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North Carolina Workers Compensation Lawyer

North Carolina employers are required by law to carry workers' compensation insurance to cover employees in case of an accident. It is a legal right of all workers. On-the-job accidents can include slips and falls or overuse injuries like tendinitis. As long as the injury is connected to your job, you can file for benefits. On a state-by-state basis, some portions of the law may vary, and in North Carolina, there is a seven day waiting period for benefits after an injury occurs. Generally speaking, the three main components of workers' compensation consist of medical expenses, disability pay and vocational rehabilitation, should a worker be unable to perform the usual tasks of his/her.

According to the U.S Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 4.5 million injuries and illnesses are reported in private industry workplaces each year. This means that roughly five workers per 100 full-time workers are injured at work or become ill in the workplace each year. Certain work laws exist to guarantee that workers who are injured in the workplace will receive permanent financial awards. These laws were created in an effort to solve any kind of dispute outside of the courtroom.

Unfortunately, in some cases, a company or private employer will try to test these laws and attempt to pay an injured employee less than what they deserve to be compensated for their injuries, their pain, and their suffering. In these cases, the injured employee should always contact a workers' compensation lawyer or attorney for help. An injury of this type, should not be dealt with lightly.

It will be necessary to hire a workers' compensation lawyer to represent you if the insurance company denies your claim. Many claims are denied by the insurance company, as they are in the business of making money, not paying money out. An aggressive attorney will fight for your lost wage, medical and disability benefits.

These cases can drag out for a long time, depending on how busy the appeals court is in your city or county. When you suffer an injury at work, it is best to follow the procedure laid out by your employer for filing a claim. You can generally find the information on your employees' information board. Failure to follow procedure could cause the appeals court to let your denial stand.

Once you have filed a claim, the insurance company will likely call you to get a taped statement of the incident. It is always a good idea to review your case with an attorney before you give any statement to the insurance company. More than likely your lawyer will advise you not to give this statement. The claims adjuster will seem kind and compassionate, and encourage you to give the statement and to avoid legal representation. These dirty tricks are designed to provide reason for denial of your claim. It is vital that you know your rights and that you have a good worker's compensation lawyer by your side.

Once your claim is filed, it is of the utmost importance that you attend every appointment set up for you. Missing any appointments can result in the termination of your medical benefits. Your attorney will prep you for depositions, court hearings and talk to the insurance company on your behalf. Once your injury is behind you your doctor will determine if you have a permanent disability that entitles you to long-term disability payments. Don't face this on your own. Hire an experienced workers' compensation lawyer to fight for you and get you the benefits you deserve. A good way to find a qualified attorney and one who specializes in the type of representation you are looking for is to contact the American Bar Association.