All employees have the legal right to a safe workplace, and employers must take steps to ensure that happens. Yet, when accidents occur, filing a claim through workers’ compensation with the help of a Charlotte personal injury lawyer should alleviate the financial burden of missed time at work and medical bills.
When that does not happen, a Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyer from Shane Smith Law can make a difference in your long-term recovery. We work on the contingency fee model and have more than 100 years of combined experience.
When You Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Simple injuries resulting in no missed time at work and few medical bills may not warrant more than a simple workers’ compensation claim. Yet, many other types of work-related injury accidents do, and that is when an experienced attorney can provide you with the peace of mind you need. We encourage you to turn to our legal team in a variety of situations:
- Workers’ compensation denied your claim. Appeals are possible but can be complex and must be done with proper care.
- You have extensive injuries that may take some time to recover from fully.
- Your doctor has said you will not fully recover from your accident.
- A third party, not just your employer, contributed to your accident, and you want to hold them accountable.
- You may not be able to work again in the future.
- You believe your employer is acting in a very reckless or even intentional manner to put you at harm.
- Your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance.
In each of these situations, our legal team goes to work to hold your employer or any other party accountable for the losses you have. Expect our legal team to take your claim seriously, investigate all details, and build a strong, evidence-based claim. Let our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorney get to work on your case results now.
For a free legal consultation with a workers' compensation lawyer serving Charlotte, call 980-246-2656
Workers’ Compensation Protects Many Workers
Workers’ compensation provides coverage for some of your losses if you are hurt on the job. Most employers in the state must maintain this coverage as a way to protect employees, per the requirements of the NC Industrial Commission Information for Employers. To qualify for workers’ compensation, you must have been working at the time of the accident and engaging in work-related tasks.
Employers that have three or more employees, including those that are operating as a sole proprietorship, corporation, limited liability company, or partnership, must obtain workers’ compensation or, alternatively, self-insure. There are some exemptions to this, including:
- Farmer laborers that have fewer than 10 full-time, non-seasonal farm laborers are employed
- Federal government employees in the state
- Casual employees such as those who do not provide work as a course of the trade business or professional of the employer
- Domestic servants directly employed by the house
- Employees of some railroads
Charlotte Workers' Compensation Lawyer Near Me 980-246-2656
What Workers’ Compensation Covers
When an employee is hurt at work, the employer has a legal responsibility to cover their losses. Note that workers’ compensation is very different from a personal injury lawsuit since you can only claim economic losses. Examples of what workers’ compensation coverage includes in North Carolina:
- Medical bills: All medical bills associated with the cost of your recovery directly related to the accident and injuries sustained
- Time off work: Employees may receive compensation for missed time at work if their doctor requires it
- Medications: All medications related to your injury or illness
- Mileage and travel expenses: This includes any costs of receiving medical care or attending required medical appointments
- Chiropractic care: You may receive up to 20 chiropractic sessions in situations where the care is determined to be necessary
- Testing: All diagnostics related to the injury or diagnosing and treating the injury are covered
- Ongoing care costs: In situations where you have ongoing care needs, your medical needs are met, including follow-up visits and maintenance care
Workers’ compensation does not provide you with the right to pursue compensation for pain and suffering or emotional trauma. This is one of the most important limitations for victims to recognize. Because of this, ensure you are filing a maximum claim for all losses you can prove are economic in nature with the help of a workers’ compensation attorney in Charlotte.
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Types of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses
Individuals hurt on the job may suffer an acute emergency, or they may develop an illness over a long period of time. Workers’ compensation will cover any of these losses as long as you can tie them specifically to the accident at work. Some examples of the injuries and losses you may have include:
- Falls from heights resulting in broken bones
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Chemical poisoning
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Infection diseases in some situations
- Occupational asthma or other respiratory conditions
- Dermatitis
- Exposure to asbestos-related injuries
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
If you are hurt at work, your first step should be to seek care from a medical provider. Ensure that you consult with your employer about the right medical provider to visit, unless it is a life-threatening emergency situation. Once you seek care, follow all of your doctor’s instructions, inform your employer of the injury, and then contact our workers’ compensation lawyer in Charlotte at Shane Smith Law.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
What to Do After an Injury
After you receive treatment for your injury at work, follow the doctor’s directions in all ways possible. This is critical to preserving your health and protecting your claim. There are a few key factors to keep in mind:
- Do not go back to work until your doctor says you should do so.
- Document all of your symptoms, limitations, and complications in a clear manner.
- Avoid doing anything your doctor restricts, even outside of work.
- Keep all of your follow-up appointments and physical therapy appointments.
- Go back to work when your doctor says you are ready, with restrictions as needed.
By taking these steps, you protect your right to compensation. Note that workers’ compensation can be challenging. Our legal team can help you navigate the entire process. Do not settle your claim until you know all of your losses. Watch our videos to learn more about workers’ compensation today.
Set Up a Free Consultation with Our Charlotte Workers’ Compensation Attorney
You are a victim who deserves advocacy. Turn to Shane Smith Law now for a free consultation. Our Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyer is ready to help you navigate your legal options.
Call or text 980-246-2656 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
