Charlotte Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

You can get help after an on-the-job accident from a Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyer. Our team at Whitley Law Firm can help injured workers secure money to cover their medical expenses and lost wages.

We have over 120 years of combined experience to apply to your claim. A Charlotte personal injury lawyer from our team can walk you through the claims process and inform you of your eligibility to obtain compensation for your injuries in North Carolina.

Get started today with a free consultation when you call or complete our online contact form.

Why Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Charlotte?

An attorney can help workers with serious injuries that limit their ability to work long-term. When we handle your workers’ comp case, you do not have to educate yourself on North Carolina’s unique laws that govern these claims.

We have the added benefit of multiple experienced attorneys at our firm who can address all your legal needs.

You Deserve the Whitley Advantage

At Whitley Law Firm, we take pride in giving our clients “The Whitley Advantage.” The Whitley Advantage means our clients receive legal services delivered with care and compassion in North Carolina.

We have a reputation for successfully resolving these claims, recently bringing a client $2.4 million for workplace injuries. You can go over our case results to learn more.

Injuries That Qualify for Workers’ Comp

Any injury you sustain on the job may allow you to file a workers’ comp claim. Common injuries that allow for this kind of claim include:

• Repetitive motion injuries (or repetitive stress injuries)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

We can help you seek maximum compensation for an occupational injury, so reach out for help today.

Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in North Carolina

People who get hurt on the job in North Carolina may receive compensation for their:

• Medical care
• Partial wage replacement
• Temporary partial disability benefits
• Temporary total disability benefits
• Permanent partial disability benefits
• Permanent total disability benefits

The healthcare provider should not send you a bill if you told them you got hurt at work. Instead, they bill your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company. Our team can give you more information about workers’ comp benefits.

Charlotte Workers' Compensation Lawyer Near Me (800)785-5000

What to Look for in Your Workers’ Comp Attorney

Consider these factors when deciding which law firm will handle your workers’ compensation case in Charlotte:

Experience in Handling Workers’ Compensation Cases

We have over 120 years of combined experience. You can count on our legal know-how when you hire our Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyers.

We understand and look for the potential hidden claims that might be available in your case. If your attorney does not know about these options, you might leave money on the table.

Knowledge of the Industrial Commission

The North Carolina Industrial Commission administers North Carolina’s workers’ compensation program. These cases are different from other personal injury claims. We understand the commission and workers’ comp benefits.

Potential Exit Strategies

Some cases receive a lump sum payout based on the injured worker’s disability rating. In contrast, others settle under an agreement allowing the injured person to continue receiving benefits.

Be sure to check out these essential factors before you choose your Charlotte workers’ compensation attorney.

Hidden Claims in Workers’ Compensation Cases

The workers’ compensation insurance company may need to pay for more than your medical benefits and lost wages. In some cases, you may receive funds for:

Mileage

According to the North Carolina Industrial Commission, you can receive compensation for your mileage if you drive more than 20 miles for medical care.

Backpay for the First Seven Days of Missed Wages

You usually do not get paid for the first week you did not work because of a job-related injury, but there is an exception to this general principle. Per G.S. § 97-28, if you cannot work for 21 days, the insurance company should back pay you for that first week, and the remaining time you could not work while recuperating.

Talk to your Charlotte workers’ comp lawyer about whether you might be eligible for these hidden claims.

Four Mistakes That Could Hurt Your Workers’ Comp Claim

These traps could decrease the financial value of your workers’ compensation claim:

Giving a Recorded Statement

The claims adjuster from the workers’ compensation insurance company might ask the injured worker to give a recorded statement. The workers’ comp insurance provider can use this statement as an excuse to deny the claim, even if they have to take your words out of context.

Not Reporting Your Injury in Writing

Even if your boss knows you got hurt at work, you must notify them of your injury in writing within 30 days of the workplace accident.

Some people fear losing their jobs if they report the injury, but your employer cannot legally fire you for filing a valid workers’ comp claim. A lawyer can explain how to report a work injury.

Not Telling Your Doctor About Your Symptoms

Suppose an injured worker later seeks medical treatment for any job injuries they did not report to the doctor during their initial exam. In that case, workers’ comp will likely deny benefits for those injuries, as they will have no proof that the workplace accident caused them.

Hiring a Lawyer Without Experience

If you hire a lawyer who does not know the special rules of workers’ comp claims, they could make a mistake with your claim and cause you to lose out on some of the benefits you deserve.

You can avoid these pitfalls by relying on our experienced Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys at Whitley Law Firm. We have been serving injured North Carolinians since 1974 and won’t settle without fighting for everything you deserve.

Our case results and testimonials are evidence of our extensive experience, high success rate, and kind, compassionate, hands-on care.

Benefits of Working With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

An attorney can ensure the insurance company treats you fairly and honestly. While not all workers’ compensation claimants in Charlotte can benefit from hiring an attorney, it can be beneficial to work with a lawyer if:

• You suffered catastrophic or permanent injuries that prevent you from ever returning to work.
• Your injuries require you to take a new job that pays less than your previous one.
• Your employer claims you are not eligible for workers’ compensation.
• Your employer does not offer workers’ compensation coverage.
• Your employer denies that your injuries occurred on the job.
• The workers’ compensation insurance company undervalues or denies your claim.

