Injured on the job? A work injury can interrupt your pay, your medical care, and your peace of mind. Speaks Law Firm helps people in Wilmington, NC, and nearby communities pursue workers’ comp benefits, deal with the insurance company, and move their claims forward through a team-based approach. When adversity strikes, who speaks for you? Speaks Law Firm.
Your Wilmington, NC, Worker’s Compensation Attorneys
Worker’s compensation claims often begin when someone expects their employer to step in after a job-related injury or illness. Many people assume that because they have worked hard and maintained a good relationship with their employer, they will be taken care of if something goes wrong at work. The reality is that employers and workers’ compensation insurance carriers may dispute liability when an employee is hurt on the job. If you suffered an injury or developed an illness tied to your work, you have rights.
At Speaks Law Firm, we are committed to helping injured workers in Wilmington, Charlotte, and across North Carolina pursue the compensation available to them after a job-related injury. A serious work injury can affect your health, your paycheck, and your family’s day-to-day stability, which is why our team takes a hands-on, collaborative approach from the start. We help people make sense of the workers’ compensation process, address questions about benefits and medical care, and take steps to move claims forward when employers or insurance carriers push back.
At no cost to you, call us for a free case review at (910) 341-7570 or reach out through our contact page to speak with our legal team about your situation. The Speaks Law Firm proudly serves people throughout North Carolina, including Wilmington, Fayetteville, Jacksonville, Charlotte, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Bolivia, Burgaw, Whiteville, Lumberton, Leland, and Shallotte, as well as New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick, Columbus, Mecklenburg, and Robeson Counties.
Key Takeaways
Here are the main points to know at the start of a North Carolina workers compensation case:
- Workers’ compensation may cover medical care, wage loss, permanent disability, and death benefits when a job injury or occupational disease meets North Carolina law.
- Many North Carolina employers with three or more employees must carry workers compensation insurance, with certain exceptions and special rules.
- Written notice to the employer matters, and filing deadlines can affect whether a claim can move forward.
- A denied workers comp claim does not always mean the case is over; hearings and other procedures may still be available.
- A workers compensation attorney can help with forms, evidence, doctor disputes, wage issues, and questions about whether a third-party personal injury claim may also exist.
- Don’t waste time if you’ve been in an accident recently because time is one of the biggest things that can hurt your case. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to connect your injury to the incident, preserve records, and respond to deadlines that affect your claim. Speaks Law Firm encourages injured people to act quickly so the facts can be reviewed early, the right documents can be gathered, and the case can begin moving in the right direction.
How Workplace Accidents Happen
There are many ways a worker can be injured on the job. Below are some common causes of workplace accidents our attorneys see. If your work-related injury or illness happened for one of these reasons, or for another reason, and you need help filing a workers’ comp claim, call our Wilmington, NC, workers’ comp lawyers today.
Some of the common causes of workplace accidents include:
- Lifting Heavy Objects: Without proper technique or equipment, lifting heavy objects can cause sprains, strains, and tears. These injuries can be very painful and may require surgery.
- Slip and Falls: Improper footwear, slick floors, and poor lighting are all contributing factors to devastating slip and falls in the workplace. Falls can lead to broken bones, dislocated joints, and even brain injuries.
- Hazardous Materials: Many workers who are surrounded by hazardous materials at their jobs, run the risk of developing serious skin conditions or lung illnesses. These workplace diseases can lead to life-long disabilities.
What To Do After a Work Injury in Wilmington, NC
After a work injury, the steps you take in the hours and days that follow can affect your health, your claim, and your ability to pursue benefits. Reporting the incident, seeking medical care, keeping records, and handling the claim carefully can all make a difference. If you were hurt at work in Wilmington, NC, these are some of the first steps to keep in mind:
- Report the Injury in Writing: Tell your employer about the workplace injury as soon as you can. Include when it happened, where it happened, what body parts were hurt, and how the event occurred. Keep a copy for your records.
- Seek Medical Treatment Right Away: Prompt care protects your health and creates a record of the injury. In North Carolina workers compensation cases, disputes sometimes arise over authorized treatment, referrals, second opinions, and work restrictions. Early medical documentation often helps.
