Were You Hurt at Work?
You have rights under the law and may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Speaks Law Firm can help you seek the compensation you need!
If you’ve been hurt on the job in Charlotte, NC, workers’ compensation exists to protect you. It’s there to provide financial benefits when you get hurt in an unexpected accident on the job. It can be tricky to collect these benefits, however, because you will need to prove that the accident you suffered wasn’t a part of the normal routine of your job. This is a stipulation unique to North Carolina workers. We represent good people through tough times. Let our Charlotte, NC, workers’ comp lawyers speak for you and help you seek the compensation to which you’re entitled. Call us at (910) 341-7570 for a free case review today.
We Understand What You’re Going Through
Getting hurt on the job is a terrifying experience. You might feel angry, scared, uncertain, and many other emotions. You may be facing mounting medical bills with no way of paying them and feeling unsure of where to turn for help. You might even have been denied benefits you thought you were entitled to. You don’t have to face this alone. Our workers’ comp attorneys are here to help.
At Speaks Law Firm, we represent good people through tough times, and we will not only listen to you, but we’ll also speak up for you and your rights. When you contact us for a free case review, you’re putting a fierce ally on your team who knows North Carolina workers’ comp laws and how to fight for the benefits you deserve.
The Speaks Law Firm proudly serves people throughout eastern North Carolina, including Wilmington, Fayetteville, Jacksonville, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Bolivia, Burgaw, Whiteville, Lumberton, Leland, Shallote, New Hanover County, Pender County, Brunswick County, Columbus County, and Robeson County.
It's Easy to Get Help
All you have to do is pick up the phone and call Speaks Law Firm for the help you need in seeking the compensation you deserve. You don’t even have to leave the house.
You Deserve Compensation
You have rights under the law. We’re here to speak up for you and protect your rights to the compensation to which you’re entitled.
Get a Free Case Review
When you call us for help, your case review is completely free. In fact, you owe us nothing unless we win compensation for you.
Do I Have a Case?
Workers’ comp claims can be tricky to navigate, especially in North Carolina. If you are wondering if you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, take a look at the following circumstances we will evaluate in your free case review to help you determine how to move forward.
Was the Accident Unexpected?
Workers’ compensation in North Carolina requires the accident to be something unexpected in a normal workday in order for you to be eligible to receive benefits. If you work in a warehouse moving boxes, for example, and you hurt your back moving boxes, you may have a tricky time getting benefits. Our Charlotte, NC, workers’ comp lawyers can help you evaluate your accident to determine if you are eligible for benefits based on this rule.
Are You Unable to Work?
In North Carolina, workers’ compensation usually supplies benefits to those who were injured to the point of being unable to work and earn a paycheck. Workers’ comp laws in North Carolina can be difficult to navigate, but our attorneys can help you determine if you’re eligible and seek the money you need.
Are You Within the Legal Timeframe to Seek Benefits?
In North Carolina, you usually have two years after the date of the injury to legally file for workers’ comp benefits. Time is of the essence, which is why it is so important that you contact an experienced workers’ comp lawyer as soon as possible to make sure you don’t miss your chance to seek the compensation you deserve.
What Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Wondering what compensation you may be able to get with the help of one of our Charlotte, NC, workers’ comp lawyers? Let’s look at some of the main benefits we help injured workers obtain every day.
Medical Benefits
Medical benefits help cover your medical bills, whether they’re from doctor’s appointments, medication, physical therapy, surgery, or even transport to your appointments.
Temporary Partial Disability
Temporary partial disability benefits are wage-loss benefits available to those who have been released to work by the doctor but only part-time or with restrictions.
Temporary Total Disability
Temporary total disability benefits are wage benefits awarded to those who can’t work at all but are expected to get better and return to work.
Permanent Partial Disability
Permanent partial disability benefits are wage benefits given to those who are not going to get any better but can still work to some degree, even if it’s limited.
Permanent Total Disability
Permanent total disability benefits are given if you can’t work at all and you are not expected to recover and be able to work again.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
Another important step in helping you seek the right benefits for your workplace injury is working with qualified workers’ comp lawyers like those at Speaks Law Firm. Proving that your injury was unexpected in your regular workday in North Carolina can be challenging, and our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can help you to take the right steps toward that goal. We can compile evidence and witness statements to build a strong case on your behalf while you focus on recovering and spending time with your family. Let us speak for you and your right to compensation. We represent good people through tough times, and we’re ready to represent you, too. Learn more with a free case review today.
How to File for Workers’ Comp
First, you need to report your injury to your employer within 30 days of your injury, giving your employer written documentation of what the injury is, how it happened, and the date and approximate time when it happened. Keep a copy for yourself. Doing this will give you the best shot at receiving benefits. Then, your employer should ensure that Form 18, 18B, or 18M is completed as appropriate to your job and injury. From there, you and your employer will work with the company’s insurance provider to provide you the possible benefits to which you are entitled.
For more information about how we can help you avoid costly mistakes after an Auto Accident Injury in North Carolina contact us by filling out the “How can we help you?” form at the top of this page.
I was hurt in a car accident in Wilmington, North Carolina. My medical bills are outrageously high. The driver who caused the accident has the minimum insurance limits ($30,000.00) that are required by law. The adjuster has offered to pay the policy limits ($30,000.00). Should I get an attorney? What should I do?
State law requires each vehicle owner to carry at least $30,000.00 of liability insurance coverage. You can purchase more. Many people carry at least $100,000 in liability coverage per person and $300,000 per occurrence.
The liability insurance policy for the vehicle of the responsible driver is required to pay for the medical and other expenses of those who were not at fault. The policy will pay up to the limits of the policy. In other words, where there is $30,000.00 (or $60,000.00) of liability coverage, the insurance company could be required to pay that entire amount, but no more.
Where the damages are greater than the limits of the insurance policy, the injured person must look for other sources of recovery. These are some of the questions your lawyer will ask in order to comprehensively address this complex issue:
- Does the responsible driver have a different liability policy that you could access?
- Was the responsible driver working for his employer at the time of the accident?
- Does the responsible driver have an umbrella insurance policy?
- Does the injured person have underinsured motorist coverage?
- Does the responsible driver have assets that could be seized and sold in order to pay some or all of the judgment beyond the limits of the insurance policy?*
* This particular analysis can be complicated. Before you reject the insurance companies offer to settle the case for the policy limits and proceed with a lawsuit, you must think clearly and carefully. If you were seriously injured by the negligence of another person, you are probably angry. Who could blame you? I would be. Of course, you want the person responsible for the accident to pay for the damage they caused. In fact, the law requires it.
However, ifthe negilgent driver does not have the assets to pay for damages beyond the limits of the insurance policy, you will be wasting valuable time and money. You may want to perform an asset search in order to determine whether this is a viable option. The process of securing and enforcing a judgment can be expensive. If the responsible person does not have sufficient assets, then you will have wasted time and money for no reason.
Where damages exceed insurance coverage you need an experienced personal injury lawyer more than ever. A good lawyer may be able to find additional sources or recovery. He or she may be able to perform an informal asset search. From that he will be able to determine whether you should you accept the policy limits or fight for more.
Even if there is not enough money to pay all of the medical expenses from the available insurance policy, an experienced personal injury attorney can help. He may be able to negotiate down the amount of the outstanding medical bills. He may be able to use financial leverage and statutory laws to get your bills paid and still put a substantial amount of money in your pocket. Call or contact us now to find out how we can help you maximize your recovery in your auto accident and injury case.