Hickory Construction Work Injury Lawyer

Construction Work Injury Attorney in Hickory, NC

When recovering from a workplace injury, the last thing you want to do is argue with insurance adjusters and your employers over fair treatment. If you’re facing a similar situation, contact a Hickory construction work injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options under North Carolina law.

Hire a Construction Work Injury Lawyer Today

Clients choose The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers for our niche focus on workers’ compensation law and our over 45 years of combined professional experience. Our attorneys have secured victories for hundreds of employees in North Carolina and are here to listen to the details of your situation.

We offer consultations to residents of Hickory and the surrounding cities in North Carolina. Let our skilled team handle the legal side of things for you so you can focus on rest and recovery.

Vernon Sumwalt

Free Consultation Today 704-565-0621

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Steps to Take After an Injury in the Workplace

In 2023, 923 people were employed in Hickory’s construction industry. Major employers in and around Hickory, North Carolina, include Hickory Construction Company, The Atriax Group, and SW Associates, Inc. Construction workers face higher workplace risks than workers in other industries. In 2023, around one in five workplace deaths occurred in construction. That same year, there were 3,200 reported cases of workplace injuries and illnesses in North Carolina’s construction industry.

When an injury happens on-site, the effects can be severe and long-lasting. Knowing your rights as a North Carolina worker is key to protecting yourself in the event of an injury.

North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Laws

In North Carolina, employees who’ve been injured at work are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. They don’t need to prove who was at fault for the incident. However, because of this, they generally can’t file a legal case against their employer for the incident unless the employer’s reckless conduct or intentional actions caused the injury.

After getting injured, you’ll want to get looked over by a doctor right away. Be sure to let them know your injury happened while at work. Request copies of your medical records to have proof of the incident. You’ll then need to inform your employer of the incident within 30 days. You’ll do this both verbally and in writing. Once your workers’ compensation claim is filed, your employer’s insurer will either approve or deny your claim.

You can take time off immediately to start your recovery process. You may use sick time, vacation days, or other PTO during the first week, as you won’t receive wages until after the first seven days. However, if you’re out of work for over 21 days, you’ll be reimbursed for that first week.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits You Can Receive While Recovering From Your Injury

Injured workers in North Carolina are entitled to certain benefits while recovering. These are:

1. Partial wages. These partial wages will begin no later than 14 days after you inform your employer of the injury. You’ll receive weekly wages while you’re recovering from your injury. These wages are two-thirds of your average weekly wage. These wages continue until you’re able to return to work in full capacity. If you have permanent disability from your injury, you may be entitled to permanent partial disability payments.
2. Medical treatment
3. Rehabilitation services

What to Do if Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Gets Denied in North Carolina

Your workers’ compensation claim may be denied because your employer may claim that your injury wasn’t caused by work. They’ll inform you in writing if your claim is denied. This can be incredibly stressful for an injured worker who needs wages to pay their bills and time off to heal.

It’s important to hire a construction work injury lawyer to represent your case if you’re facing a claim denial.

You’ll be able to request a hearing to appeal the denial. During this time, you can still seek medical treatment. The provider will only bill you personally if your appeal results in a final denial.

FAQs

Can I Open a Legal Case if I Was Hurt by a Third-Party Contractor?

If you were hurt by a third party, you can still receive workers’ compensation benefits. You may also be able to file a personal injury case against them. You’ll have a year to file your legal claim. This can be done at the Catawba County Courthouse, located at 100 Government Drive in Newton. If you win your case, you’ll be awarded compensation to help you recover your financial and emotional losses. Having a lawyer to represent your case is vital.

How Long Can I Receive Medical Treatment on Workers’ Compensation?

In North Carolina, you can receive medical treatment on workers’ compensation for two years after you receive your last partial wage payment. Many employees don’t realize this and stop seeking medical care upon returning to work. As long as you aren’t back in full health and it’s within that two-year timeframe, you can continue receiving medical treatment for your pain.

Can I Choose My Own Doctor After Being Injured at Work in Hickory, NC?

You may be able to choose your own doctor after being injured at work in Hickory, NC. Your doctor is typically chosen for you by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer. However, if you want a second medical option or a different doctor altogether, you may file a written request for one.

The North Carolina Industrial Commission oversees workers’ compensation claims and will grant your request if it finds that a change in provider will help your recovery process.

Do North Carolina Employers Have to Carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Most employers in North Carolina have to carry workers’ compensation insurance. While this protects them from legal claims, they still have to comply with the safety requirements set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act. They must provide employees with a workplace free of serious hazards that could endanger their health and safety. If they fail to do so, and a worker is injured, the workers’ compensation benefits increase by 10%.

Choose a Skilled Workers’ Compensation Law Firm in North Carolina

Schedule your confidential appointment with a lawyer at The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers today. We offer new clients consultations at our Charlotte office. During your consultation, you’ll be able to explain your situation in detail. From there, our attorneys can provide transparent legal guidance to help you make informed decisions about your case.