Wilmington Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Workers in Wilmington who suffer injuries on the job are often entitled to benefits to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes other consequences of the injury. However, in order to receive benefits, employees must follow proper procedures and provide the correct documentation
In addition, because the insurance companies responsible for paying workers’ compensation benefits want to keep their costs down, they frequently deny workers’ compensation claims even in situations where eligibility seems obvious. That is why many injured employees seek assistance from a Wilmington workers’ compensation lawyer.
A knowledgeable attorney may assist in appealing a denial or provide help right from the start of the process to help ensure that requirements are fulfilled. Schedule a consultation today to get started.
Steps to Take for Employees Injured on the Job
The workers’ compensation system is administered by the North Carolina Industrial Commission. When an employee suffers an injury while at work, the Commission recommends promptly reporting the injury to the employer and obtaining medical treatment.
Early Medical Care
Specifically, if the employer has a health care provider on site and has instructed employees to visit that provider, then the employee should do so. Similarly, if the employer has designated a health care provider for work-related injuries, the employee should visit that provider unless it is necessary to seek emergency care from a hospital.
If the employer has not designated a provider, the injured worker should seek medical treatment from their regular physician, an emergency room or other appropriate facility. The health care provider should be told that the injury is work-related so that it can be billed as a workers’ compensation expense.
Reporting the Injury
The Commission also recommends immediately informing a supervisor that the employee has suffered a work-related injury. Preferably, this report should be made by the injured employee, but in case of serious injury, a co-worker may fulfill this duty.
Then, as soon as possible (and no later than 30 days after the incident causing the injury), the injured employee should provide written notice of the injury to the employer. The notice should include the date and a brief description of the injury. In addition to delivering a copy to the employer, the worker should keep a copy for the record.
Follow Up Care is Critical
Finally, the Commission recommends that the injured employee follow doctors’ recommendations for medical care. Following these directives not only helps speed a return to health, but also protects the employee’s interests.
Medical visits provide records to assist with a claim. Moreover, a failure to follow doctors’ orders could be used as a reason to deny a claim for benefits.
What Benefits Available to Injured Workers in Wilmington?
Workers who suffer injuries within the scope of their employment or sustain illnesses in Wilmington caused by hazardous conditions may be entitled to different types of compensation with the help of an attorney. Medical benefits provide coverage for medical care needed due to the work-related injury.
Disability benefits provide compensation for wages lost while an employee is unable to work. These may be awarded on a temporary basis or, if a disability is determined to be permanent, the benefits may be provided long-term.
Benefits for permanent disabilities are based on a rating of the impact of the disability. An employee may be rated as totally disabled or partially disabled, and the amount is adjusted according to a state schedule.
Get Help from a Wilmington Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
After an injured employee reports the injury and receives medical care, then the worker will need to file the appropriate claim form, which varies according to the type of illness or injury. The employer or its insurer may file a denial form, and if so, the employee has the right to request a hearing before the Commission.
A dedicated Wilmington workers’ compensation lawyer may assist at many different stages in the process. If you suffered an injury at work, call now to learn how to move forward toward obtaining your workers’ compensation benefits.