- Be Careful When Speaking With the Insurance Company: The carrier may ask for recorded statements, work history details, or paperwork that affects your claim. Clear and consistent communication matters.
- Track Your Wages and Missed Time: Save pay stubs, work schedules, doctor notes, mileage records, and out-of-pocket medical costs. These documents can help show the financial burden a work injury placed on your household.
- File the Proper Claim Paperwork: In many cases, Form 18 plays a major role in starting a workers compensation claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. Your employer may also have reporting duties through Form 19.
- Speak With a Workers Compensation Attorney: A workers compensation attorney can review whether the injury appears covered, whether deadlines are close, and whether a hearing or other action may be needed if the insurance company delays or denies benefits.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is the time frame in which you have to file your claim. In North Carolina, many workers’ compensation claims must be filed within two years of the accident. This deadline is different from the time frame for reporting the injury to your employer. In many cases, you should report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and no later than 30 days after the accident. Missing a deadline can create problems for your claim, although some cases may involve different rules or exceptions depending on the facts.
Our Wilmington, North Carolina workers’ comp lawyers are ready to look over the details of your case, explain how the deadlines may apply, and help you take the next step. If you have questions about how your injuries or your deadlines may affect your claim, contact us today for a free case review.
Liability and Negligence in Worker’s Compensation Cases
Liability works differently in workers compensation than it does in a standard personal injury case. A workers comp claim usually does not center on proving the employer acted negligently in the same way a car wreck or premises liability case would. Instead, the focus often falls on whether the injury fits the statute, whether the medical treatment relates to the job, and how the injury affected the worker’s ability to earn wages.
North Carolina workers compensation law also limits direct claims against a covered employer in many situations. At the same time, some work injuries involve a third party. For example, a delivery worker may suffer injuries in motor vehicle accidents caused by another driver, or a contractor may be hurt by unsafe equipment supplied by someone outside the employer. In those situations, workers compensation and a separate personal injury claim may both need review.
That overlap matters because workers compensation cases and personal injury cases do not pay the same kinds of compensation. A careful review can help identify what paths may be available and what deadlines may apply to each one.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
Workers’ compensation claims can become complicated, especially if there’s a dispute about whether the injury happened on the job or if the accident involves a third party. If you try to handle your case on your own, your claim could be delayed or denied, or you could end up accepting less compensation than your case may support. Hiring a workers’ compensation attorney can help support your claim. Your employer’s insurance company has a team of attorneys on its side, so why shouldn’t you?
The team at Speaks Law Firm has decades of experience handling workers’ comp claims and standing up for injured workers in Wilmington, North Carolina. We can help build a clear connection between your injury and your workplace and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses under the law. If your claim has been denied or your employer is retaliating, we may be able to file an appeal while protecting your rights. We can handle the legal details of your claim while you focus on your health and moving forward.
Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim in North Carolina
Notify Your Employer
The first step to filing a North Carolina workers’ comp claim is to notify your employer of your injuries or illness. Regardless of whether you’ve given verbal notification, you must report your accident to your employer in writing within 30 days.
It is then your employer’s responsibility to notify the North Carolina Industrial Commission. You can also file a Form 18 directly with the North Carolina Industrial Commission which will then send your employer’s insurance company notice of your claim.
Be sure to include the date of your accident, your injuries, and a detailed account of what happened.
Seek Medical Attention
In addition to reporting your injury/illness to your employer, you should also seek immediate medical attention. Your employer has the right to select the doctor who will provide your medical treatment for a work-related injury/illness. While you may visit your own doctor, you are required to see any doctor your employer designates.
After receiving medical attention, it’s important to follow your doctor’s treatment instructions. Failing to do so can create problems for your workers’ comp benefits.
Consult a North Carolina Workers’ Comp Lawyer
If you’re struggling with any part of the workers’ compensation system or your claim has been denied, it may help to speak with an attorney who handles workers’ comp claims.
Having the right attorney on your side can make all the difference in your claim. At Speaks Law Firm, our attorneys know the Wilmington workers’ comp laws and can help protect you from being taken advantage of by your employer or its insurance company.
What’s more, we can handle all the paperwork and hassles of your claim so you can focus on your health. All you have to do is call us.
