Hickory Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Hickory Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you or a loved one has been hurt on the job in Hickory, North Carolina, you deserve to get all the workers’ compensation benefits you’re entitled to under state law. It can be highly complex and overwhelming, however, to navigate the required processes. Many employees find themselves dealing with disputes, denials, and delays from insurance companies and employers. Fortunately, a Hickory workers’ compensation lawyer from The Sumwalt Group can represent you throughout this process.

At The Sumwalt Group, our compassionate team of attorneys is dedicated to helping injured workers get the income benefits, medical treatment, and sustainable support they require to facilitate their recovery. Our law firm can break down the workers’ compensation claims process for you, helping you take the right steps to secure the rights and benefits you need. We offer an initial consultation to confidentially discuss the details of your case.

Why Work With Our Hickory Workers’ Compensation Attorneys?

The dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys at our firm have a successful record of assisting workers who have been injured throughout the state. Our team knows how to get the benefits they’re entitled to. We leverage aggressive, innovative legal tactics to help workers stand up to greedy insurance companies and secure the full compensation package they are due.

As we charge on a contingency fee basis, you are not required to pay for our services unless we win your case for you. We can discuss your case, free of obligation, during the initial consultation. There, we can explain more about how we can aid you.

Understanding the Basics of Workers’ Compensation in Hickory

Workers’ compensation is managed by the North Carolina Industrial Commission. It is a state-mandated program that protects workers who have suffered from job-related illnesses or injuries.

If your workers’ compensation claim is approved, you could receive:

• Medical benefits: These can cover hospitalization, surgery fees, visits to the doctor, rehabilitation expenses, medical devices, and prescription medications.
• Wage replacement: If your injury prevents you from going back to work, you could receive partial wage compensation.
• Permanent disability benefits: If your injury leads to a long-term or permanent disability, you could be entitled to additional compensation.
• Vocational rehabilitation: Workers in Hickory who cannot return to their previous position could leverage certain workers’ compensation benefits. These can facilitate their training for a new role or placement into a new sector.
• Death benefits: If your loved one passed away in a workplace accident, you and their dependents could be entitled to workers’ compensation.

Many workers’ compensation claims can unfortunately be denied or delayed, leaving injured workers without the support they’re entitled to. Our compassionate team of Hickory workers’ compensation attorneys can assist you with filing your claim, appealing your denial, and fighting for an optimal compensation package.

Steps for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Hickory

Filing a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina involves strict requirements and deadlines. It is crucial to do the following to safeguard your right to get access to benefits:

• Notify your employer: You should immediately report your injury and the incident that caused it to your employer. By law, you have within 30 days of the date your injury happened to let your employer know. Upon receipt of notification, your employer must then report the injury to their workers’ compensation insurance provider.
• Get medical treatment: Either your employer or their insurer will need to tell you about an authorized doctor who can diagnose and treat your injuries. For instance, you may be sent to the Catawba Valley Medical Center. If you disagree with the assigned doctor’s diagnosis, you have the right to request a second opinion.
• File your official claim: After collecting all required supporting documentation, including medical records, you should complete Form 18, Notice of Accident to Employer and Claim of Employee. Submit your form to the North Carolina Industrial Commission via mail or online. An employer should submit Form 19, which is their version of the accident report, in tandem.

A dedicated attorney can assist you with the claims process, make sure it is completed thoroughly and accurately the first time, and work to avoid any unnecessary delays or denials.

Vernon Sumwalt

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Common Injuries Suffered by Workers in Hickory

Hickory’s workforce is primarily made up of the manufacturing, construction, and healthcare sectors, all of which pose significant risk to workers.

Some of the more commonly seen injuries at The Sumwalt Group include:

• Neck and back injuries: Prolonged poor posture or straining to lift heavy materials can lead to chronic injuries or ongoing pain.
• Repetitive stress injuries: These types of injuries are common in manufacturing and construction jobs, where workers are often required to carry out the same motions over and over.
• Construction incidents: Electrocution, malfunctioning equipment, and falling from scaffolding are common accidents that lead to injury in the construction industry.
• Slip and fall accidents: Hospitals, factory floors, and construction sites that have certain hazards, like loose cables, clutter, or liquids, can cause serious injuries.
• Healthcare worker injuries: Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff commonly suffer from exposure to contagious diseases and heavy-lifting-related injuries.
• Work-related vehicle accident: If your position requires the operation of a motor vehicle and you’ve been hurt in a crash, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation.

No matter the circumstances of your workplace accident or how you got hurt or sick, our empathetic team can assist you with navigating the claims process. Our attorneys can work hard to optimize your benefits.

What You Can Do If Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied

If you’re facing the denial of your workers’ compensation claim, it’s important to know that you still have options.

Your claim could have been rejected for a variety of reasons, including:

• Your employer is arguing that the injury was not related to your work.
• The insurance company is claiming you failed to meet the required reporting deadlines.
• The insurer says you do not have enough medical evidence to support the claim.
• The insurance provider says that you already had an existing condition.

Regardless of the tactics your employer or insurance company may be trying to pull to avoid paying you the compensation you’re entitled to, it’s crucial to fight back.

You can appeal a workers’ compensation denial by:

• Filing a request for a hearing with the NCIC to have your case officially reviewed
• Collecting crucial evidence, such as witness statements, professional evaluations, and medical records
• Hiring a Hickory workers’ compensation attorney, who can handle your appeals and negotiate with the insurance company

If you’ve been denied, don’t give up. We can help you challenge the decision and gain access to the benefits you’re entitled to.

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Schedule a Consultation With a Hickory Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you are suffering from a work-related condition or injury in Hickory, you are not alone. In fact, you have several legal rights and options. A Hickory workers’ compensation lawyer from The Sumwalt Group can help you get access to the fair compensation you deserve for medical expenses and lost income. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We can assert your rights and explain how to proceed with your case.