At Speaks Law Firm, we help individuals who have been in an industrial accident seek compensation for their injuries.
When Disaster Hits Home in NC, You Need an Industrial Accidents Attorney Who Speaks for You
If you suffered injuries from an industrial explosion, chemical burns, a fall from height, or any other type of industrial accident, your life may have changed forever. Maybe you’re facing severe pain and the prospect of a lengthy recovery. The trauma of your accident may keep you awake at night. Perhaps you know you will never be able to return to your previous occupation, making it difficult for you to plan ahead. Additionally, loss of income and devastating medical care costs are likely creating harrowing financial stress for you and your family. With so much on your plate, you need a trusted industrial accidents attorney to guide you throughout the workers’ comp claim process.
It is possible you may have a personal injury case instead of or in addition to a workers’ comp claim. At Speaks Law Firm, we represent the rights of injured workers and their families across North Carolina, and our experienced legal team can assess your industrial accident case in a free case review to determine the appropriate next steps.
Types of Industrial Accident Cases We Represent in North Carolina
Our all-star team of lawyers helps workers seek compensation benefits following all types of industrial accidents and injuries, including, but not limited to:
- Fires and explosions
- Industrial machinery accidents
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Toxic fume and smoke inhalation
- Falls from catwalks and ladders
At no cost to you, contact Speaks Law Firm today to schedule a free case review.
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.
We Make it Easy
Suffering an injury is incredibly difficult but getting the help you need shouldn’t be. All you have to do is call our office and we’ll start reviewing your claim right away.
You Deserve Compensation
If you’ve been hurt in an accident, you need a fighter in your corner. Our attorneys will fight for the maximum amount of compensation you deserve for your injuries and other damages.
No Hidden Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis. This means you never have to worry about hidden fees or upfront costs. In fact, we don’t get paid at all unless we win for you!
(910) 341-7570
Why Choose Speaks Law Firm?
Accidents can happen at any time. You can be as careful as you can be, but you can never predict the action of others out on the road. When this happens, you need someone to speak on your behalf to fight for your rights. Speaks Law Firm is here for you.
- Our People. Our team is our main differentiator. We hired each one for their solid background and experience in the field. This all-star cast of talented, dedicated, and accomplished legal professionals cares about your case. With over 20 years of experience, we will do our best to fight for your rights.
- Our Process. We have built collaboration into our process. Our legal professionals were selected to work at the firm due to their experience. They work together to build your case and help you reach your goals.
- Our Commitment. You need someone committed to fighting for your rights after an accident that places you in a vulnerable position. At Speaks Law Firm, our team works hard to provide our clients in Wilmington, NC, and the surrounding areas with sound legal service. We speak for you.
- Free Consultation. Our lines of communication are open. You can set up a free consultation if you need to discuss your personal injury case and find the right legal option for your situation.
Are You Eligible for Workers’ Comp in North Carolina?
To qualify for workers’ comp in North Carolina, the following two conditions must be true in your case:
- You sustained an injury at work (or while performing a job-related task outside work premises)
- You lost money because of your accident – for example, through medical bills, missed days at work, or loss of future employability
You don’t need to prove that the accident occurred due to your employer’s fault or carelessness to collect workers’ comp. To start the workers’ comp claim process, you simply need to report the incident to your employer or direct supervisor, both verbally and through an official written statement. Your North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney can guide you during this process to avoid missteps.
Keep copies of your employee-employer communications, your post-accident medical records, and any other evidence of the incident. This information may play an important role in your claim. Keep your attorney abreast of any new communications with your employer that are related to the industrial accident or your related injuries.
What Benefits Can Be Claimed Following an Industrial Accident Injury in North Carolina?
North Carolina’s workers’ comp system typically covers:
- Medical expenses, including hospitalization costs, prescription meds, visits to a healthcare provider, assistive devices, rehabilitation costs, and more
- Temporary disability benefits until the worker has reached their MMI (maximum medical improvement)
- Permanent disability benefits based on the worker’s permanent impairment rating
- Death benefits for family members who lost loved ones in an industrial accident, based on the degree of the survivor’s dependence on the deceased, plus up to $10,000 in burial expenses
Workers’ comp cases in North Carolina go through the North Carolina Industrial Commission, and benefits are more controlled than in a personal injury case. For example, you cannot receive additional compensation for your pain and suffering through workers’ compensation, and your weekly benefits will be limited to two-thirds of your income prior to the injury if you are not able to return to work.
While workers’ comp may seem like a fairly straightforward system, it is important to accurately identify the proper amount you should claim for your benefits, and an experienced North Carolina industrial accident lawyer will be able to assist you with these calculations and related processes and communications.
Many workers’ compensation insurance companies and other insurance providers will use any loophole to negatively affect your ability to recover compensation. Your attorney can assist you in navigating these issues and protect your claim by also handling insurance company communications on your behalf throughout your case.
Can I Sue an Employer After an Industrial Accident in North Carolina?
Employers in North Carolina generally protect themselves by carrying workers’ comp insurance. The Tar Heel State’s no-fault workers’ compensation system aims to provide swift benefits for injured workers and their families while shielding employers from liability.
However, you may have grounds for a civil lawsuit if the injury occured due to the negligence or malpractice of a third party.
For example, if you lost a family member in an industrial accident that involved faulty machinery, a fatal industrial accident attorney can help you pursue legal action against the manufacturer.
How Speaks Law Firm Can Help
Did you or a loved one suffer an industrial accident at work? Recovery from a life-altering injury may involve prolonged pain, temporary or permanent disability, inability to work, and overwhelming medical bills.
When the worst happens, Speaks Law Firm is the legal voice that fights for your rights. Our stellar team of local attorneys handles all types of industrial accident claims, including machinery, fire, chemical exposure, and industrial explosion injury cases.
Contact us today for a free case review with our industrial accident attorney team in Wilmington, NC. You will pay no fee unless you win.
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.