Chapel Hill Workers Compensation Lawyer

Chapel Hill Workers Compensation Attorney

North Carolina employees suffer from work-related injuries and illnesses every year. A knowledgeable Chapel Hill workers’ compensation lawyer can help explore your available legal options after a work-related accident or illness. An attorney can answer your questions, help you file a workers’ compensation claim, and discuss your recovery options. The Sumwalt Group has substantial experience resolving workplace injury and illness claims for North Carolinians.

Filing A Workers’ Compensation Claim in Chapel Hill, NC

Chapel Hill is known as a major hub for manufacturing, finance, technology, and healthcare. With continued growth in these industries locally, there is an increased risk of employee accidents and illnesses in Chapel Hill.

If you were injured on the job, you may be able to pursue a civil claim against the responsible party for your injury. However, you usually need to first pursue benefits with a workers’ compensation claim. You can typically file a claim if your company maintains workers’ compensation insurance and if your accident or illness is related to your job duties.

To start your claim, you must report your injury to your employer, which you can usually accomplish by advising your manager or supervisor about your accident or work-related illness in writing. Your employer must then give you paperwork to start your workers’ compensation claim.

Your company may require you to complete a medical examination with a doctor approved by their insurance carrier. Then, the examination results plus your benefits application package are reviewed by the insurance benefits carrier to determine your benefits eligibility. If you’re approved for benefits, you typically are provided with documentation detailing the financial benefits you can expect to receive.

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Available NC Workers’ Compensation Benefits

After a work-related injury or illness, North Carolina workers’ comp typically provides two kinds of insurance benefits, including:

• The medical costs directly related to your workplace injury or illness
• Temporary disability benefits if you’ve been considered unable to work for a period
• Permanent disability benefits

If you are temporarily unable to work, you may be awarded disability benefits on a temporary basis to offset your reduced earnings. If you’re fully disabled on a permanent basis, you might receive a lump sum amount intended to help offset your medical costs.

An attorney can ensure you provide your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier with compelling evidence to support your argument that you are entitled to maximum benefits. If a carrier makes an offer to settle your workers’ compensation claim as a lump sum, an attorney can help discuss whether it’s appropriate for your recovery. Also, if you’re denied workers’ compensation benefits or receive a lowball offer, an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help.

Consider Retaining an Attorney

There are situations where an employee may pursue a legal claim, and it’s worth speaking with a qualified attorney about a workplace injury or work-related illness. While many people want to jump right into a civil claim for damages, others must file a workers’ comp claim first. An attorney can discuss your options and protect your employee rights. They can discuss your preliminary steps and the various ways you might recover damages.

You may be entitled to damages for:

• Medical costs. If your insurance benefits are insufficient to cover your medical bills, you may be able to bring a claim for personal injury damages, which you can discuss with an attorney.
• Lost wages. You might be able to recover your lost salary if you can prove liability for your work injury or illness. An attorney can further help address wage loss.
• Diminished earning capacity. If you earn less than before your accident, it’s worth speaking with an attorney who can maximize your wage recovery.
• Emotional damages. An attorney can help you pursue available financial recovery for pain and suffering based on your individual circumstances.

With either a workers’ compensation benefits claim or a personal injury claim, an attorney can help maximize your recovered damages.

FAQs

Chapel Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Occupational injuries, disabilities, and illnesses make the lives of employees more challenging. An attorney can make all the difference in getting the compensation you need.

With a centrally based North Carolina law office, The Sumwalt Group has exceptional workers’ compensation and trial lawyers ready to help you move forward after a work-related accident or illness. Contact us for a free initial case review and consultation.