While some occupations might have more obvious hazards than others, all have certain risks. It only takes one accident in the workplace for you to lose your capacity to provide for yourself and your family. Fortunately, workers’ compensation provides financial support to deal with any resulting medical bills and loss of income until you’re better.
If you were hurt or become sick due to your job, having the right Huntersville workers’ compensation lawyer on your side is important. At 1Charlotte, we can guide you through the workers’ compensation claims process to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to. We can also represent you if your claim is denied.
For a free consultation about your workers’ compensation case, call our Huntersville personal injury attorneys at 704.706.2689 or use our contact form.
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What Should I Do If I’m Hurt On The Job?
If you get hurt on the job, never assume that your case is going to be open and shut. Even if it seems obvious to you that you were hurt to the point that you deserve workers’ compensation, you still have to make your case. Follow these six steps to get the ball rolling:
Inform Your Employer
Make sure you let your employer know right away. You must notify your employer within 30 days. Keep in mind that you are required to give notice to the employer even if your supervisor witnessed the accident. Make sure to keep a copy of the report.
Also, file your initial claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. If you’re not sure how to do this, or you’re afraid of doing it wrong, then enlist the services of our workers’ compensation lawyers as quickly as you possibly can.
See A Physician
This can be an emergency room visit if warranted, but depending on the circumstances, visiting an urgent care center or general practitioner’s office can work too. You must seek treatment from a medical provider who is approved by the workers’ compensation insurance company to be eligible for your workers’ compensation benefits.
There are two primary things that need to happen here. First, you need to get care. Second, you need someone to actually document the fact that you have been hurt. Make sure you follow all instructions your doctor gives you.
Maintain Written Records
You should keep a thorough record of everything related to your injury, including medical bills and details of treatment. This will be valuable evidence in the event that you don’t receive the compensation you rightly deserve. You should also start a journal of your own to keep written records of your symptoms and injury.
Take Pictures
If your injury is visible, take photographs of it. Depending on where your visible injury is, this might seem really embarrassing, but it can be powerful evidence in your claim. If you can’t get a good angle to take the photo, do so in front of a mirror, have a friend or relative help you, or use a selfie-stick.
Call Us
We can help you file your workers’ compensation claim. Even if your case looks open and shut, there are many legal nuances and details that you might not know about. We do. Let us help.
Rest And Recuperate
No matter how badly you might need to take care of things, or even just get back to work to make money, rushing things can aggravate your injury and make it 10 times worse.
Why Should I Hire A Huntersville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
There are plenty of reasons why you should hire a Huntersville workers’ compensation lawyer. There are two big ones that come in above all else, though. First, you’re likely going to have your hands full with your injury and the consequences of it. Our law firm can guide you through the workers’ compensation claims process. We can make sure there are no mistakes to cause a problem with your claim.
Hiring an experienced lawyer is especially important if you need long-term treatment or surgery, or you are unable to get back to your job, or the insurance company or your employer is disputing your claim or you are facing any other kind of problem. Our attorneys have experience dealing with employers, their insurance, and the other side’s lawyers.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
Workers’ compensation cases in the state of North Carolina are handled on what is known as a contingency basis. This means you owe the lawyers nothing unless your case is won. Attorney fees must be approved by North Carolina Industrial Commission.
If you wind up winning, then the percentage that goes to your attorneys will be paid out based on how your claim is settled, which can be a lump sum settlement, a court judgment, or just weekly checks.
What Should I Do If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?
If your claim is denied, you have the option of filing an NCIC Form 33 to request an immediate hearing with the NC Industrial Commission. It’s best to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as the first step.
Our team at 1Charlotte has extensive experience with disputing denied workers’ compensation claims. We can help you review the reasons for which your claim was turned down. We also have the expertise to represent you in the appeals process.
What Responsibility Does The Employee Have In Filing A NC Workers Comp Claim?
As an employee, you have two responsibilities in the event of worker’s comp claims. First, you must inform your employer of the injury in question. Second, you must file a workers’ compensation claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. Never rely on or assume that your employer will file this for you, even if they say they will.
Is There A Time Limit To File A Workers Comp Claim In North Carolina?
You do have a time limit to file your workers’ comp claim, which is a two-year period starting from the day of the accident. Even if you have two years, though, it’s best to file as soon as you can. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove your case. It’s also more time for the employer, their insurance, and their lawyers to assemble a defense.
Can An Independent Contractor File A NC Workers Comp Claim?
No. Independent contractors aren’t covered by workers’ compensation in Huntersville or the rest of North Carolina.
What Is My Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?
Workers’ compensation in the state of North Carolina typically takes the form of temporary partial disability, temporary total disability, permanent partial disability, and permanent total disability. These are often abbreviated as TPD, TTD, PPD, and PTD. You can also be eligible for more than one in some cases, as the temporary disability benefits might cover an initial healing period before permanent disability payments kick in.
The money you get is not likely to be taxable, but there are exceptions in some cases that your lawyer can go over with you. Generally speaking, your compensation should cover specifics like medical bills, rehab costs, prescription medications, travel expenses as related to injury treatment, and a percentage of any wages that you lose. Since your compensation is likely to be untaxed, it won’t be 100 percent of the wages you lose.
An experienced workers compensation attorney at 1Charlotte can tell you know more about the workers’ compensation benefits you might be eligible for.
Contact 1Charlotte for a Free Consultation Today
Huntersville is a great place to live, and there are many wonderful work opportunities here as well. However, accidents on the job are always possible. Workers’ compensation is designed to protect you financially while you’re hurt until you can start earning a full income on your own again. If you need help getting the compensation you deserve and need, then consult a workers’ compensation lawyer at 1Charlotte right away.
We have extensive experience in helping people present workers’ compensation claims. We work on a contingent fee basis which means you do not need to pay anything upfront in legal fees. We will recover our cost from the benefits we win for you and we don’t get paid unless we win. Keep in mind that insurance companies are not on your side and they will use every trick in the book to delay your payments and to minimize the payouts.
Schedule your free consultation with our Huntersville personal injury firm today by calling 704.706.2689 or using our online form.