Our compassionate and hardworking workers’ comp lawyers would be honored to help you in any of these situations or if you have another unique problem not listed above.

When filing a claim for workers’ compensation, you may be intimidated by the amount of paperwork that goes into filing. However, by consulting with an attorney, you could alleviate your confusion through the professional guidance of an attorney.

If you wish to learn more about filing this type of case, get in touch with an experienced attorney who has answered the frequently asked questions regarding Charlotte workers’ comp cases in the past.

What Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Look Like?

Workers’ compensation benefits cover wage replacement or two-thirds of your average weekly wage. Your benefits should cover all medical treatment related to workplace injury and approved by the carrier. 

When you sustain a permanent disability, the workers’ comp system assigns a percentage to the specific body part and disperses a certain payout based on a formula.

The privately funded workers’ compensation firms are insurance companies that provide workers’ compensation insurance for employers. Meanwhile, publicly funded compensation is mainly available to state, city, or county workers covered by their state treasury.

The Biggest Mistakes Commonly Made in Workers’ Comp Cases

People try to deal with their injuries instead of filing for workers’ compensation more often than you think. A person worries that they will upset their boss by reporting a workers’ compensation claim or they might lose their job.

The biggest mistake people make when seeking workers’ compensation is giving a statement to insurance adjustors before talking to a workers’ comp attorney. They make statements that could limit or negate their benefits.

People mistakenly believe that the insurance company is there to help them. In fact, insurance companies try to eliminate payouts.

Why Should You Hire an Attorney?

Workers’ compensation claims may become complicated. You may need to fill out numerous forms. You may give statements to the insurance companies that could result in a denial of your benefits.

A workers’ compensation lawyer can take a claim to the North Carolina Industrial Commission, the referee of all potential claims. Access to the courts could make a massive difference in the outcome of the claim.

An attorney can also help after a fatal on-the-job accident. A compassionate Charlotte wrongful death lawyer from our firm can help your family.

Seeking Medical Attention From a Specific Medical Provider

When a person suffers a workplace injury, their employer may require them to seek treatment from a specific healthcare provider. With this in mind, it is more than likely that they would send the victim to a doctor the insurance company trusts instead of a doctor who is already acquainted with the victim.

What to Do if You Feel That Your Treatment Is Insufficient

If the insurance company sends a victim to a doctor and the doctor provides insufficient treatment, the victim should immediately contact a workers’ compensation attorney.

A Charlotte attorney could speak on behalf of the injured worker to convince the person’s employer to allow the injured worker to seek a second opinion provided by a medical professional of the victim’s choice.

This request may cause a combative response from the insurance company. Still, with a lawyer on the victim’s side, the insurance company may agree to give the victim what they want since they have access to professional legal representation.

What Is Maximum Medical Improvement?

Maximum medical improvement occurs when a victim would no longer benefit from medical treatment. Once a victim reaches maximum medical improvement, the professionals recommend contacting an attorney about receiving compensation in the form of wages or an unemployment benefit.

If this happens to you, a qualified workers’ compensation attorney could guide you on your rights as an employee.

According to North Carolina and federal law, employers cannot legally retaliate in Charlotte workers’ compensation cases. You can discuss your particular case with a dedicated workers’ compensation attorney and receive legal advice if you have faced retaliation from the employer in any form.

Basics of Workers’ Compensation Settlement Agreements

In permanent partial disability cases, several employers may offer a settlement that equals or is a little lower than the monetary amount that someone may receive as part of their workers’ compensation claim. However, it is essential to note that the injured employee may have to forfeit something in exchange for this type of settlement.

The worker may have to give up the right to any medical care in the future, the right to claim that a medical condition was associated with their workers’ compensation claim, or the right to argue that they are totally and permanently disabled.

Approval from a North Carolina Deputy Commissioner is necessary for such lump-sum settlements. You may see lump-sum settlements called Compromise Settlement Agreements (CSAs) or Clincher Agreements.

Working Out a Settlement in Charlotte

A person may want to seek an attorney’s opinion before they agree to a workers’ compensation settlement in Charlotte. An attorney can help create a thorough list of available benefits, helping workers ensure they receive fair compensation.

After speaking to a Charlotte workplace injury lawyer, if the injured worker decides to settle, it is essential to consider future medical care and indemnity benefits if these factors apply to their claim.

Also, recipients of Social Security disability benefits may face an offset that lawyers must include in a settlement.

Consulting a Lawyer About Workers’ Compensation Settlements

Consulting a qualified workers’ compensation attorney could be helpful when involved in a settlement proceeding with your employer. A lawyer can help ensure that you receive all the benefits you deserve.

The personal injury attorney representing the employer’s insurance company and your attorney can directly broker your settlement. Your attorney can handle negotiations to maximize your benefits.

Call to schedule a consultation to learn more about how a lawyer could help you with workers’ compensation settlements in Charlotte.

Contact Us Today for a Free Workers’ Compensation Case Consultation

A Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyer at Whitley Law Firm can advocate on your behalf to fight for the benefits you deserve after a serious work-related injury or illness. To learn more about the claims process, or if you wish to discuss your specific case, contact Whitley Law Firm.

We are well-versed in compensation law and would love to help you navigate the compensation process.