Chapel Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Workers’ compensation benefits provide employees with financial assistance in the event they are injured on the job. Each state has its own set of workers’ compensation laws, but they all set forth the rules regarding benefits.
All employers must abide by these rules, but it is possible for an employer to dispute the claim of an injured employee. If this occurs, the injured employee may have to attend a hearing where an impartial third party will issue a final decision regarding benefits.
If the injured employee does not have a Chapel Hill workers’ compensation lawyer to defend their rights, the court will more than likely uphold the denial. If you have been denied your workers’ compensation benefits, contact a skilled attorney to learn more about your legal options.
What Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
When an employee is injured on the job, workers’ compensation can provide them with a financial safety net. Injuries sustained at work can be life-altering and expensive, and workers’ compensation benefits ensure that the worker does not have to shoulder the cost of their injuries alone. The compensation also helps employers by preventing workers from filing lawsuits against them.
Despite the fact that workers’ compensation serves to financially aid injured employees, the vast majority of states place caps on the amount of compensation a single worker can receive.
Injuries and Illnesses Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation Laws
Before contacting a Chapel Hill workers’ compensation lawyer, injured individuals should understand that some injuries are not covered by workers’ compensation benefits. Workers who sustain the following injuries will more than likely not be approved for benefits:
- Injuries that are self-inflicted
- Preexisting medical conditions
- Injuries sustained while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Injuries caused by workplace toxins
- Stress-related psychiatric disorders
- Injuries that occur during breaks and outside of working hours
Individuals who sustain injuries caused by machinery or equipment in the workplace will not be eligible for compensation. Instead, these individuals should contact a Chapel Hill workers’ compensation attorney and file a separate claim against the manufacturer of the faulty equipment.
Filing a Claim and Challenging an Employer Denial
The state of North Carolina encourages individuals to file a workers’ compensation claim if they are injured at work. Employers are required to offer the claim as soon as they learn of the injury, and it is in the best interest of the injured employee to fill the form out thoroughly and quickly.
The faster an individual completes their claim, the faster they can start receiving benefits for their injuries.
If an employer does not believe that an injury warrants workers’ compensation benefits, they have a right to dispute the claims of the employee. When this happens, an individual may need to hire a Chapel Hill workers’ compensation lawyer to defend their claim. Individuals who attempt to challenge their employer without the aid of an attorney may jeopardize their claim and ruin their chances of receiving the compensation they need to survive.
Retain the Services of a Chapel Hill Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you have been denied workers’ compensation benefits, you may need the legal guidance of a Chapel Hill workers’ compensation lawyer. An experienced attorney can provide you with a wealth of legal knowledge, and help you make the right decisions throughout your proceeding.
