A work injury can mean major medical bills, thousands of dollars in lost wages, a temporary or permanent disability, and significant pain and suffering.
What are your rights after suffering a work injury or losing a loved one in a workplace accident? The attorneys at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers are here to tell you. Schedule a free, confidential consultation at (800) 525-7111 with one of our lead lawyers to find out your recovery options. You could be eligible for workers’ compensation, recovery through a third-party lawsuit, and/or from a claim against your employer.
We have NC State Bar certified specialists in workers compensation to help with your case.
Why Hire Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers for Your North Carolina Workplace Accident Claim?
Since 1985, our family-run North Carolina personal injury law firm has helped accident victims and their families seek justice. If you were injured at work, we offer award-winning legal service (see disclaimer below) to help you pursue the benefits and compensation you deserve. Here’s why injured North Carolinians trust us to handle their workplace accident claims.
Proven Experience
Client-Focused Approach
Whether we pursue a workers’ comp claim or a third-party lawsuit, our clients’ needs are our main focus, and we fight for the financial relief they’re entitled to under the law. Our team also makes quality legal support easy and accessible, with bilingual staff, free consultations, no upfront fees, and the ability to get started without an in-person meeting.
Trusted in Every Corner of NC
Led by father-and-daughter attorney partners, our team treats every client with the same care and respect we give to our own family. Because we’re familiar with local courts and the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC), we serve workers in Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, and other communities across the state with informed, localized legal support.
Maximizing Compensation
Our North Carolina injury attorneys are skilled in both workers’ compensation and third-party claims. We have recovered over $900 million for clients since 2000 alone and are ready to fight for the full value of your claim (see disclaimer below).
Trusted Track Record
Our team is proud of the meaningful case results we’ve secured for our clients, including workers’ comp benefits and personal injury compensation.
- $2,475,000- Workers’ Compensation
- We represented an undocumented immigrant who worked as a welder for a construction company.
- $1,125,000 – Workers’ Compensation
- Our client suffered the loss of a hand in a tragic industrial accident.
- $786,000 – Workers’ Compensation
- Gene Riddle, a North Carolina workers’ comp lawyer at Riddle & Riddle, secured $786,000 for our valued client, who suffered an admittedly compensable disabling injury to the spinal cord while working in law enforcement.
Types of NC Work Accident Injuries We Handle in North Carolina
Work accidents can cause different types of injuries. Depending on the industry and what happened, common workplace injuries include:
- Head injuries: Concussions, contusions, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord that may cause nerve damage, issues controlling bodily functions, or paralysis
- Broken bones: Minor breaks to serious bone fractures that can take months or longer to heal
- Thermal or chemical burns: Burns from hot equipment or chemicals in the workplace
- Electrocution: Injuries involving electric shocks from equipment or wiring
- Amputations: Loss of fingers, hands, or limbs caused by faulty equipment or inadequate training
- Repetitive stress: Injuries from repeated movements without proper support or safety gear
Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims in North Carolina
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that allows injured workers to claim benefits no matter who or what caused the accident. However, you may also be eligible to bring a third-party lawsuit if someone other than your employer caused your injuries.
Connect with our team for a free case review to see what legal options are available to you.
Available Benefits From Workers’ Compensation Claims in North Carolina
North Carolina provides different workers’ comp benefits, including compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Workers’ compensation will cover all reasonable and necessary medical care, such as doctor visits, surgeries, and physical therapy.
- Lost income: If you’re temporarily unable to work or have restricted work due to your injury, workers’ comp will reimburse two-thirds of your pre-injury weekly wage or the difference between your previous weekly wage and the current wage while on restricted duties.
- Disability: If you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or your peak recovery and are still unable to return to work, you may qualify for permanent total disability or permanent partial disability benefits.
- Travel expenses: You may also be reimbursed for travel of 20 miles or more round-trip to your medical appointment.
Workers’ compensation generally does not cover punitive damages or non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Compensation From a Third-Party Personal Injury Claim
With third-party lawsuits, you must prove that the at-fault party’s negligence led to your injuries to receive compensation. If you can show that negligence caused the work accident, you can recover damages that are not included in workers’ comp.
You may be entitled to compensation for these losses:
- Medical bills
- Cost of future medical care
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claim
Workers’ comp is available to qualifying employees who are injured on the job—regardless of who was at fault. If anyone other than your employer is responsible for your injuries, it’s possible to also file a personal injury claim to recover additional damages.
A workers’ compensation lawyer in NC can help you understand the differences between the two claims, including:
| Workers’ Compensation | Personal Injury Claims for Injured Workers | |
| Who can file | Injured workers whose employers are covered by workers’ compensation insurance | Workers who are injured by a third party, such as a driver, vendor, or subcontractor |
| Fault requirement | No | Yes |
| Who you file against | You claim benefits from the workers’ compensation system. | You file a lawsuit against the at-fault third party that caused your injuries. |
| Types of compensation available | Compensation for medical care, partial reimbursement for lost wages, permanent disability benefits, and some travel expenses | Economic and non-economic damages, including medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress |
| Damage limitations | Economic and non-economic damages, including medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress | No compensatory damage caps for most personal injury claims; Punitive damages are limited to three times compensatory damages or $250,000 (with the exception of cases that involve impaired driving) |
| Time limits | Must provide written notice to employer within 30 days; File a formal claim with the NCIC within two years from the date of the injury | Must file a personal injury claim within three years of the date of the workplace injury |
High-Risk Industries for Workers in North Carolina
North Carolina industries that have a higher risk of workplace-related injuries include:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Transportation
- Health care
- Warehousing
Many of these workplaces involve heavy machinery, complex equipment, hazardous materials, heights, repetitive strain, and other hazards that often lead to injuries.
Common Causes of Work Injuries in North Carolina
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, North Carolina occupational injuries are often caused by:
- Roadway collisions
- Being struck by a vehicle in a work zone
- Falls, slips, and trips
- Exposure to harmful substances or environments
- Explosions and fires
- Falling objects or machinery
- Being struck, caught in, or compressed by equipment
North Carolina Workplace Accident Lawyer FAQs
What Specific Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Workplace Accident in NC?
After a workplace injury, report the incident and seek medical attention right away. If possible, take pictures or video of the accident scene and document what happened. Consider speaking with a North Carolina workers’ comp lawyer for guidance on filing a claim.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Workplace Accident Injury Lawyer in North Carolina?
Our team works on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront fees to hire our attorneys for workers’ comp, and you only pay us if we secure compensation for your claim.
What Evidence Do I Need to Support a Workers’ Compensation or Personal Injury Claim?
Whether you’re filing a workers’ comp or a personal injury claim, you will need detailed medical records to establish the severity of your injuries. Other evidence, such as incident reports, photos from the accident, and witness statements, will also support your claim.
What Happens if My Employer Denies My Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Depending on why your claim was denied, you can work with a workers’ comp lawyer to file an appeal. In many cases, minor mistakes or filing errors cause unnecessary delays or denials.
What Is the Process for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in North Carolina?
To file a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina, first notify your employer in writing within 30 days of your injury. Then, file Form 18 with the NCIC within two years. A skilled workers’ comp attorney can help file your claim and seek the maximum benefits available to you.
Can I Get Workers’ Comp if I Was at Fault?
Yes, you are eligible for workers’ comp benefits if you were at fault for your injuries. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, so you do not need to prove another person’s negligence to qualify.
Speak With a Local Workers’ Comp Lawyer in North Carolina
If you were injured on the job in North Carolina, you deserve answers and full compensation. Our workplace accident attorneys are ready to fight for you. Call 800-525-7111 or contact us online today for a free consultation.