We Know This Is Hard. We’re Here for You
Suffering an injury or illness because of your job not only affects your health but also your career, finances, and personal life. Even though you’re dealing with serious injuries, life doesn’t stop. Your medical expenses and monthly bills may be piling up and, if your injury prevents you from working, you might not have a way to keep up with your payments. A workplace accident can throw your life into chaos. We see it happen every day.
You should never have to worry about how you’re going to pay your bills and support your family after a workplace injury or illness. Our attorneys at Speaks Law Firm recognize what you’re going through and are here to help you through every step of the way.
Hurt on the Job? We Can Help With Your Claim! Workplace Injuries? Speaks Law Firm Speaks for You! At No Cost to You, Call Us for a Free Case Review
A work injury can turn your life upside down. Speaks Law Firm has worked with injured workers across North Carolina for years, and we know how quickly a job-related accident or occupational illness can affect your health, your paycheck, and your family’s day-to-day stability. When you are dealing with pain, medical treatment, and pressure from the insurance company, even simple decisions can start to feel heavy.
Many of the people we speak with are going through one of the hardest periods of their lives. The stress of how you’re going to pay your bills, keep up with medical care, and move forward while you are out of work can feel overwhelming. Some are facing a denied claim, delayed benefits, or questions about whether their injury qualifies at all. No matter what you’re facing, our team is here to support you and help you take the next step.
At no cost to you, call us for a free case review at (910) 341-7570 or reach out through our contact page to speak with our legal team about your situation.
Help Is Fast & Easy
We work to make the process as quick and easy as possible. As soon as you call us, we’ll start reviewing your case!
Pursuing Compensation
We will help you pursue compensation for lost wages and medical bills. Our experienced attorneys will fight for fair and appropriate compensation under the law!
No Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingency-fee basis, so you never have to worry about expensive hourly legal fees or upfront costs. In fact, you won’t owe us a penny unless we win for you!
How Can a Lawyer Help?
Workers’ compensation claims can become complicated, especially if there’s a challenge to whether the injury happened on the job or if the accident involves a third party. If you try to handle your case on your own, you could receive a denial or delay of your claim or end up with a lower settlement than you deserve. Hiring a workers’ compensation attorney gives you an advantage. Your employer’s insurance company has a team of attorneys on its side, so why shouldn’t you?
The team at Speaks Law Firm has decades of experience handling workers’ comp claims and fighting for the rights of injured workers in Wilmington, North Carolina. We’ll help you establish a clear connection between your injury and your workplace and seek the maximum possible compensation for your injuries and losses. If you’ve been denied or your employer is retaliating, We may be able to file an appeal while we protect your rights. We will handle all of the legal details of your claim while you focus on recovery.
We Know This Is Hard. We’re Here for You.
Suffering an injury or illness because of your job not only affects your health but also your career, finances, and personal life. Even though you’re dealing with serious injuries, life doesn’t stop. Your medical expenses and monthly bills may be piling up and, if your injury prevents you from working, you might not have a way to keep up with your payments. A workplace accident can throw your life into chaos. We see it happen every day.
You should never have to worry about how you’re going to pay your bills and support your family after a workplace injury or illness. Our attorneys at Speaks Law Firm understand what you’re going through and are here to help you through every step of the way.
Click To Call (910) 341-7570Click To Call (910) 341-7570
Do I Have a Case?
Workers’ compensation claims involve many different types of injuries and accidents, covering a wide variety of situations. If you were injured on the job, you may have rights to compensation for your injuries and lost wages. Here are a few examples of workers’ comp situations that you may be facing:
Common Types of Workers’ Comp Injuries:
- Neck and back injuries
- Spine injuries
- Sprains
- Broken bones
- Bruises and cuts
- Eye injuries
- Burns
- And more
Common Types of Workers’ Compensation Accidents:
- Commercial trucking accidents
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Machinery accidents
- Industrial accidents
- Construction accidents
- And others
Most injuries that occur on the job are typically covered by workers’ compensation, but there are some exceptions. For example, injuries that happen while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or while committing a crime aren’t usually covered.
Are You Within the Time Limit To Seek Compensation?
The statute of limitations is the time frame in which you have to file your claim. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file your claim.
