Slip and Fall Injuries and Workers’ Comp in Mooresville, NC
Slip and fall injuries are some of the most common workplace incidents. If you’ve been hurt in a fall while on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to help cover your medical bills and lost wages. A Mooresville workers’ compensation lawyer can stand up for your rights.
At Workers’ Compensation Lawyers of Charlotte, we understand how slip and fall accidents can disrupt your life. Our law firm can guide you through every step of the workers’ comp process.
Contact our workers’ compensation slip and fall lawyers today for a free consultation.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries at Work
Slip and fall accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. Even what seems like a simple fall can have serious consequences, especially if you land awkwardly or hit a hard surface. Here are some of the most common injuries we see in workplace slip and fall cases:
- Sprains and strains: Twisting your ankle or overstretching a muscle during a fall can cause painful sprains and strains that require physical therapy and time off work.
- Fractures and broken bones: Falls often lead to broken wrists, arms, ankles, or hips, especially if the victim tries to break their fall with an outstretched hand.
- Head injuries and concussions: Hitting your head during a fall can lead to a traumatic brain injury, even if there is no visible bleeding.
- Back and spinal cord injuries: A fall can cause a slipped disc, spinal cord compression, or even paralysis in severe cases.
- Cuts and lacerations: Sharp objects or broken surfaces can cause cuts that may lead to infections or require stitches.
- Bruises and contusions: While often seen as minor, deep bruises can cause significant pain and sometimes indicate internal damage.
What Jobs Have the Most Slip and Fall Accidents?
Some workplaces are more prone to slip and fall incidents due to the nature of the work or environment. If you work in one of these industries, it’s important to be extra cautious and report hazards quickly:
- Construction workers: Uneven surfaces, scattered tools, and open heights make construction sites a hotspot for fall accidents.
- Healthcare workers: Spilled liquids, fast-paced environments, and assisting patients often lead to slips and trips.
- Food service workers: Wet kitchen floors, grease, and cluttered pathways increase fall risks in restaurants and cafeterias.
- Retail employees: Slippery floors, boxes in aisles, and high customer traffic make retail jobs vulnerable to fall injuries.
- Maintenance and janitorial staff: These workers often handle wet floors and cleaning chemicals, putting them at greater risk.
- Warehouse and factory workers: Poor lighting, slick floors, and heavy machinery make industrial environments dangerous.
Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards in Mooresville Workplaces
Many slip and fall accidents are preventable. Understanding and identifying common hazards can help reduce your risk of injury. Some of the most frequent hazards include:
- Wet or slippery floors: Water, oil, or cleaning solutions left on floors can cause employees to slip.
- Uneven flooring or damaged walkways: Cracks, loose tiles, or torn carpets can easily trip someone up.
- Poor lighting: Inadequate lighting makes it hard to see obstacles or changes in elevation.
- Obstructed walkways: Cords, boxes, or equipment left in paths can be dangerous.
- Unsecured ladders or scaffolding: Improper use or placement can lead to dangerous falls from heights.
- Lack of warning signs: Areas that are wet or under maintenance should always have clear signage.
If a slip and fall accident happened while you were working, you have rights under North Carolina workers’ compensation laws.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident on the Job
Slip and fall accidents can be disorienting and painful, but taking the right steps immediately after your injury can make a big difference in your recovery and your workers’ compensation claim.
Collect Evidence and Document Everything
If you’re able, take photos or videos of the scene where you fell, including any hazards like wet floors or uneven surfaces. If there were witnesses, ask for their contact information. This documentation can be vital later when proving your claim.
Keep a record of all medical treatments, time missed from work, and any communications about your injury.
Report the Injury to Your Employer
Notify your supervisor or manager as soon as possible. North Carolina law requires that you report your injury to your employer in writing within 30 days. The sooner you do this, the better, as delays could complicate your case.
Get Treatment From an Approved Workers’ Comp Doctor
Your employer or their insurance provider will typically direct you to a specific healthcare provider. It’s important to follow their guidance and attend all scheduled appointments. Be honest and thorough when describing your symptoms and limitations.
Contact a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can make a huge difference. A slip and fall lawyer from Workers’ Compensation Lawyers of Charlotte can help you avoid common mistakes and build a strong case.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Your lawyer can assist you in filing Form 18 with the North Carolina Industrial Commission, which is necessary to begin your workers’ compensation claim. This form notifies the state and your employer’s insurance company of your injury and starts the claims process.
Workers’ Compensation for Slip and Fall Injuries in North Carolina
If you’re injured in a slip and fall accident while working in Mooresville, NC, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are designed to help you recover without the added burden of financial stress.
Medical Benefits
Workers’ comp should cover all necessary medical treatment related to your injury, including hospital visits, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and transportation to medical appointments. Be sure to use an approved provider and follow the treatment plan.
Temporary Total Disability Benefits
If your slip and fall injury prevents you from working for more than seven days, you can receive temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. If you cannot work for more than 21 days, you’ll be paid benefits for the first 7 days.
