Asheville Healthcare Worker Injury Lawyer

Healthcare Worker Injury Attorney in Asheville, NC

Injuries and illnesses always create difficult disruptions to your life, and they’re even more challenging when they occur because of work. If you’re facing a workplace injury, getting help from an experienced Asheville healthcare worker injury lawyer can take some stress off your back.

Whether you work for Mission Health, the Charles George Veterans Affairs Medical Center, or one of Asheville’s other healthcare providers, our team can support you after your injury or accident. The attorneys at The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers have over 45 years of combined experience representing workers and advocating for their rights. From workers’ compensation to personal injury claims, we’re here to help you.

Workers’ Compensation Laws in North Carolina

North Carolina is a no-fault state, so fault does not have to be proven for workers to receive compensation for on-the-job injuries. This also means that most healthcare worker injury claims are handled through the workers’ comp process, and not through filing a personal injury claim against an employer.

In order to receive full benefits, you must notify your employer of the injury or accident as soon as possible. Official formal notice must be made within 30 days, or you may not be entitled to any benefits. The sooner you notify your employer, the better it will be for your case.

These cases occur frequently. In 2023, the most recent year for which data is available, North Carolina had 85,700 cases across all industries. 14,500 of those cases were specifically in the health services and education industries. Although it’s an unfortunate occurrence, there are systems that help navigate these cases so you get the compensation you deserve.

Nearly all employers in North Carolina are required to have workers’ compensation insurance policies. When you get injured lifting patients or slipping at work, your employer should be responsible for managing medical care and paying any due compensation.

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Workers’ Comp Benefits

When you get injured, you’re likely going to need medical care. The provider for this care is typically chosen by your employer or their insurance, although you might be able to choose your own provider if approved by your employer or the NC Industrial Commission.

In many cases, you are also entitled to indemnity, or pay for lost wages. According to healthcare worker injury laws, this must be paid starting 14 days after your employer was officially notified of the injury, and paid weekly thereafter. Exactly how much you’re paid depends on the details of your specific case.

The severity of your injury and the type of disability caused also affect the compensation amount. Disability can be classified as temporary or permanent, and as total or partial, creating four possible combinations:

1. Temporary Partial Disability. You can return to work at a reduced capacity, and the injury will not have permanent ramifications.
2. Temporary Total Disability. You are temporarily completely unable to work.
3. Permanent Partial Disability. The injury will have permanent ramifications, reducing your work capacity indefinitely.
4. Permanent Total Disability. You will be unable to return to full gainful employment at any time.

Other benefits, like vocational rehabilitation and pain and suffering, may also be part of your case, especially if you file a personal injury claim. If you hire a healthcare worker injury lawyer, they can help explain all the possible benefits and figure out what you might be entitled to.

Why Hire a Healthcare Worker Injury Lawyer

The healthcare industry accounts for 20% of all employment in Asheville. As one of the largest industries in Buncombe County, there are a lot of healthcare worker injury cases. Having a trusted and experienced attorney on your side can make a huge difference in your case.

While you’re dealing with a major injury, you don’t want to also navigate gathering evidence and making negotiations. A lawyer can assist in both of these things, along with explaining the process to you, helping you choose the course of action that makes the most sense, and advocating on your behalf.

If you choose to file a personal injury claim, a trusted attorney can also help gather the evidence required to prove the fault of your employer. These cases are much more complex and require more evidence. You don’t have to tackle them alone, especially in a vulnerable time.

FAQs

How Much Is Pain and Suffering Worth in North Carolina?

Pain and suffering can be worth varying amounts, depending on the harm you suffered and the details of your case. Personal injury claims, unlike basic workers’ comp, require proving the fault of your employer. A trusted Asheville healthcare worker injury attorney could help you determine what the value of your case might be.

What Is the Most Common Injury for Healthcare Workers?

The most commonly reported type of injury for healthcare workers in the US is sprains and strains. Other repetitive stress injuries and musculoskeletal conditions are also common. Healthcare workers are often exerting strain on their bodies in small ways throughout the day, and these can add up to cause various injuries.

What Is Not a Common Cause of Healthcare Professional Injury?

Some causes of injury that are not commonly reported are shin splints and falls from high places. However, healthcare workers are exposed to many stressful environments in their work, and thus can receive many types of injuries. Even if you get injured in an uncommon way, you might still be eligible for compensation.

What Qualifies for a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Personal injury lawyers will be most suited for personal injury claims. These claims require proving the fault of the other party, in this case, your employer. If you’ve sustained harm due to someone else’s neglect or intentional actions, you might have a personal injury case. A lawyer can help you prove fault, navigate the laws, and advocate for your desired compensation.

Work With an Experienced Asheville Healthcare Worker Injury Lawyer

The team at The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers has decades of combined experience with these cases. We’re prepared to use our knowledge to support you. Reach out to us today, or visit our main office in Charlotte, to learn how we can help take the stress off your case so you can focus on recovery.