New Bern Workers Compensation Lawyer

New Bern Workers Compensation Attorney

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system of insurance to protect workers. This program provides critical financial support to workers when they are unable to work. However, getting benefits isn’t always easy, so for help, contact an experienced New Bern workers’ compensation lawyer.

The Sumwalt Group can help with an initial claim, a claim denial, or a third-party civil claim for damages. Contact our office to discuss how we can help with your specific circumstances.

Qualifying For Benefits

To qualify, you must show you suffered an injury or illness that caused an inability to work, and through the course of your employment duties, you sustained an injury or illness. You typically must provide substantial documentation and proof of your work-related injury or illness, and sometimes, even perfectly valid claims are denied. As a result, contact an experienced New Bern attorney right away.

Vernon Sumwalt

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State Data

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that North Carolina saw 68,600 nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses in 2023 alone. This was a rate of 2.4 cases for every 100 full-time workers, and the national average that year was 2.4. Our state recorded 177 total work-related fatalities as well.

With job-related accidents, illnesses, and fatalities happening in our community, if you need help pursuing the benefits you’re entitled to under the NC workers’ compensation system, contact a knowledgeable attorney.

Workers’ Compensation Settlement

Usually, employees are paid weekly for workers’ compensation benefits in our state. However, your company’s insurance carrier may decide to pay a one-time lump-sum settlement instead. This is intended to pay you for your medical needs comprehensively and for your lost wages. They are more common with workers who have suffered a partial permanent disability or a total permanent disability.

The amount you may get in a lump sum settlement typically depends on:

• Your injury or illness severity
• Your disability impairment rating
• The cost of your anticipated medical care
• The duration of your claim benefits
• Your age
• Your lost earning capacity

Deciding whether to accept a settlement amount requires substantial evaluation. There are some benefits to accepting a lump sum payment. It can provide peace of mind that you can pay your medical bills without having to worry about your benefits terminating at any point.

However, it can be detrimental to settle your claim too soon before you fully understand your costs and the long-term implications of your injury or illness. Sometimes, unanticipated costs can pop up that leave workers with unexpected financial hardship.

You are not obligated to take a NC workers’ compensation claim’s proposed lump sum settlement. You can reject it and continue to get your benefits each week.

If you’re considering a settlement, contact an experienced work injury attorney to discuss your options before accepting or rejecting the proposed amount. An attorney can discuss your expenses and whether the proposed amount is fair, and they can often negotiate for an increased overall amount.

New Bern Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

The Sumwalt Group has helped workers in New Bern and throughout North Carolina. We use our experience to help protect employees as they navigate through workers’ comp claims, third-party legal claims, and personal injury cases at the Craven County Courthouse.

Contact The Sumwalt Group to schedule a no-cost initial consultation and hear how we can maximize your recovery.