Wilmington Aviation Worker Injury Lawyer

Aviation Worker Injury Attorney in Wilmington, NC

Operating an aircraft is a serious responsibility that requires extensive training to be done safely. Even with proper training, flying still poses many dangers to both operators and passengers. For those whose careers are centered on flying, the close proximity to such risks increases the chances of injury. A Wilmington aviation worker injury lawyer can help injured workers receive compensation.

There are legal protections in place to allow pilots and other aviation workers to receive compensation for injuries sustained while on the job. The types of injuries that may be covered by workers’ comp are vast, ranging from significant physical injuries to lesser obvious psychological traumas.

When to File a Claim

If you have been injured on the job, it can be difficult to know when to file a claim. North Carolina state law requires employees to report an injury within 30 days of the accident or when they first notice injury symptoms. However, it is recommended that an injured employee report the incident as soon as possible, and in writing. Compensation is often not awarded unless written notice is given within this timeframe.

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Steps to Filing a Claim

When you hire an aviation worker injury lawyer, you are taking the first step toward pursuing the compensation you deserve. However, hiring a lawyer does not mean the work is over. The following steps are ones you can expect to take as part of this complex process.

After notifying your employer and seeking the medical treatment you need, it is crucial to educate yourself on the Workers’ Compensation System in North Carolina and how it functions in relation to your specific situation. You can take one of the three following steps to find information on the workers’ compensation carrier that your employer uses. 

1. Search the Insurance Coverage Search System.
2. File a Form 18, which makes a claim against your employer.
3. Find out if your employer has filed a Form 19 reporting your injury.

Fatalities

In 2021, there were a total of 179 fatal work injuries reported in the state of North Carolina by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. While this number fluctuates from year to year, it is crucial to recognize that work-related injury and death are a real possibility for those who serve in dangerous roles. For families of those who have died on the job, compensation may be available to cover medical costs, funeral expenses, and an extended loss of wages.

In North Carolina, 35% of all fatal work injuries were the result of transportation incidents. This is particularly relevant to those in the aviation industry, who frequently handle large machinery. North Carolina’s incidence rate for workers in trade, transportation, and utilities was 2.6 in 2024, slightly higher than the national average of 2.3.

Workers Compensation in Wilmington

Pilots and aviation personnel working with Wilmington International Airport often have intense schedules and demands throughout their workday. Because popular airlines such as Delta, American, and Avelo operate out of this airport, many airport personnel face stressful days. Such a high-stress environment can make it easier to injure yourself. If you find yourself in need of compensation for a workplace injury, finding the right lawyer can make your case much easier.

Personal injury cases in Wilmington are often heard in the New Hanover County Courthouse, 316 Princess St, Wilmington, NC 28401.

FAQs

What Happens if You Get Hurt Again While on Workers’ Comp?

If an employee experiences an additional injury while actively on workers’ compensation in North Carolina, a few outcomes may occur. If the second injury is new and totally unrelated to the injury that triggered the initial need for workers’ compensation, the second injury will likely be treated as a new claim. This may require the employee to fill out new paperwork and file an additional report with their employer.

Do Injuries That Are Over Three Days Old Need to be Reported?

For injuries that prevent an employee from performing their work-related duties for more than three consecutive days at a time, it is crucial to report them to an employer. This specific time frame is often used to determine when compensation for lost wages may begin. However, regardless of the time required to recover from a work-related injury, an employee may still be entitled to compensation for any injuries or damages incurred while at work.

What Is Considered a Serious Injury in Aviation?

The Department of the Interior defines a serious injury in the field of aviation as any that requires a person to be hospitalized for more than 48 hours, results in the fracturing of bones, results in severe internal damage, or adheres to other specific criteria. Such incidents can occur while operating an aviation vehicle or coming into close contact with the exterior of a vehicle. Minor injuries would include bruising, small cuts, and other minuscule injuries.

What Are the Five Rules of Incident Reporting?

The five main rules of incident reporting for employees in Wilmington include immediate documentation, objective description, identifying all relevant parties who were involved, notifying the appropriate supervising authorities, and correctly identifying the root cause while also planning to take effective action in the future. Each workplace has its own protocol for following these five rules.

Hire an Aviation Worker Injury Lawyer: The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers

At The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers, we help each client through the difficult process of getting the compensation they deserve. Vernon Sumwalt has aided over 300 individuals in workers’ compensation hearings. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina in 1998 and has practiced law for over 25 years. Christa Sumwalt runs a criminal defense practice in addition to advocating for injured workers, giving her a unique perspective.

If you have been injured while at work as an aviation worker, it is crucial to seek legal help as soon as possible. You are likely entitled to compensation for the injury you have experienced, and an experienced lawyer can help you receive it. Contact us today to learn more about how we may be able to help.