Were you injured or made ill while working in Greenville, North Carolina? You may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits or even have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers can walk you through your legal options and help you protect your rights after a work-related accident.
With over 190 years of combined experience and more than $850 million recovered, our Greenville workers’ compensation lawyers know how to handle even the toughest claims. We’ll give your case the attention it deserves and fight for the full financial recovery you need.
Call 800-525-7111 or contact us today to schedule a free case review with a trusted Greenville workers’ compensation lawyer.
How Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers Can Help With Your Workers’ Comp Case in Greenville, NC
Getting hurt on the job in Greenville, North Carolina, can leave you overwhelmed and unsure about your next steps. While North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system is supposed to provide quick access to benefits, the claims process can still be difficult. Insurance companies often delay or deny valid claims, and that’s where we come in.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we’re known for our aggressive advocacy and deep experience in North Carolina workplace injury law. Our Greenville workers’ compensation attorneys can support you by:
- Investigating how your workplace injury occurred
- Explaining your rights under North Carolina law
- Gathering medical evidence and other proof of your injuries
- Identifying whether a third party may be liable
- Estimating the true value of your claim
- Handling paperwork, appeals, and hearings
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit if appropriate
If you’re unsure about whether you qualify for workers’ comp or what steps to take next, call us today. Your initial consultation is always free.
North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Basics
In North Carolina, most employers with three or more workers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you suffer a job-related injury or illness, you likely have the right to file a claim for benefits, no matter who was at fault. There are only rare exceptions, like if you injure yourself on purpose.
Workers’ compensation can cover:
- Medical treatment
- Partial wage replacement (temporary total or partial disability)
- Permanent disability (partial or total)
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Death benefits for surviving family members
These benefits are meant to support you while you recover and to provide for your family if you cannot return to work. However, navigating the system is not always easy, especially when your employer or their insurer disputes your claim.
Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Addition to Workers’ Comp?
Most of the time, you can’t sue your employer if they have workers’ compensation coverage. But if someone else caused your injury, like a subcontractor, driver, or equipment manufacturer, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit for damages that workers’ comp doesn’t cover.
For example, you might be eligible to file a third-party lawsuit if:
- You were hit by a car while performing job duties
- A property owner’s negligence caused a fall on the job
- You were hurt by a defective product or piece of equipment
- Unsafe conditions created by another contractor led to your injury
This type of lawsuit could allow you to recover additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages. Talk to our legal team about whether this may apply in your case.
What Is My Greenville Workers’ Compensation Case Worth?
The value of a workers’ comp case varies based on your injury, how long you’ll be out of work, and whether you have long-term limitations. We’ll evaluate your situation carefully and help you understand what your claim could be worth.
Some factors that affect the value of your case include:
- The type and severity of your injuries
- Whether you’re expected to make a full recovery
- If you’re able to return to the same job or any job at all
- How strong the evidence supporting your claim is
- Whether a third-party lawsuit is an option
Every case is unique. We’ll give you a personalized estimate during your free consultation.
Injured in Greenville? Contact Us Today!
We’ll Fight for Compensation Based on All of Your Workplace Accident Injuries
You may be eligible for benefits no matter what kind of workplace injury or illness you’ve suffered. Our lawyers can help with a wide range of claims, including:
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns and electrocutions
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Knee and shoulder injuries
- Vision and hearing loss
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputations
- Occupational illnesses (e.g., exposure to chemicals or asbestos)
- Wrongful death of a loved one
We understand how devastating these injuries can be. Our job is to fight for every dollar you’re entitled to so you can focus on healing.
What Damages Can I Recover Through a Third-Party Lawsuit?
If a third party is responsible for your injuries, a personal injury lawsuit could allow you to recover compensation beyond what workers’ comp offers. These lawsuits typically allow for both economic and non-economic damages.
You may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses not covered by workers’ comp
- Future care costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
Punitive damages may be awarded in rare cases if the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness or intent to harm.
What If I’m Being Blamed for My Greenville Workplace Accident?
In North Carolina, fault doesn’t usually matter when it comes to receiving workers’ comp benefits. As long as you weren’t intoxicated or intentionally trying to harm yourself or someone else, you should still be eligible.
However, if you’re filing a personal injury claim outside of workers’ comp, North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule applies. This strict rule means that if you’re found even 1% responsible for the accident, you may not be able to recover any compensation in a lawsuit.
That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced Greenville work injury lawyer who can defend you against blame and protect your right to financial recovery.
What Are Common Causes of Work-Related Injuries in Greenville?
Greenville’s workers are employed in many different industries, from manufacturing and healthcare to retail and construction. Accidents can happen in any workplace, but some causes show up more often than others.
Common causes of job-related injuries include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Faulty or unsafe equipment
- Poor training or supervision
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Falling objects or collapsing structures
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Motor vehicle crashes during work
- Violations of workplace safety standards
No matter how your accident happened, you shouldn’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. We’ll help you understand your options and take legal action if needed.
What Does It Cost To Hire a Greenville Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay us anything unless we recover money for you. You won’t owe us a retainer or hourly fee. Instead, we collect a percentage of your settlement or verdict if your case is successful. This setup allows you to get the legal representation you deserve without worrying about the cost.
You’ll know exactly what to expect before we begin. We’ll walk you through our agreement and answer any questions during your initial consultation.
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim After a Work Injury in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days to remain eligible for workers’ comp benefits. Ideally, this should be done in writing. To file a formal workers’ compensation claim, you must submit Form 18 to the North Carolina Industrial Commission within two years of the injury.
If you’re filing a personal injury lawsuit against a third party, the deadline is three years from the date of the accident in most cases. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to recover compensation, so don’t wait to speak with a lawyer.
Contact Our Greenville Workers’ Compensation Attorneys for a Free Case Review
If you’ve been injured on the job in Greenville, North Carolina, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers is ready to fight for the benefits and compensation you need to get back on your feet.
Our Greenville workers’ compensation lawyers have over 190 years of combined experience and have helped recover more than $850 million for injured workers and accident victims across the state. We’ll do everything in our power to help you secure a positive outcome. Call today to schedule your free case review.