North Carolina Workplace Accident Lawyers

What to Do If You Suffer a Work-Related Injury or Illness

Have you been injured at work? Did you suffer a work-related illness? You may be entitled to workers' compensation, including compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages. Benefits are typically paid for an accident or any injury or illness that developed over a period of time due to the performance of repetitive tasks, exposure to toxic substances, and other job-related factors.

However, you should note that workers’ compensation benefits do not cover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Additionally, if your employer is not liable for your injury/illness, workers’ compensation will not apply. In such instances, you may be able to seek compensation from a third party who is liable.

If you are considering applying for workers' compensation or need assistance with a third-party work injury claim, speak with a North Carolina workplace accident lawyer at Lanier Law Group to learn more about the claims process and the documentation that will be needed when pursuing a claim.

Our firm has decades of experience representing clients in work-related injury cases and can explain your legal rights regarding work injuries and how to secure the benefits that you deserve.

Call us today at (855) 757-4204 or submit an online contact form to request a free consultation.

Common Workplace Accidents & Injuries

Workers across all industries face certain risks while on the job. While some workers—such as construction workers—face inherently more risk due to the relatively dangerous nature of their jobs, any worker can become injured or fall ill due to work-related factors.

Some of the most common workplace accidents and injuries include:

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Explosions and fires
• Excessive heat
• Assault
• Falling debris
• Injuries suffered from moving heavy objects
• Electrocution
• Building collapse
• Poisoning
• Radiation exposure
• Toxic fumes
• Asbestos exposure
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Ladder and scaffolding falls
• Injuries caused by defective workplace products and equipment
• Heavy machinery accidents
• Commercial vehicle/truck accidents

A workplace accident can result in head injuries, back injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, organ damage, burns, and brain injuries, which can require months of recovery and may even leave you with permanent disabilities and disfigurement.

When you can no longer earn a living and are faced with mounting medical bills and injury-related expenses, compensation can be crucial to helping you avoid financial hardships. Our firm can compile the documentation and medical evidence needed for your claim.

Our North Carolina workplace accident attorneys can pursue the maximum amount of benefits/compensation that you are entitled to, whether through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance or a third-party personal injury claim.

What to Do after a Workplace Accident

Following an on-the-job accident and/or injury, it is imperative that you see a doctor right away. A doctor can determine the full extent of your injuries and the toll it will likely take on your life, both physically and financially. In addition, your claim will also be taken more seriously if you seek medical attention immediately after you have been injured.

After you have seen a doctor, if you wish to seek workers’ compensation benefits, you need to report your injury to your employer and notify him or her in writing within 30 days after the injury. You must also notify your employer in writing if your doctor has diagnosed you with an occupational disease.

To further protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits, you must also file a claim with the Industrial Commission within two years from the date you were injured. This typically involves filing an Industrial Commission form called Form 18, which you should also give a copy of to your employer.

Should you choose to pursue a personal injury claim against a third party, you typically have three years from the date of the accident/injury (or the date at which you became aware of or reasonably should have become aware of the injury) to bring your claim.

Need Help with Your Claim?

With the skilled guidance of a North Carolina work-related injury attorney at our office, you will have a much better chance of successfully recovering compensation. We would be more than happy to meet with you discuss your rights under state and federal worker's compensation and personal injury law, as well as address any questions or concerns you may have. We have a great deal of experience in this area of law and can help you pursue a claim in a quick and cost-effective manner.

For more information, contact us online or call (855) 757-4204. We offer legal services in both English and Spanish at our multiple office locations, including Asheville, Charlotte, and Raleigh.