Raleigh Work Injury (Workers’ Comp) Lawyers
If you were injured at work or while working on behalf of your employer, you have the right under North Carolina law to receive compensation and medical treatment for your injuries. Our experienced Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyers can help.
Our compassionate team helps clients with medical care, medical bills, lost wages, and dealing with the stress of their physical recovery. We provide support, care, and concern in the aftermath of tragedies.
As former insurance defense attorneys, we know how to fight for every penny you deserve.
Work Injury Lawyers Serving North Carolina
Our Raleigh Work Injury Settlements and Verdicts:
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In 2023, we represented an employee who was injured on the job in a fire and suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns. Our team of workers’ compensation attorneys in Raleigh, NC negotiated a final settlement payment for our client in the amount of $275,000 in addition to other benefits. Read the case summary.
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In 2022, we represented an employee who was injured on the job while driving a company vehicle. The accident was caused by vehicle brake failure, and our client hurt his back in the wreck. Our team of workers’ compensation attorneys in Raleigh, NC negotiated a final settlement payment for our client in the amount of $80,000 in addition to other benefits. Read the case summary.
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In 2022, we represented an employee who was injured on the job when he tried to pick up a fallen object. While picking up the object, our client injured his back. Our team of workers’ compensation attorneys in Raleigh, NC negotiated a final settlement payment for our client in the amount of $70,000 in addition to other benefits. Read the case summary.
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In 2021, we represented an employee who was injured on the job on the company elevator when the elevator door closed suddenly, knocking her off balance, and causing her to injure her knee. Our team of workers’ compensation attorneys in Raleigh, NC negotiated a final settlement payment for our client in the amount of $60,000 in addition to other benefits. Read the case summary.
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In 2021, we represented an employee who was injured on the job while driving a company vehicle. In the accident, he suffered soft tissue injuries as well as a concussion. Our team of workers’ compensation attorneys in Raleigh, NC negotiated a final settlement payment for our client in the amount of $53,333.00 in addition to other benefits. Read the case summary.
Common Causes of Workplace Injuries and Accidents in Raleigh, NC
Injuries at work include more than just regular aches and pains. Some of the most common types of workplace injury cases our Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyers see are:
Dangerous machinery accidents
Construction site accidents
Repetitive stress injuries
Workplace illnesses and diseases
Traveling employees and vehicle accidents
Faulty safety equipment and training
Falling objects accidents
Lifting, pulling, and straining injuries
What Injures Are Covered for a Work Injury Claim in Raleigh, NC?
Workers' compensation covers injuries that occur while you are working or while you are performing work-related activities. This can include injuries sustained in accidents, such as falls or machinery accidents, as well as injuries that result from repetitive stress or overexertion. In North Carolina, workers' compensation also covers illnesses that are caused by your job, such as respiratory problems or chemical exposure. Those include:
Back and spine injuries
Neck injuries
Brain injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Sprained and bruised knees, ankles, wrists, hips, and shoulders
Broken bones
Fire, electrocution, and burns
Eye injuries
Hearing loss
Amputations
Drownings
Chest and abdominal injuries
Anxiety and psychological injuries
Occupational diseases, including chemical poisoning and certain cancers
Benefits Our Raleigh Work Injury Attorneys Could Help You Recover
The injuries you suffered in your workplace injury may entitle you to monetary payments and compensation. Some of the most common types of damages (explained in more detail here) recovered in the cases handled by our Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyers are:
Medical bills paid/reimbursed
Future medical expenses
Lost wages and income for time you missed at work
Lost future earning capacity and wages
Permanent disability, scarring, or disfigurement
A Guide to North Carolina Work Injury Claims
Most work injury victims have questions about what they should/shouldn’t do and how the legal system works. It’s understandable because this kind of accident rarely happens to a person more than once. Unfortunately, there is little reliable or correct information about work injury cases that is available to the public, which causes confusion about the work injury process and hurts injury victims’ chances for recovery. Here’s what our team of Raleigh work injury lawyers believe you should know:
1. Raleigh Work Injury Claims Are Covered By North Carolina Workers’ Compensation
Work injury claims are also known as “workers' compensation.” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides financial benefits and medical coverage to employees who are injured on the job. In North Carolina, employers are required to have workers' compensation insurance to cover the costs of injuries or illnesses sustained by their employees while working.
2. North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Laws
Workers' compensation claims in North Carolina are governed by the North Carolina Workers' Compensation Act, which was enacted in 1929. This act provides certain benefits to employees who are injured on the job or who suffer from an occupational disease. In North Carolina, employers are required to carry workers' compensation insurance to cover the costs of these benefits. Whether it happens to you, a family member, or a friend, it can be frustrating and even life-changing when you’re injured at work. It can be a stressful process if your employer decides what treatment you receive or retaliates against you because of your injury. And you only have one chance to get it right.
