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When Your Back Is Against The Wall

Durham Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Helping Injured Workers Seek Compensation in Durham

When you are injured on the job, you may be unable to work for an extended period. This can leave you with a stack of medical bills and no way to pay them. Fortunately, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits that can help you make ends meet while you are unable to work.

At Lanier Law Group, P.A., we have been representing injured workers for more than 25 years. We know how the workers' compensation system works and we can help you navigate the process. If your claim has been denied, we can help you file an appeal and fight for the benefits you deserve.

If you have been injured at work, call (919) 335-7553 or contact us online for a free consultation about your case.

What is Workers' Compensation?

Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees who are injured on the job. In exchange for these benefits, employees give up the right to sue their employers for work-related injuries.

Most employers in North Carolina are required to carry workers' compensation insurance, with some exceptions. This includes:

  • Businesses with three or more employees
  • Construction companies with one or more employees
  • Employers in the sawmill, logging, and turpentine industries

Even if your employer does not have workers' compensation insurance, you may still be entitled to benefits through the North Carolina Uninsured Employers Fund.

What Types of Injuries Are Covered Under Workers' Compensation?

Workers' compensation covers a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. However, not all work-related injuries are covered.

Workers' compensation may cover the following injuries:

  • Acute injuries
  • Cumulative trauma injuries
  • Occupational illnesses

Acute injuries are those that occur suddenly and are the result of a single traumatic event. These injuries can include:

  • Broken bones
  • Strains and sprains
  • Dislocations
  • Amputations
  • Concussions
  • Repetitive motion injuries
  • Eye injuries
  • Back injuries

Cumulative trauma injuries occur over time and are the result of repetitive motion or overuse of a certain body part. These injuries can include:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Tendinitis
  • Bursitis
  • Hearing loss

Occupational illnesses are those that develop as a result of exposure to certain substances or conditions in the workplace. These illnesses can include:

  • Lung disease
  • Asbestosis
  • Lead poisoning
  • Chemical poisoning
  • Occupational cancer

Unfortunately, not all work-related injuries are covered by workers' compensation. Injuries that are intentionally self-inflicted or that occur while the employee is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs are not covered.

How to File for Workers' Compensation in Durham

If you have been injured at work, there are several steps you should take to ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to, including:

  • Report the injury to your employer
  • Seek medical attention
  • Follow your doctor's instructions
  • Keep a record of all medical treatment
  • Keep a record of all missed work
  • File a claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission

In North Carolina, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days. If you fail to report the injury within this time frame, you may lose your right to workers' compensation benefits.

Once you have reported the injury to your employer, your employer should provide you with a list of approved doctors. You must seek treatment from one of these doctors to qualify for workers' compensation benefits. If you need to see a doctor for emergency treatment, you may do so without first seeking permission from your employer.

What Benefits Are Available Through Workers' Compensation?

Workers' compensation provides a wide range of benefits to injured employees, including:

  • Medical Benefits: These cover the costs of medical treatment related to the workplace injury or illness. This can include doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other necessary medical expenses.
  • Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If a worker is temporarily unable to work due to their injury or illness, they may be eligible for temporary total disability benefits. These benefits typically provide a portion of the worker's lost wages during the period they are unable to work.
  • Permanent Total Disability (PTD): In cases where a worker sustains a severe injury or illness that permanently prevents them from returning to any form of employment, they may be entitled to permanent total disability benefits. These benefits provide ongoing financial support.
  • Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): When a worker sustains a permanent impairment or disability but can still work in some capacity, they may receive permanent partial disability benefits. The amount of compensation depends on the extent of the impairment and its impact on the worker's ability to earn a living.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits: In cases where a worker is unable to return to their previous job due to their injury or illness, they may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation services. These services help the worker acquire new skills or find suitable employment that accommodates their limitations.
  • Death Benefits: If a worker dies as a result of a workplace injury or illness, their dependents may be entitled to death benefits. These benefits typically include compensation for funeral expenses and ongoing financial support for the deceased worker's dependents.

Contact us today at (919) 335-7553 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Durham workers' comp attorneys.

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We Never Back Down From a Fight

Featured Reviews, Testimonials & Results
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    There are times in your life you are so hurt and feel life has a grudge against you. Nothing in your life is going right. I lost the most important person in my life to death, of which I knew mistakes were made because I witnessed it with my own eyes. When you contact a law group you most of the time get all business and a matter of fact conversation. I want all to know that from the first phone call they listened to my lengthy story, sobbing most of the time with so much compassion. They never made any promises but offered assurances that no stone would be unturned. They fulfilled every word they said. They restored faith that I had lost. Until you are in a position like mine you can never know how invaluable Lanier Law Group is. They were wonderful while maintaining their professionalism. They treated me like a family member. They really do care about their clients. But most of all they are the best at what they do. I worked in the court system for years so I knew how attorneys and law firms basically operated. Understanding the law and it's interpretation is the ultimate key to winning any case. Also know that if an attorney/attorneys study and review your case and know that you don't have a chance in a court of law and are big enough to tell you that instead of giving you false hope, you then my friend have a group with valuable shared values. I have so much respect for everyone in this Law Group. I recommend Lanier Law Group, P.A. to anyone who needs representation, they are in your corner. 20 out of 10 stars.
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    I started working with Lanier Law Group in 2020 on my Social Security Disability case. They from start to finish were awesome. My case manager Janet Hanks and attorney, Ashley Sappenfield were always available to answer all my questions. I did not have to do much but sit back and let them handle whatever was needed. My case took too long (2 years) and if I did not have Janet and Ashley My case would still not be approved. I would recommend Lanier to anyone to get the job done and approved. Do not go to another firm with your case, who promise the world and do not see it to completion and do not think another firms would have worked as hard as they did on my case. Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members to handle any cases of this type and other legal services they provide. They went above and beyond!
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    Mrs. Gonzalez did an awesome job of explaining everything in detail and keeping me informed on the status of my case. Despite poor customer service with the insurance company, Mrs. Gonzalez was able to fix what they could not. Mrs. Gonzalez was very helpful with helping me understand things that I was not aware of when dealing with insurance claims. I am so thankful for her expertise and professionalism.
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Don't Hire Just Any Firm

Take Control of Your Case Today With the Help of Lanier Law Group
  • We Never Back Down
    Our attorneys are confident taking cases to trial and will always seek to maximize your compensation.
  • We're Here For You 24/7
    Regardless of when you contact our firm, we're here to make sure that you get the answers you need. We also offer weekend appointments and consultations.
  • We Come Prepared

    After an injury, every second counts. We are available to meet with you in person, virtually, or at your location to provide the highest quality legal counsel.

  • We're In Your Corner
    Every case we take on has a team of dedicated professionals assigned to make sure that we're delivering the best possible service and results.