Were you hurt at work in Wilmington, North Carolina? You probably have questions about what happens next and how to get the benefits you’re owed. The workers’ compensation system can be confusing, but an experienced lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we have over 190 years of combined legal experience and have recovered more than $850 million for our clients (see disclaimer below). Below, we answer some of the most common questions injured workers have in Wilmington. For personalized legal advice, contact us today at (910) 889-4064 for a free consultation.
How Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers Can Help With Your Workers’ Comp Claim in Wilmington, NC
Getting workers’ compensation benefits isn’t always easy, as the insurance companies may try to deny your claim or pay you less than you deserve. Having a trusted Wilmington workers’ compensation attorney on your side can level the playing field.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers has built a reputation across North Carolina for fighting for injured workers.
Our award-winning legal team can help you by:
- Investigating your accident and collecting evidence
- Filling out and submitting all the necessary paperwork
- Handling communications with the insurance company
- Appealing a denial if your claim was rejected
- Determining whether you can file a third-party lawsuit
- Fighting for every dollar you’re entitled to under state law
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you do. Contact our Wilmington personal injury attorneys today for help.
What Should I Do After a Work Injury in Wilmington?
The aftermath of a workplace accident can have a significant impact on the outcome of your claim.
If you can, take the following steps if you’re hurt on the job in Wilmington:
- Tell your employer as soon as possible to maintain your right to benefits.
- Seek medical attention right away, even if your injury seems minor.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions, including returning for follow-ups.
- Keep a record of all your medical treatment and expenses.
- Contact a lawyer to make sure you’re following the right procedures.
Failing to report your injury in time or missing key deadlines could hurt your case, so it’s important to stay on top of things as best as possible.
What Benefits Can I Get Through Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation in North Carolina provides several types of benefits:
- Medical expenses: Covers doctor visits, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages: Temporary total disability payments if you can’t work at all
- Partial disability: Payments if you can work, but at a reduced capacity
- Permanent disability: Benefits for long-term injuries or conditions
- Vocational rehabilitation: Help finding new work if you can’t return to your old job
- Death benefits: Payments to surviving family members if a worker dies on the job
Your exact benefits will depend on your injury and whether you can return to work, among other factors.
Can I Sue My Employer After a Workplace Accident in Wilmington?
In most cases, you can’t sue your employer directly if they carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against another party involved in your injury.
For example, you might have a case against:
- A subcontractor or property owner on a job site
- A negligent driver, if you were hurt in a work-related crash
- A product manufacturer, if defective equipment caused your injury
These claims can provide additional economic and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, that workers’ compensation cannot.
How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in North Carolina?
You must notify your employer of your injury within 30 days, and you have two years to file a formal workers’ compensation claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. If you’re eligible to file a third-party lawsuit, that time limit is three years.
If you wait too long, your claim may be denied. A lawyer can help you meet all deadlines and ensure your paperwork is in order.
What if I’m Being Blamed for My Workplace Accident?
North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system is no-fault, which means you can often get benefits even if the injury was partly your fault. There are some exceptions, such as injuries caused by drug use or intentional acts, but most work-related accidents are covered.
However, note that any personal injury lawsuits may be subject to North Carolina’s contributory negligence law, which means you could lose your right to recover compensation (in that type of claim only) if you’re found partially to blame.
If your employer or insurer is trying to shift blame onto you, we can step in and fight back. You deserve to be treated fairly under the law.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Wilmington?
You don’t need to worry about upfront costs when hiring us. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing in attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for you.
We’ll agree to terms at the beginning of your case so that you’ll know what to expect, but generally, we will receive around 33% of the jury verdict or settlement we obtain for you. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you don’t pay attorney’s fees.
Contact Our Wilmington Workers’ Compensation Attorneys to Get Started With a Free Consultation
Don’t let a work injury derail your future. If you were hurt on the job in Wilmington, NC, reach out to Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers. With over 190 years of combined experience and over $850 million recovered (see disclaimer below), we know how to protect your rights and secure the benefits you deserve.
Call our Wilmington workers’ compensation lawyers today to schedule your free consultation. We’re ready to help you move forward.