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Injuries in the workplace can happen in any job, regardless of the safety practices in place. If you have been injured at work, you could be entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. It is common for workers to think that injuries are just part of the job and do not seek the compensation they are owed.
A Rutherford County workers’ compensation lawyer can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Your physical and financial well-being will be our top priority through the entirety of your case.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation laws were designed to make sure workers are paid if they get hurt on the job. Regardless of whose fault it is, if you were injured at work, you could receive compensation for your injuries. The North Carolina Industrial Commission requires all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Workers’ compensation benefits are available to employees on their first day on the job. If you get hurt at work, you can file a workers’ compensation claim to receive those benefits. Sometimes, workers’ compensation benefits are not enough to cover all the expenses associated with a workplace injury.
Damages You Could be Awarded in a Workers’ Compensation Lawsuit
Workers’ compensation benefits will cover your medical expenses associated with the injury you sustained at work. However, they may only cover a percentage of your salary if you cannot return to work in the same capacity. Our attorneys can help you receive compensation for damages that go far beyond workers’ compensation benefits. These damages include:
- Medical expenses: Because of the injury, your medical needs could extend far into the future. Our attorneys can help you calculate an estimated amount of future medical expenses to seek compensation for.
- Pain and suffering: Workers’ compensation benefits usually do not provide non-economic damages. Going through the physical pain of an injury can reduce your quality of life.
- Future income: If you cannot return to work due to the extent of your injuries, you could be compensated for the future income you will lose. Workers’ compensation benefits will only give you a percentage of the money you lost.
What Challenges Could I Face When Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Many challenges could arise when filing a workers’ compensation claim on your own. An insurer could claim you purposely caused your injury or were intoxicated at the time of the accident. Insurers have also been known to claim employees were engaged in horseplay or weren’t working at all when the accident occurred.
If an insurer believes you did not report your accident or claim in a timely manner, it could be denied. Our workers’ compensation attorney can help you file or appeal a workers’ compensation claim and seek damages through a lawsuit.
How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
If you are hurt at work, you must act quickly. An employer might suggest you file for workers’ compensation benefits, but it is important that you know your options. Based on the circumstances of the incident, you could be awarded compensation for your injuries.
In North Carolina, G.S. § 97-58 states that you have two years from the date of the incident to file a workers’ compensation claim. Don’t miss out on the compensation you deserve by waiting. Once the deadline has passed, you will no longer be able to file a claim.
What to Do if You Are Hurt at Work
If you are hurt on the job, you must do the following:
- Report the injury to your employer: Immediately after a workplace injury occurs, report it to your employer. Visit the designated healthcare provider for your workplace to have them assess your injury. Make sure your direct supervisor is aware of the injury and that you may be out of work for a period.
- Give written notice to your employer: Within 30 days of the accident, provide a written statement giving the date of the accident and a brief description of the injury.
- Visit your healthcare provider: Inform your healthcare provider that the injury you are being treated for is work-related. This allows the provider to bill the visit as a workers’ compensation claim.
- Contact an attorney: A Rutherford County workers’ compensation lawyer at Farmer & Morris, PLLC, can talk about the next steps to take. Our workers’ compensation attorney, Gabrielle R. Valentine, can support you throughout your case.
Common Injuries That Could Happen at Work
Whether or not your job follows safety precautions, accidents can happen. Many kinds of injuries can happen in the workplace. These injuries can cost the employee and employer time and money regardless of how big or small. Common work-related injuries that occur at work include:
- Burn injuries
- Lifting injuries
- Broken bones
- Industrial equipment and power tool accidents
- Head injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Electrocution
The best way to prevent injuries is to wear protective equipment, receive adequate training, and follow federal regulations for the workplace. If your job requires you to perform repetitive motions, take frequent breaks and use that time to stretch or rest.
What Are the Benefits of Working with a Rutherford County Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
After getting hurt on the job, some people may try to get workers’ compensation benefits on their own. Your employer’s workers’ compensation benefits may not cover a lot. You would not be compensated for miscellaneous costs, such as non-economic losses. By choosing a workers’ compensation lawyer at Farmer & Morris, PLLC, we can make this complicated process easier for you. We assist our clients in the following ways:
- Help you meet application deadlines
- Do our own investigation and obtain evidence
- If your application is denied, we will represent you during the appeals process
- Fight your insurance company if they attempt to end your benefits early
- Negotiate a settlement agreement and represent you in legal proceedings if a settlement cannot be reached
- Pursue benefits for permanent disability
After an injury at work, it is important to focus on your recovery and let us take care of the rest. No matter what type of injury you have, the team at Farmer & Morris, PLLC, would like the chance to help you seek compensation for your workers’ compensation claim.
Let Farmer & Morris Advocate for You in Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
After an injury at work, it can be helpful to discuss your case with a legal professional. A workers’ compensation lawyer can provide insight into what the next steps in your case are. Call us for a consultation today. We will answer any questions you have about your potential case.