3. Are Occupational Diseases Covered in a Work Injury Claim in North Carolina?
Yes. Under North Carolina law, if you have been diagnosed with a condition listed in N.C. Gen. Stat. 97-53 and can prove that your job caused or “substantially contributed” to the condition, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Read a complete list of covered occupational diseases.
4. Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in North Carolina?
There are several factors that can affect an employee's eligibility for workers' compensation in North Carolina. One factor is the employee's status as a full-time or part-time worker. Full-time employees are generally covered by workers' compensation, while part-time employees may be excluded. Additionally, employees who are injured while engaging in activities outside of their job duties may not be eligible for workers' compensation.
5. What Benefits Will I Receive for My Work Injury in Raleigh, NC?
The amount of workers' compensation benefits you receive will depend on the severity of your injury or illness and your ability to work. In general, you may be entitled to receive benefits for:
Medical expenses:
This includes the cost of any treatment or surgery you need as a result of your injury or illness.
2. Temporary disability benefits:
If you are unable to work due to your injury or illness, you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits. These benefits are calculated based on your average weekly wage, and are paid at a rate of two-thirds of your wage.
3. Permanent disability benefits:
If your injury or illness results in a permanent disability, you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits. These benefits are based on the extent of your disability and are paid in a lump sum.
4. Vocational rehabilitation:
If your injury or illness prevents you from returning to your former job, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation benefits to help you retrain for a new occupation.
Free Case Evaluation
Our Raleigh Workers’ Compensation lawyers are available now to evaluate your case for free.
6. How Do I File a Work Injury Claim in North Carolina?
If an employee is injured on the job, they may be entitled to medical benefits, temporary disability benefits, and permanent disability benefits. Medical benefits cover the cost of medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgery, and physical therapy. Temporary disability benefits are paid to employees who are unable to work due to their injury, and are based on a percentage of their average weekly wage. Permanent disability benefits are paid to employees who have suffered a permanent injury or disability as a result of their work-related injury.
To file a workers' compensation claim in North Carolina, you should follow these steps:
Notify your employer of the injury as soon as possible. You should report the injury to your supervisor or HR department as soon as it occurs, or as soon as you realize you have been injured.
Fill out a workers' compensation claim form. Your employer should provide you with a claim form to fill out, or you can obtain one from the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
Submit the completed claim form and any supporting documentation to your employer and the Industrial Commission. You should include any medical bills, reports, or other documentation that supports your claim.
The employee must notify their employer of the injury within 30 days. The employer is then required to report the injury to their workers' compensation insurance carrier within 10 days. The employee can then file a claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission, which is the state agency responsible for administering workers' compensation claims.
The Industrial Commission will review the claim and make a determination as to whether the injury is covered by workers' compensation. If the claim is approved, the employee will receive benefits based on the severity of their injury and their average weekly wage. If the claim is denied, the employee has the right to appeal the decision.
7. Are There Limits to the Benefits I Can Receive for My Work Injury in Raleigh, NC?
There are also limits on the amount of benefits that an employee can receive under the North Carolina Workers' Compensation Act. The maximum amount of temporary disability benefits that an employee can receive is 70% of their average weekly wage, and the maximum amount of permanent disability benefits is 500 weeks. There are also caps on the amount of medical benefits that an employee can receive, and these are based on the North Carolina Medical Fee Schedule.
In addition to the benefits provided under the North Carolina Workers' Compensation Act, employees may also be entitled to certain additional benefits under other state or federal laws. For example, employees who are injured on the job may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance, which is a federal program that provides benefits to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability.
8. What If My Employer Denies My Work Injury Claim in North Carolina?
If your employer denies your workers' compensation claim, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can file an appeal with the North Carolina Industrial Commission, which will review your case and determine whether you are entitled to benefits.
9. Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in North Carolina?
It is illegal for an employer to fire or discriminate against an employee for filing a workers' compensation claim. If you believe you have been fired or treated unfairly because of your workers' compensation claim, you should contact an attorney or the North Carolina Industrial Commission for assistance.
10. What Should I Do After a Work Injury in Raleigh, NC?
There are several steps that an employee can take to protect their rights and ensure that they receive the full benefits to which they are entitled under the North Carolina Workers' Compensation Act. First and foremost, it is important for the employee to report their injury to their employer as soon as possible. This will ensure that the employer is aware of the injury and can take the necessary steps to report it to the insurance carrier.
