Gastonia Workers Compensation Attorney
Companies operating in North Carolina must maintain insurance for their employees’ workers’ compensation claims. If you are an employee who was hurt in a work-related accident or who suffered an illness because of your job, you should report this to your company, file a workers’ compensation claim, and contact a Gastonia workers’ compensation lawyer.
The Sumwalt Group can provide reliable legal assistance. We can investigate your accident or illness and help you file for North Carolina workers’ compensation. We can provide comprehensive help throughout the claim process and maximize your financial recovery.
Workplace Accident Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported approximately 5,283 workplace fatalities throughout the United States during 2023. Also, in North Carolina specifically, 177 job-related fatalities were reported. North Carolinians filed claims for about 68,600 nonfatal job-related injuries or illnesses in 2023. This data reflects a rate of approximately 2.2 nonfatal injuries or illnesses for every 100 full-time North Carolina workers.
With so many job-related accidents and illnesses occurring, you might need help recovering financially after an accident. Thankfully, an experienced local attorney can optimize your recovery.
Accident Recovery
Gastonia is known for being a major economic hub, with many industries driving growth in the area. Locals are employed in financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, and more, and this growth increases the risk of workplace accidents and illnesses.
After a job-related accident or illness, consider pursuing:
- North Carolina workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is intended to provide financial recovery after a work-related accident or illness. It can cover medical costs, wage loss, and more. Under North Carolina’s laws, your employer must pay for insurance through NC’s workers’ compensation program unless they can qualify as a self-insured company. As a result, they must report all job-related incidents and illnesses to the NCIC.
- A personal injury claim. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you may file a civil claim for damages through the Gaston County Courthouse. An attorney can discuss the process and assist with filing the paperwork.
Through either a workers’ compensation claim or a civil claim, a Gastonia attorney can provide reliable information about your workplace injury or illness recovery.
Steps To Take After a Workplace Accident or Work-Related Illness
If you were hurt at work or suffered a job-related illness, it’s critical to report what happened right away. You should report your injury or illness in writing to your company and then file a North Carolina workers’ compensation insurance claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) by preparing and submitting NCIC Form 18.
After filing your claim, it’s important to seek medical care from a provider approved by your employer.
Most people find the process of filing for benefits confusing, and justifiably, they worry that a minor mistake could cost them their workers’ comp benefits. Also, employers sometimes try to dispute paying benefits through workers’ comp. For help with filing a claim, a claim denial, benefits negotiations, or exploring your legal options, consult an experienced North Carolina attorney.
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FAQs
A: To get workers’ compensation benefits, you must promptly notify your employer of the incident or illness. Then, you should seek medical care from an employer-approved provider. File your workers’ comp claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission no later than two years from your injury or illness onset to receive your benefits. Follow your doctor’s orders and consult an attorney with experience handling workers’ compensation claims, as they can discuss your accident recovery options.
A: Many people mistakenly believe their workplace injury or illness is automatically covered through workers’ compensation insurance benefits. The injured or ill employee often must provide compelling evidence that their accident or illness occurred during or because of their work duties. Since benefits are not automatic, your employer or their workers’ comp insurance carrier can dispute coverage. An attorney can then help work diligently to ensure you get the benefits to which you’re entitled.
A: While every attorney manages their caseload and communication differently, you should expect regular communication from your retained NC workers’ comp lawyer. They should make sure you understand what’s happening with your claim and should communicate important information.
You may hear from them in the beginning, during the claim decision period, when your treatment plan is determined, and during any settlement negotiations. In general, your lawyer should respond promptly to your questions and concerns.
A: For a North Carolina work-related accident or illness, you may be able to recover through North Carolina workers’ compensation benefits. If that does not provide sufficient coverage for your injury costs, you may decide to bring a civil court case to recover medical costs, wage loss, future medical care costs, and more. A lawyer can further discuss damages. Additionally, if your loved one died due to a work-related accident or illness, contact an attorney to discuss a wrongful death claim.
A: Sometimes, settlements are proposed for workers’ compensation benefits. Whether or not you should consider one depends on whether the proposed amount fully addresses your future medical costs based on your medical condition. A knowledgeable attorney can help discuss whether a settlement might be available in your situation and whether you should consider settling your claim, and they can often increase your overall recovery.
Gastonia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you’ve been the victim of a work-related accident or illness, contact The Sumwalt Group to hear how we can help with a workers’ compensation claim and benefits recovery. We can provide legal advice tailored to your specific workplace accident or illness situation. We offer free consultations to potential clients to evaluate their claims.
We serve Gastonia residents and those in the surrounding communities. Our office has excellent freeway access due to our proximity to I-77 and I-277. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a workers’ compensation attorney.