Kinston Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Have you suffered a work-related injury in Kinston? Suffering an on-the-job injury can be extremely stressful and confusing. You may be concerned about who will pay your medical bills, when (if at all) you will be able to return back to work, and you may wonder what the future holds for your job. Unfortunately, workers are hurt more frequently than many people realize, and many such incidents go unreported. Whenever you are injured at work, it’s a wise idea to enlist the services of a Kinston workers’ compensation lawyer from The Whitley Law Firm.
Attorney Robert E. Whitley, Jr. has become certified as a specialist in workers’ compensation by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. The legal certification program is designed to assist in the delivery of high quality legal services to the public by identifying those lawyers to the public who have demonstrated a superior level of knowledge, skill and proficiency in a specified field of law. As a Board Certified workers’ compensation specialist, Robert E. Whitley, Jr. has the tools and experience to provide his clients with superior legal representation in their workers’ compensation claims.
According to the US Department of Labor, about three million people are non-fatally injured in private workplaces each year. While some injuries are minor, many are more severe and require longer-term care, treatment and rehabilitation. Some are even disabling, preventing employees from returning to work altogether.
If you have been hurt at work, a lawyer can help you seek the compensation you need to pay your medical bills and make up for lost wages from missed work. Employers in North Carolina pay into a benefits system so that workers who are hurt on the job can receive compensation, even if the parties disagree about who caused the accident or injury.
Workers Compensation Claims
Workers’ compensation accidents can cause various types of workers’ compensation injuries. Common types of accidents suffered on the job include: machinery accidents, falls from heights, falls from ladders, repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, car accidents, and truck accidents, accidents caused by farming equipment, defective machinery, or even negligence from a co-worker or random acts of violence.
Such accidents can cause serious and debilitating:
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputation
- Spinal cord injuries
Employers and their insurance companies have a vested interest in denying claims or paying out as little as possible. As an injured employee, you have rights; however, in order to protect those rights you are going to need an experienced Kinston workers’ compensation attorney working on your behalf to ensure that you receive the appropriate medical care and as much benefits as possible.
We are here to help ensure that the filing process goes as seamless as possible for you, and we will be by your side in case the employer or the insurance company attempts to deny your claim. We can answer any questions that you may have including those about vocational rehabilitation rights of injured workers, or workers’ compensation death benefits. If you were injured at work, contact our firm right away. We are here to offer a lending hand during this difficult time in your life.
Common Types of Workers’ Compensation Claims
People are injured in almost countless ways, and across all industries. While those who work in construction, or with hazardous equipment or chemicals may be more likely to experience workplace accidents, a work-related injury can come in many forms. Some of the most common include:
- Construction accidents
- Hazardous chemical spills
- Explosions
- Commercial vehicle accidents
- Falling objects
- Falls from heights
- Slip and falls
- Burns
- Long-term carcinogen exposure
- Asbestos
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Electrocution
- Rotator cuff tears
- Psychological stress and PTSD
- Head and brain injuries
Workers’ Compensation Damages
Workers compensation claims are unique in several ways. Unlike typical personal injury claims, damages are usually limited to compensation for medical bills and lost wages.
If you are experiencing additional damages though, your Kinston worker’s compensation lawyer can discuss with you whether you may be eligible for recouping the loss of future wages, especially if your injury is permanent and disabling.
In addition, if you were hurt due to your employer’s egregiously dangerous or malicious conduct, you may also be eligible for additional compensation in certain limited circumstances. Your attorney can examine the facts in your case and advise you as to your next steps.
Workers Compensation and Employer Retaliation
If you have been injured at work, you may be worried that if you report the injury, your employer may fire you. However, it is illegal for your employer to fire you, demote you, change your work duties or treat you differently because you filed a workers compensation claim.
If you are concerned about your employer’s response to your injury, your Kinston workers compensation lawyer can be by your side throughout the process, advising you on everything from filing your claim to communicating with your employer. In all instances, consulting with your attorney is incredibly valuable to ensure your rights are protected.