The employee should also keep detailed records of their injury, including the date and time of the accident, the circumstances leading up to the accident, and any medical treatment that they have received. This will help to establish the employee's eligibility for workers' compensation and may be useful in the event of a dispute over the claim.
11. How Much Will My Work Injury Claim Settle for in Raleigh, NC?
The amount and duration you may receive for a work injury vary depending on the kind of injury you suffered and the extent of medical treatment you will need in the future. There There’s no way to precisely value your claim, but an experienced Raleigh work injury attorney may be able to give you an approximate value based on their experiences and prior results in other cases. The value of your claim includes your economic damages like costs for medical treatment, future medical care, lost past wages, lost future earnings, and permanent impairment ratings.
North Carolina work injury claims (also known as workers’ compensation) do largely follow a handbook and a schedule for impairment ratings, which influence the amount you may receive in a settlement. Our Raleigh work injury lawyers help ensure clients receive an accurate impairment rating.
12. Will My Claim Be Denied If I’m At-Fault or Partially Responsible For My Work Injury in Raleigh, NC?
No, as long as you were injured in an “accident.” Any workplace injury is covered by workers’ compensation in North Carolina if it is the result of an accident. An “accident” means “an unlooked for and untoward event which is not expected or designed by the injured employee.” So the question or issue of “fault” or “who is responsible” does not matter in a work injury claim.
13. Are Back Injuries Covered in a Work Injury Claim in North Carolina?
Yes, in nearly every instance. Back injuries are exceptions to most work injury (workers’ compensation) rules. As long as the injury to your back arose out of a specific traumatic incident at work, a work injury claim will cover it (even if the incident wasn’t an accident).
14. What Does a Raleigh Work Injury Lawyer Do to Help My Claim?
An experienced Raleigh work injury lawyer can take care of all the forms, filings, and interactions with your insurance company to make sure that you can focus on what’s most important -- getting better. A work injury lawyer can also help fight for additional medical care and treatment that the insurance carrier may initially deny. If necessary, a work injury lawyer can help you obtain second opinions regarding the medical care you’ll need in the future. A good Raleigh work injury lawyer will take care of everything else to make sure you receive everything that you’re entitled to receive from the insurance company.
15. How Do I Find the Best Raleigh Work Injury for My Claim?
Like every profession, workers’ compensation lawyers vary in experience, skills, style, dedication, and levels of customer service so “best” can mean different things to different people. It’s a good idea to see if the workers’ comp lawyers you are considering have positive client testimonials, good (and recent) case results, and are passionate about helping others. It depends on whether you want to hire a law firm that works with thousands of clients every year or a smaller firm that only focuses on a limited number of cases. The relationship between lawyer and client requires a significant amount of trust and communication over an extended period of time, so the most important factor is choosing a lawyer that “feels right” to you.
Raleigh Work Injury Statistics
According to the North Carolina Department of Labor, the overall number of workplace and related injuries are at a historic low. In 2022, there were only 2.2 work injuries for every 100 workers in North Carolina. The national average work injury rate is 2.7 work injuries for every 100 workers. While this number is low, as the numbers of workers in North Carolina continue to grow, this figure still translates to thousands of work injuries per year in NC. Those work injuries include accidents that permanently disable and kill workers each year. It is also important to note that this rate of work injuries only relates to reported work injuries. Our experienced Raleigh work injury lawyers understand that work injuries are often significantly under-reported because employees may not be aware of their rights or fearful of retaliation if their injury is reported.
Raleigh Work Injury Claims We Handle
We can help with work injury claims at any employer, but the companies listed below offer work injury benefits for their employees in North Carolina:
Raleigh Work Injury Lawyer Prices
For transparent pricing on what our Raleigh workers’ compensation attorneys charge for workers’ compensation cases, read our upfront pricing policies.
Areas Our Work Injury Lawyers Serve:
The Best Raleigh Work Injury Lawyers Will:
Thoroughly investigate your accident
Explain your options
Guide you through the claims process
Negotiate with your employer and its insurance carrier
File a claim with the Industrial Commission and any necessary appeals
Above all else, fight for you
Client Reviews for Our Raleigh Work Injury Lawyers
Why Our Raleigh Work Injury Lawyers Provide Free Consultations
Free legal consultations play a vital role in ensuring access to justice as well as promoting fairness, justice, and the well-being of accident victims. That’s why our award-winning Raleigh work injury lawyers always provide free consultations for potential clients
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Raleigh Work Injury Lawyers
We help workers all across North Carolina. We can help you and your family recover the maximum amount of compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and future disability. Contact us today.