending on the extent of your injuries and how they affect your ability to perform your job, we can help you seek:
- Temporary partial disability benefits: These apply when you can perform some of your previous work duties during your recovery.
- Permanent partial disability benefits: These benefits apply if you lost total or partial use of a member of your body, and this prevents you from earning the same wages as you did before.
- Temporary total disability benefits: These apply when you cannot return to work while you recover from injuries.
- Permanent total disability benefits: These benefits would apply if you cannot return to work at all due to certain impairments, such as a severe brain injury.
- Vocational rehabilitation: These benefits could cover education and retraining if you cannot perform some of your previous job tasks.
- Death benefits: If you lost a loved one to a workplace injury, you may receive up to $10,000 for burial expenses, as well as a portion of their income for up to 500 weeks.
How long you can receive these benefits depends on what your maximum medical recovery looks like and the disability rating you receive from your doctor. Usually, you will have to see an authorized physician, as well. Our Dallas workers’ compensation team can work closely with your healthcare provider to determine which types of benefits you can apply for.
Our Dallas Lawyers Can Appeal a Denied Workers’ Compensation Claim
It’s not uncommon for workers’ compensation claims to be denied. Our Dallas, NC, workers’ compensation attorneys can ensure your claim is complete before submitting it, but if you still receive a denial of benefits, we can appeal the decision with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC).
We could submit supplemental documentation from your doctor that supports your original claim, for example. We can discuss the appeals process in more detail when you call us for a free consultation.
Ways to Support Your Dallas Workers’ Compensation Claim
After suffering a workplace accident, there are things you can do to support your workers’ compensation claim. Consider taking the following steps:
- Report your accident injuries to your employer immediately.
- Seek medical attention immediately and follow through with your doctor’s orders.
- Be careful what you say to an insurance adjuster. Once you hire a lawyer, they can help deal with the insurance company or liable parties.
Navigating the workers’ compensation claims process can get tricky. Yet, with our team, you can focus on your condition and health.
You Must File Your Dallas, NC, Workers’ Compensation Case Within Two Years
According to G.S. § 97-24, you generally only have two years to file a workers’ compensation case in North Carolina. If you suffered an occupational illness, you also generally have two years from the date you began to suffer from the illness or the date you reasonably discovered your illness was work-related, according to G.S. § 97-58.
The sooner you start your claim, the better. Our Dallas, NC, workers’ compensation team can help you meet these deadlines, but it all starts with you.
We Can Explore Filing a Dallas Personal Injury Claim in Addition to WC
While workers’ compensation allows many injured employees to seek benefits, it doesn’t cover everything. For instance, it only covers two-thirds of your lost income. Additionally, it doesn’t cover non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.
If a third party (not your employer) was responsible for your workplace accident, do not worry––our Dallas personal injury lawyers can pursue damages and prove your case’s required elements. One of those elements is negligence, showing that because another party acted carelessly or recklessly, you were injured and have damages.
Potential Compensation in a Personal Injury Case
As noted, when you pursue financial recovery through a personal injury claim, you can recover many damages not covered by workers’ comp. These losses include:
- Pain and suffering
- The full cost of your lost income (not just two-thirds)
- Emotional anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
Understanding your options begins with a free consultation. During your call, we can listen to your story, explain your options, and chart a path moving forward.
Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC for Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Case
You deserve fair compensation after suffering a workplace injury. Let our team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC help by filing a claim or personal injury lawsuit. Call us today for a free consultation, and we can explore your legal options.