Hickory Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workers’ compensation is an invaluable system for people working in every industry. North Carolina upholds very strict workers’ compensation laws, and it’s vital to understand how this system works in the event you sustain an injury while working. Workers’ compensation benefits exist to ensure you have the financial support you need when you have suffered an injury at work and need time off to recover. A successful workers’ compensation claim in Hickory, NC can potentially yield coverage for your medical expenses as well as disability benefits while you recover and are unable to work.

It’s important to know that while some industries are inherently more dangerous for workers than others, anyone can potentially sustain an injury at work. It’s also important to remember that you can qualify to claim workers’ compensation benefits for both acute injuries from accidents as well as acquired injuries that develop over time. Whether you sustained severe injuries in an accident or developed a medical condition from repetitive stress at work, a Hickory workers’ compensation attorney can help you secure the benefits you legally deserve.

Why Do I Need a Hickory, NC Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

While the workers’ compensation claim process might seem straightforward at first, the reality is that many injured workers face significant challenges when they file their claims. Some are unaware of the procedural requirements they must fulfill or how the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) might play a crucial role in the handling of their claim. Others face unfair denials of their claims or difficult hearings with their employers’ workers’ compensation insurance companies. Attorney Bob Bollinger and the team at Bollinger Law Firm, PC have helped many Hickory, NC workers navigate their workers’ compensation claims. We can apply this experience to your case.

Reliable legal counsel is a valuable asset during all stages of a workers’ compensation case. Your Hickory workers’ compensation lawyer can help you complete all of the documentation you will need to submit to your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. One of the most important services your attorney can offer is preparing you to make your statement to the insurance company. Insurance companies typically look for any justification they can find to reduce claim settlements or outright deny claims. Your attorney can help to ensure you do not unintentionally downplay your injuries when giving your statement.

While it’s technically possible to navigate a workers’ compensation claim on your own, doing so is much easier and more likely to succeed when you have reliable legal counsel on your side. Bollinger Law Firm, PC can significantly reduce the time it takes for you to obtain your benefits and ensure you maximize your recovery to the fullest extent possible under North Carolina law.

How Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits Determined?

Every state in the U.S. enforces unique laws pertaining to workers’ compensation. In North Carolina, an injured worker is entitled to receive medical expense coverage for the medical care required to heal from their injuries and manage their symptoms. If their injury prevents them from working, workers’ compensation can provide up to two-thirds of their average weekly wage in disability benefits until they are able to return to work. However, these disability benefits can be disbursed in different configurations, based on the severity of the claimant’s injury and how long it will take them to recover.

It’s possible for injured workers to qualify for either temporary or permanent disability benefits. These two types of benefits are further divided into “total disability” and “partial disability” designations:

• Temporary total disability benefits are appropriate when an employee cannot work at all until they recover.
• Temporary partial disability benefits are most suitable when an employee can return to work but cannot earn as much money because of their injury.
• Permanent total disability benefits are only awarded when an injured employee develops a permanent disability from their workplace injury that completely prevents them from working at all in the future.
• Permanent partial disability benefits are suitable for injured employees who cannot return to their previous jobs and must take lower-paying work. These benefits may be paid for up to 500 weeks.

After a workplace injury, the injured worker should report their injury to their supervisor immediately and seek prompt medical care, even if the injury seems minor. They should tell their doctor they were injured at work to obtain a medical report that outlines the extent of their injury. An authorized treating physician may need to assign the injured worker a disability rating or impairment rating. The workers’ compensation insurance carrier handling the claim will use this rating to determine the scope of benefits the claimant should receive.

Can I File a Civil Claim for a Workplace Injury?

Many injured workers wonder if they have grounds for legal action outside of the workers’ compensation system. It’s possible that your workplace injury resulted in damages that aren’t covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy. However, the workers’ compensation laws of North Carolina typically prohibit injured workers from suing their employers for injuries sustained at work. However, this does not necessarily mean that an injured worker can never take legal action outside of the workers’ compensation system.

Many injured workers wonder if they have grounds for legal action outside of the workers’ compensation system. It’s possible that your workplace injury resulted in damages that aren’t covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy. However, the workers’ compensation laws of North Carolina typically prohibit injured workers from suing their employers for injuries sustained at work. However, this does not necessarily mean that an injured worker can never take legal action outside of the workers’ compensation system.

Every workers’ compensation claim is unique, and every claimant will face different challenges as they navigate the claim process in North Carolina. Having an experienced Hickory workers’ compensation attorney assist you with your claim is one of the best ways to maximize your recovery after a workplace injury. If you are ready to discuss your case with a reliable Hickory workers’ compensation attorney, contact the Bollinger Law Firm, PC, today and schedule a consultation with our team.