
No one wants to experience a workplace injury, but they can happen to anyone. If you’re an aviation employee injured on the job, it’s important to get professional legal help for your case. An experienced Hickory aviation worker injury lawyer can advocate for your rights and the compensation you’re entitled to.
At The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers, we have over 45 combined years of experience representing North Carolina workers. Whether you’re a pilot or a cargo loader, we can help you navigate the complexities of your case.
When seeking workers’ compensation after an injury on the job, there are steps you should follow. While North Carolina is second in the nation for workplace safety, accidents can still happen, so everyone should be aware of these steps.
First, notify your employer as quickly as possible after an injury has occurred. Within 30 days, provide formal written notice of the accident and resulting injury. Be as specific and detailed as possible.
Next, be sure to follow up with a medical provider as needed, so that you can get proper care and get on the road to recovery. Keep documentation of all your visits and the medical decisions made. Typically, your employer or their insurance carrier will have pre-approved providers for you.
If you have grounds for needing a different medical provider, you may be able to have those services covered. You must make sure to get the permission of your employer, their carrier, or the Industrial Commission, or else you might not be covered.
Lastly, follow any other steps recommended by your medical team or required by your employer. You might need to file an accident report, for example. Throughout the process, it’s important to be as honest as possible with everyone involved. The more details you can give about your accident and injury, the more accurate decisions can be made.
Whether you work as a flight attendant or were an airline travel agent working near the Hickory Aviation Museum, you might be eligible for benefits after a workplace injury. You can hire an aviation worker injury lawyer to help you gather evidence, approach negotiations, and find out what your case might be worth.

North Carolina has a booming aviation industry, with the state seeing 74.3 million passengers annually. In the Hickory area, the broader transportation injury accounts for more than 12% of the area’s employment. There are a lot of aviation workers who contribute to keeping things running smoothly.
Some of these workers will see injuries related to their job. Because aviation provides so many different job opportunities, the exact risks you face might vary. However, there are some commonly reported injuries in aviation worker injury claims.
The most common of these is musculoskeletal damage, from things like repeated stress injuries or sprains and strains. Long-term issues like arthritis and carpal tunnel might also develop from repeated lifting, bending, or other maneuvering.
Slips and falls are another common aviation injury risk. Fast-paced environments can create more fall hazards, although workplaces should properly label and handle these hazards.
Lastly, hearing loss is also frequently reported. Airplanes and their terminals are loud, and even with proper hearing protection, repeated exposure can cause damage over time.
All of these injuries could possibly be eligible for compensation if you’re an aviation worker injured on the job. If you aren’t sure if your case would qualify, consult with a lawyer at The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers to find out.
How much compensation you receive for a workplace injury depends on your specific case. The extent of your injury, whether you’re able to return to work, and your usual wages can all play a role in determining your benefits. Other compensation, like medical coverage and vocational rehabilitation, might also be available.
If you did not purposely cause your injury, North Carolina’s retaliation laws prevent you from being fired for opening a workers’ comp case or being injured on the job. These are considered protected actions. However, if your injury is severe enough, it might prevent you from returning to work in the long term.
For employees of airlines, the airline is liable for personal injury under workers’ comp law. Outside of workers’ comp cases, or when the injured person is not an employee, the airline might still be liable for an injury. Most often, this involves proving negligence in a personal injury claim. An aviation worker injury lawyer can help determine whether you might have a case for compensation.
For most injuries, no, you cannot get in trouble under the same retaliation laws. If your injury was caused intentionally or you were intoxicated when you sustained the injury, you might not be eligible for workers’ comp, and could potentially be held responsible. An injury for which you are not at fault cannot result in you being fired or reprimanded.
Recovering from injuries is hard enough without having to approach a complex legal process on your own. Get aid from someone familiar with the Hickory area and its laws and employers.
The team at The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers is familiar with many aspects of workers’ comp law and personal injury cases. We can help you determine the right path for seeking compensation, build your case, and negotiate for your desired outcome. If your case needs to go to trial, we might also be able to represent you and your interests.
Based in Charlotte but covering a wider area across Western North Carolina, we bring compassion and knowledge to each one of our cases. Ask us about a consultation today to see how we can make your journey a bit easier.