TTD benefits cover two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount. These payments typically continue until your doctor determines you can return to work or you reach maximum medical improvement.
Temporary Partial Disability Benefits
You may qualify for permanent partial disability benefits if you’re left with a lasting impairment but can still work. These benefits are intended to compensate you for limitations that affect your ability to work in the same way you did before your injury.
North Carolina uses a schedule of injuries to determine how long you can receive compensation based on the body part affected and the severity of your injury. For example, losing use of a hand or sustaining a permanent back injury can result in a set number of weeks of benefits.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits
In some cases, a fall injury may be so severe that you are never able to return to any type of gainful employment. In these situations, you may be entitled to permanent total disability benefits. PTD benefits provide long-term wage replacement to help you support yourself when working is no longer an option.
Examples of injuries that might qualify for PTD benefits include severe spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or multiple limb amputations. These benefits are paid at the same rate as TTD (two-thirds of your average weekly wage) and may continue for the rest of your life.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If you can’t return to your old job due to your injury, workers’ compensation may provide vocational training or job placement services to help you find new employment.
Death Benefits
If a slip and fall injury tragically results in death, surviving dependents may be eligible for death benefits under North Carolina workers’ compensation laws. These benefits can help cover funeral and burial expenses, as well as provide ongoing financial support to a spouse, children, or other qualified dependents.
How a Mooresville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help
Navigating a workers’ compensation claim for slip and fall injuries can be confusing. Our experienced team at Workers’ Compensation Lawyers of Charlotte is here to help every step of the way.
Filing Your Work Injury Claim
One small mistake on your paperwork can lead to delays or a claim denial. Our attorneys will:
- Ensure your Form 18 is filled out accurately and filed on time
- Help you gather the documentation needed to support your claim
- Communicate with your employer and their insurance company on your behalf
We’ll walk you through the entire process so you don’t have to deal with the stress alone.
Maximizing Your Workers’ Comp Benefits
Workers’ compensation insurance companies may try to undervalue slip and fall claims. Our law firm will fight for the medical care coverage and maximum wage replacement benefits you’re entitled to. We look at the full picture of your injury’s impact, now and in the future, to pursue every benefit available.
Appealing a Denied Claim
If your workers’ comp claim is denied, don’t give up hope. We can help you appeal the decision and fight for your rights. The appeals process includes:
- Filing a formal request for a hearing before the North Carolina Industrial Commission
- Presenting evidence and expert testimony
- Representing you during hearings and mediation
We’ve helped countless workers overturn denials and win the benefits they need to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Comp Slip and Injuries
Can I Sue My Employer for Slip and Fall Injuries in North Carolina?
You typically cannot sue your employer for a slip and fall injury if you are covered by workers’ compensation in North Carolina. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means you do not have to prove that your employer did anything wrong to receive benefits. In exchange, you typically give up the right to file a lawsuit against your employer for workplace injuries.
However, there are limited exceptions. For example, if your employer intentionally caused your injury or was grossly negligent in a way that goes far beyond normal workplace risks, a lawsuit might be possible. These cases are rare and require strong evidence. Most injured workers recover compensation through the workers’ comp system with the help of a knowledgeable attorney.
Can Injured Workers File Slip and Fall Claims Against Property Owners?
In some cases, injured workers may have the right to file a third-party personal injury claim against a property owner or another entity if they caused or contributed to the accident. This usually applies when the slip and fall occurred on property not owned or controlled by your employer, such as a client’s office, a supplier’s warehouse, or a public location.
To file a third-party claim, you must prove that the property owner was negligent. For example, they failed to fix a known hazard or didn’t warn visitors of a dangerous condition. These claims are separate from your workers’ compensation case and can allow you to recover additional damages not covered by workers’ comp, such as pain and suffering.
Our team can help evaluate whether you have grounds for both a workers’ comp claim and a personal injury lawsuit.
What if I Have a Slip and Fall Accident on a Business Trip?
If you suffer a slip and fall injury while traveling for work, such as at a hotel, airport, conference, or client site, you may still be covered by North Carolina workers’ compensation laws. The key factor is whether you were performing work-related duties at the time of the accident.
If you were injured while doing something directly related to your job, you likely qualify for benefits, even if the injury happened outside of Mooresville or even outside the state.
However, if the injury occurred while you were engaged in personal activities, like sightseeing, dining out on your own, or engaging in recreation, it may not be covered. Speaking with a slip and fall lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine whether your business travel injury qualifies for workers’ comp benefits.
Contact Our Law Firm for a Free Consultation Today
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident while working in Mooresville or the surrounding area, don’t wait to get the help you need. At Workers’ Compensation Lawyers of Charlotte, we’re committed to standing by your side every step of the way, from filing your claim to negotiating with insurance companies and, if needed, representing you in hearings or appeals.
Call (704) 706-2689 or use our contact form for a free consultation. There are no fees unless we recover benefits for you.