This deadline is different from the time frame for reporting to your employer. In most cases, you should report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and no later than 30 days after your accident. If you miss the deadline, you could be refused compensation.
Our Wilmington, North Carolina workers’ comp lawyers are ready to look over the details of your case to determine the compensation you may deserve and ensure that every deadline is met. If you have any questions about how your injuries or your deadlines may affect your case, contact us today for a free case review.
(910) 341-7570
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Medical Benefits
Typically, workers’ compensation covers all medical expenses required to diagnose and treat your work-related injury or illness. This can include medications, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, and more.
Disability Benefits
If your injury or illness prevents or limits you from working during your recovery, workers’ compensation may provide disability benefits to help cover a portion of your lost wages. There are different types of disability benefits that may be available to you at different stages of your claim.
- Temporary Partial Disability Benefits
If after you return to work you are unable to earn wages as great as those earned before your injury, you may be able to receive weekly compensation equal to two-thirds of the difference between your pre and post-injury wages. - Temporary Total Disability Benefits
If you remain unable to earn wages after the first seven days of a disability, you may be able to receive weekly benefits equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage. - Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
If it is determined that you will be permanently impaired, you may be able to receive a set period of benefits regardless of your ability to earn wages. - Permanent Total Disability Benefits
If you lose the use of both hands, arms, feet, legs, eyes, or feet, you are likely entitled to lifetime weekly total disability benefits regardless of whether you returned to work. If you qualify for permanent total disability, you are entitled to a lifetime of medical compensation.
Death Benefits
If an employee dies due to their work-related injury or illness, their spouse, children, or other dependants would be entitled to death benefits and other funeral costs.
Hurt on the Job? We Can Help With Your Claim!
We’re here to fight for your right to workers’ compensation benefits. Call us today for a free case review.
Workplace Injuries? Speaks Law Firm Speaks for You!
If you were hurt on the job and are unsure what to do next, we can help. We have recovered millions for injured workers like you in North Carolina. Contact us now!
Common Causes of Workplace Accidents
There are many ways a worker can become injured on the job. Below are some of the most common causes of workplace accidents our attorneys see. If your work-related injury/illness happened for one of these reasons or any reason and you need help filing a workers’ comp claim, please don’t hesitate to give our Wilmington, NC, workers’ comp lawyers a call.
- Lifting Heavy Objects – Without proper technique or equipment, lifting heavy objects can cause sprains, strains, and tears. These injuries can be incredibly painful and may require surgery.
- Slip and Falls – Improper footwear, slick floors, and poor lighting are all contributing factors to devastating slip and falls in the workplace. Falls can result in broken bones, dislocated joints, and even brain injuries.
- Hazardous Materials – Many workers who are surrounded by hazardous materials at their jobs, run the risk of developing serious skin conditions or lung illnesses. These workplace diseases can lead to life-long disabilities.
Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim in North Carolina
Notify Your Employer
The first step to filing a North Carolina workers’ comp claim is to notify your employer of your injuries or illness. Regardless of whether you’ve given verbal notification, you must report your accident to your employer in writing within 30 days.
It is then your employer’s responsibility to notify the North Carolina Industrial Commission. You can also file a Form 18 directly with the North Carolina Industrial Commission which will then send your employer’s insurance company notice of your claim.
Be sure to include the date of your accident, your injuries, and a detailed account of what happened.
Seek Medical Attention
In addition to reporting your injury/illness to your employer, you should also seek immediate medical attention. Your employer has the right to select the doctor who will provide your medical treatment for a work-related injury/illness. While you may visit your own doctor, you are required to see any doctor your employer designates.
After receiving medical attention, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s treatment orders. Failure to do so can jeopardize your workers’ comp benefits.
Consult a North Carolina Workers’ Comp Lawyer
If you’re struggling with any part of the workers’ compensation system or your claim has been rejected, it’s in your best interest to consult an attorney who is experienced in handling workers’ comp claims.
Having the right attorney on your side can make all the difference in your claim. At Speaks Law Firm, our attorneys know the Wilmington workers’ comp laws and can ensure you aren’t taken advantage of by your employer or its insurance company.
What’s more, we can handle all the paperwork and hassles of your claim so that you can focus on getting better. All you have to do is call us.