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If you suffered a workplace accident, you can file a workers’ compensation claim to seek recovery for your medical expenses and a portion of your wages. You can also file a claim if you suffered a health condition due to exposure to toxic substances in your work environment.
Our Gastonia workers’ compensation lawyers with Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can handle the entire filing process and explore other options for financial recovery, such as a third-party liability lawsuit. Our workers’ compensation team is ready to fight for the benefits you deserve.
What Workers’ Compensation Covers in North Carolina
The North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) requires most employers in North Carolina to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Generally, workers’ compensation benefits cover medical expenses and two-thirds of your weekly wages, up to an annually-adjusted maximum.
Different types of benefits apply depending on how your workplace injury affects you. Our Gastonia workers’ compensation attorneys can determine which of the following benefits apply to your case:
- Temporary disability
- Permanent disability
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Death benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits would not apply in certain circumstances, though. For example, if the accident occurred when the worker was technically off duty, you would have to explore other options for seeking compensation.
Examples of Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents can occur due to various hazards. Your accident may have involved:
- Defective equipment
- Exposure to toxic substances
- A slip and fall
- A motor vehicle collision
- Injuries from performing repetitive movements
Our workers’ compensation attorneys can get to the bottom of what happened and help you file a claim.
Our Gastonia Personal Injury Lawyers Can Also Help
Some workplace accidents occur due to the negligence of a third party, such as a contractor, vendor, or manufacturer. In these cases, we may suggest filing a personal injury lawsuit. Our legal team can determine the cause and contributing factors in your workplace injury accident and take legal action against a liable third party.
For example, if defective workplace equipment led to your accident, we can pursue the manufacturer. Similarly, if a third-party motorist hit you while on the job, we can work to hold them accountable for your losses.
Legal Services Our Gastonia Workers’ Compensation Team Offers
You deserve to rest and focus on your physical recovery, not hassle with a lengthy and complicated filing process. When you work with our workers’ compensation team, we can handle all the paperwork for you.
We can also:
- Consult your medical providers to gather key evidence for your claim
- Meet any required deadlines
- Handle all communications with the insurer and the NCIC
- Represent you in a trial if needed
We understand that each case is unique, and we will review your records with a fine-toothed comb to accurately account for your losses. When you work with Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, you can expect personalized attention to detail.
If You Receive a Denial of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If your claim for workers’ compensation benefits is denied, you still have options. The appeal process is not simple, but we can help. First, you must notify the NCIC that you want to appeal. You can do this by filing Form 18. Then, you can use Form 33 to request a hearing.
The NCIC requires you to participate in mediation with your employer. If you proceed with the hearing, you will present evidence and undergo questioning and cross-examination before an NCIC Deputy Commissioner. If you are unsatisfied with their decision, you have 15 days to request an appeal with the three-judge Full Commission.
You don’t have to grapple with this process alone. Our Gastonia workers’ compensation lawyers can help you navigate it and gather additional evidence to present in your hearing by consulting with your doctors and other professionals.
Prioritize Your Medical Care After a Workplace Accident in Gastonia, NC
Nothing is more important than getting your health back after a workplace accident. This is why you must put your medical care first and foremost. See a doctor immediately after an accident, even if you do not require emergency room care. Your employer’s insurer may require you to see an authorized physician of their choice, as well.
It’s also crucial to follow through with your prescribed treatment plan. Doing so will allow you to reach your maximum medical recovery, which affects your workers’ compensation benefits. Your medical records also serve as key evidence in your claim.
Make Sure You Inform Your Employer of a Workplace Injury
Another thing to prioritize after a workplace injury is reporting the accident to your employer. Report your injuries as soon as possible so that you can begin tracking how long they keep you out of work.
Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Put Their Clients First
When you choose to work with our firm, we will prioritize your case and give it the attention it deserves. We never want you to feel like another case file on a desk. We will tailor a legal strategy to suit your individual situation and keep you informed throughout the entire process.
Additionally, we work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we do not charge upfront fees to start working on your case. Instead, we take a percentage of any potential compensation we win in your case. This arrangement allows us to get started immediately without risking you any more financial loss.
Let Our Gastonia Workers’ Compensation Team Help You
You do not have to prove your employer’s negligence to file a workers’ compensation claim. Regardless, it is a complicated undertaking, but you have the right to hire a lawyer. With Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, on your side, you can focus on healing from your injuries; we can handle the legal process.
We can also assist you with taking legal action against a liable third party if applicable. Call us to learn more about how our Gastonia workers’ compensation lawyers can help you.
