- May 9, 2024
As a worker, you have certain rights that your employer is obliged to protect. If you ever get hurt while doing your job, you may be entitled to workers compensation. Understanding your options and knowing some of the biggest steps in the process will be vital to ensure the most favorable outcome.
A Charlotte workers compensation attorney is the professional who can thoroughly review the case and help you set realistic expectations. The following guide can also help you prepare yourself for the road ahead and some of the challenges you may face along the way.
Workers Compensation Laws in North Carolina
The North Carolina State Government has put together a Workers Compensation Employee Handbook that you should definitely review. It gives you an idea about available resources, the types of injuries covered, the claim process, and the factors that could impact its outcome.
Most businesses in North Carolina that employ workers are obliged to get workers compensation insurance. It is the one that covers various expenses related to a workplace injury. The rule applies to all companies that hire three or more people.
Certain kinds of employees aren’t covered by such insurance, however. In North Carolina, these professionals include:
- Domestic workers employed within a household
- Farm laborers
- Federal government employees
- Railroad employees
- Casual employees: usually those who perform professional responsibilities on a sporadic basis
In the event of an injury, a worker will have to file a claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. The worker will have two years from the date of the accident to make that initial step unless the employer has paid wage replacement benefits.
Steps in the North Carolina Workers Compensation Process
A successful claim depends on a number of things. Even if you feel there’s solid evidence to establish your case, talking to a Charlotte workers compensation lawyer still makes sense. At the very least, you’ll get clarity about the steps involved and you’ll also receive some administrative assistance that may be invaluable at a time of personal turmoil.
Generally speaking, you will have to complete the following steps in the event of a workplace injury:
- Notify your employer: To benefit from the workers compensation insurance coverage, you’ll have to let your employer know exactly what happened. The sooner you report an injury, the better. A written notice is considered legally best because it can be reviewed upon necessity in the future.
- File the claim: The next step would be to file your claim with the Industrial Commission. A single form will have to be filled out and submitted within a two-year period.
- Know how to handle employer offers: Some Charlotte companies will offer a compensatory payment outside of the insurance coverage. It’s in your best interest to turn such offers down. Usually, you’ll be given a sum that covers some of your medical expenses. A few days off work will also be thrown in the deal. Depending on the severity of your injury, however, you’ll probably be entitled to a much bigger workers compensation.
- Communicate everything with your attorney: Your lawyer should have a good idea about what’s going on. This is especially important in complicated cases (like in instances when an employer doesn’t have insurance). Additionally, it’s possible for an insurance company to deny some aspects of the compensation claim or the entire thing. If this happens, a workers compensation lawyer will be the one to handle the complications and choose the best course of action.
Get in Touch With a Charlotte Workers Compensation Lawyer Now
If you are ever injured on the job, you are entitled to financial compensation.
To maximize recoveries, you need to get in touch with a reputable workers compensation lawyer in Charlotte. Insurance companies will always try to minimize their losses, which is why you need to have someone very experienced in your corner.
Call us today at 704-706-2689 to have your case reviewed for free.
