Raleigh Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Raleigh Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Getting hurt on the job in Raleigh is extremely challenging, as you are likely suffering from physical and financial damages. Fortunately, most workers in North Carolina are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This program can cover crucial expenses, like medical costs and lost income. Navigating this process, however, can be overwhelming and complex. A Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyer from The Sumwalt Group can work to secure your rightful benefits.

At The Sumwalt Group, our dedicated team of attorneys has years of combined experience in fighting for the rights of workers in Raleigh and across North Carolina. We understand that workers make up the core of our economy and community. Therefore, our law firm can work hard to assert their rights when they are in need. Schedule a consultation with us to learn more about how we can help you access the benefits you deserve after sustaining a work injury

Workers’ Compensation in Raleigh: What You Should Know

There are a variety of dangerous industries in North Carolina.  The state posted a nonfatal injury incidence rate of 2.0 in 2023. Fortunately, injured workers in the state have an option to cover the expenses associated with these incidents.

The workers’ compensation program in North Carolina is managed by the state. This program is intended to provide medical and financial benefits to employees who are suffering from injuries or illnesses related to their work. The system is a no-fault one, which means workers are entitled to get benefits, regardless of who was liable for causing the accident. However, employees waive their right to sue their employer for negligence.

In Raleigh, the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) has the mandate of staying compliant with state and federal laws while managing and administering workers’ compensation claims. The main office is located at:

430 N. Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27603

This agency has a crucial role in supporting injured or sick workers by processing their claims, answering their questions, and resolving ongoing disputes.

Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation in Raleigh?

Most workers in North Carolina are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This is because nearly all employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance, which can cover expenses associated with the work-related illnesses or injuries of their employees.

Workers who are eligible for compensation include part-time, full-time, and temporary workers. State employees, such as City of Raleigh workers, are covered under a self-insured program administered by the North Carolina Office of Human Resources. Generally, independent contractors are not covered, although misclassifications are unfortunately common in sectors like construction.

Employers who have three or more workers are mandated to have workers’ compensation benefits. However, there are crucial exceptions, such as:

• Specific types of agricultural firms that have less than ten employees.
• Logging and sawmill operations.
• Domestic workers who are hired by private households.

By working with an experienced Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyer, you can know whether your employer has the right insurance coverage. They can also explore measures to take if you’ve been harmed on the job, and your employer doesn’t have the coverage they are mandated to have by law.

Vernon Sumwalt

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Benefits You May Be Entitled to Through Workers’ Compensation

By hiring a detail-oriented workers’ compensation attorney, you can understand whether you are entitled to the following benefits, which include compensation for:

• Medical costs: This includes coverage for hospital care, physical therapy, visits to the doctor, medical devices, surgery fees, and prescription medications, among others.
• Wage replacement: You may be entitled to 2/3, or 66.67% of your average weekly wage, maxed out by the annual cap defined by the NCIC.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits: If you cannot work at all during your recovery time, you may be entitled to receive these payments, which can supplement your income.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits: If you’ve been hurt in a way that’s debilitating in the long term or permanently, you could be entitled to these regular payments.
• Vocational rehabilitation: If you cannot return to your previous position due to a permanent impairment, you can receive assistance with retraining for a new sector or job and getting a new position.
• Death benefits: If a workplace accident led to the death of your loved one, you and other dependents could be entitled to financial compensation.

Industry-Specific Risks in Raleigh

In Raleigh, certain injuries have a higher risk of workplace injuries and fatalities. For example, the construction industry sees common injuries linked to accidents like falls from scaffolding, heavy machinery incidents, and motor vehicle accidents. The manufacturing industry sees injuries due to hazardous chemical exposure and heavy machinery-related injuries.

Nurses and caregivers in the healthcare sector also commonly experience needle-stick injuries and back injuries – such as from lifting patients. Those in the transportation and warehousing industries in Raleigh experience a high threat of heavy lifting injuries or trucking accidents.
Whether you have slipped and fallen while working in your hospital or been harmed during a violent confrontation at your school, a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney can explain your rights and benefits.

Local Resources for Injured Workers

If you need medical treatment that is covered by workers’ compensation, WakeMed Health & Hospitals provide ongoing and emergency care for work-related injuries. Furthermore, the Raleigh Orthopedic Workers’ Compensation Clinic has resources for rehabilitation and return-to-work programs.

Wake County Employment Assistance and Capital Area Workforce Development Board support return-to-work programs or career transitioning for area residents recovering from their work-related injuries.

The Importance of Hiring a Raleigh Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

It can be overwhelming to try to navigate the workers’ compensation claims process alone, especially if you’re having issues with an employer dispute or delays in payment from your insurance company. A Raleigh workers’ compensation attorney can ensure a smooth claim submittal process by properly filing all paperwork with the NCIC. Additionally, they can secure the full extent of the rightful benefits you need to heal.

If your claim is denied, they can advocate fiercely on your behalf during the claims process, working hard to obtain the compensation you’re entitled to. They can also safeguard your rights against any potential employer retaliation you may be facing for filing a claim.

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Schedule a Consultation With a Raleigh Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered from a workplace-related condition or injury in Raleigh, it’s crucial to recover the workers’ compensation you’re entitled to. Whether you need support with medical expenses, lost income, or rehabilitation, a compassionate Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyer from The Sumwalt Group can represent you. Contact our legal team today to schedule a consultation. Our team is eager to discuss your case with you, and we can safeguard your rights.