Were you or a family member injured on the job in Raleigh, NC? Workers’ compensation benefits can serve as a crucial lifeline while you recover. Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers is here to help you get the benefits you deserve. Contact our Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyers today at (919) 876-3020 for your free case evaluation.
With nearly 200 years of combined legal experience and over $850 million recovered for our clients (see disclaimer below), our team has a reputation for being some of the best lawyers in the region and has earned the trust of injured Carolina workers and their families. We will help you understand your right to benefits and explore all the compensation you’re entitled to.
If you sustain injuries at work, let us help you navigate the claims process and fight for your full compensation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay attorney’s fees if we successfully handle your claim.
Why Choose Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to Help Me With My Workers’ Compensation Claim in Raleigh, NC?
Filing a workers’ comp claim in North Carolina isn’t always as straightforward as it should be. Your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance company may try to delay, underpay, or outright deny your benefits. Our experienced Raleigh personal injury attorneys can help you navigate the process and protect your right to compensation.
When you choose Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, you’ll benefit from a dedicated legal team with nearly two centuries of combined experience. We’ve recovered hundreds of millions for injured clients to date (see disclaimer below), and we’re confident we can help you as well. Beyond our experience and favorable case results, we have been recognized by the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and other reputable legal organizations.
We want you to focus on healing while we focus on getting you compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Raleigh, North Carolina.
An Overview of North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Laws
Under the Workers’ Compensation Act, most North Carolina employers with three or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. The law covers most full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees who suffer a work-related injury or illness, regardless of fault. It also sets deadlines for reporting injuries and filing claims.
We can help injured employees from various industries, including construction workers, truck drivers, and high-risk jobs such as firefighters, obtain the workers’ comp benefits they need after a work injury.
Exemptions exist for certain agricultural workers, domestic employees, and independent contractors. However, many misclassified workers may still be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
How Much Is My Raleigh Workers’ Compensation Case Worth?
The value of a workers’ comp case depends largely on the extent of your injury and its impact on your ability to earn an income. Some factors that affect your case value include:
- Whether your injury is temporary or permanent
- Whether you can return to work in any capacity
- Your average weekly wage prior to the injury
- The amount of time you miss from work
For 2025, the maximum weekly compensation rate is $1,380. However, our attorneys will evaluate whether you’re entitled to additional damages through a third-party lawsuit. Call us today to learn more about how much money you can receive through a workers’ compensation claim.
What Types of Benefits Can I Receive Through Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina?
Workers’ compensation in North Carolina typically covers medical expenses and wage replacement, including:
Medical Benefits
You’re entitled to receive all necessary and reasonable medical care related to your work injury, including:
- Emergency treatment
- Hospital stays and surgeries
- Doctor visits
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Chiropractic treatment
- Prescription medications
- Travel reimbursement (for trips over 20 miles)
It’s critical to follow your employer’s guidelines for authorized healthcare providers. In emergencies, you may seek treatment from any doctor.
Wage Replacement Benefits
Depending on your level of disability, you may receive:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): for workers who are unable to work at all during recovery
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): for employees who can return to work in a limited capacity
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): for lasting impairments affecting specific body parts
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): for severe injuries preventing any future work
Benefits are generally two-thirds of your average weekly wage and begin after a seven-day waiting period. If you’re disabled for 21 days or longer, you’ll receive retroactive payment for the initial week.
Can I Recover Compensation Through a Personal Injury Claim?
While workers’ comp provides needed financial support, it doesn’t cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
In most cases, you cannot sue your employer if they carry the required insurance. However, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent third party involved that caused your injury, including:
- A negligent driver in a work-related car crash
- A manufacturer of defective equipment
- A contractor or subcontractor on a shared job site
Through a third-party claim, you may recover compensation for:
- Full lost wages (not just a portion)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we’ll evaluate all your damages and identify all possible causes of action. Let us evaluate whether your case qualifies for additional compensation beyond workers’ comp.
What if I’m Blamed for My Raleigh Workplace Accident?
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. That means you can typically recover benefits even if you caused the accident (with only rare exceptions, like if you hurt yourself on purpose). In exchange, you generally give up the right to sue your employer.
However, if you file a personal injury lawsuit and are found even 1% at fault, North Carolina’s contributory negligence laws may bar you from recovering damages. This is why working with an attorney who understands workers’ compensation and injury law is essential.
What Are Common Causes of Workplace Accidents in Raleigh?
While some jobs are inherently dangerous, many workplace injuries occur due to preventable conditions, such as:
- Inadequate training or supervision
- Missing safety equipment
- Unsafe work environments
- Slippery surfaces and trip hazards
- Poor communication
- Defective tools or equipment
- Non-compliance with OSHA regulations
Identifying the cause(s) of your on-the-job injury is critical for protecting your rights and the health of other workers. It is also important for any third-party accident claims you intend to file.
Our firm handles workers’ compensation claims involving a wide range of professions and accidents, including:
- Construction site accidents
- Warehouse and factory injuries
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops
- Vehicle accidents while on the job
- Industrial or equipment-related injuries
- Repetitive stress and overexertion injuries
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Occupational diseases
If you were hurt while performing your job duties, don’t wait — reach out to our Raleigh law office to learn more about your right to benefits.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury
Getting hurt on the job can turn your world upside down. Whether you slipped, strained something, or suffered a serious accident, here’s what to do next:
- Report your injury. If possible, try to get it in writing.
- Seek medical treatment immediately. Your employer may have a list of approved doctors. Ask before you go to ensure that your medical care is covered.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions. Attend every appointment, fill prescriptions, and follow any work restrictions your doctor gives.
- Keep a paper trail. Save all documentation — medical records, bills, emails, accident reports, and even text messages.
- Write down the details. Take notes about what happened, when the accident occurred, who was there, and what you were doing.
- Watch out for delays or denials. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. You may need help navigating the system.
Keeping thorough records and taking the right steps early on can protect your rights and strengthen your workers’ comp claim.
How Common Are Work-Related Accidents in North Carolina?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, North Carolina employers reported 68,600 non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2023, with over 40,000 cases resulting in time away from work.
How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Comp Claim in North Carolina?
North Carolina law imposes strict deadlines for workers’ compensation and personal injury claims. Employers must report a worker’s injury or illness claim to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier right away.
Typically, for workers’ comp cases, you must notify your employer immediately (verbally and in writing) or at least within 30 days. To preserve your right to benefits, you must also file Form 18 with the North Carolina Industrial Commission within two years of the injury or diagnosis.
If you plan to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit, you typically must do so within three years of the accident. Delays can jeopardize your right to compensation.
Be aware of common mistakes in these cases, as they could result in your workers’ compensation claim being denied or your benefits being reduced. If you’re unsure about the process or your deadlines, call our Raleigh workers’ comp lawyers immediately.
What Should I Do if My North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?
If your workers’ comp claim was denied, you may be feeling frustrated. But don’t give up. Even if your claim has been denied, you have other options. In North Carolina, you can appeal the decision by filing Form 33. By filling out this form, you can request a hearing to review your case.
Claims get denied for all sorts of reasons — missing paperwork, delays in treatment, or disagreements over whether your injury was really work-related. Don’t try to handle a denied claim on your own. A workers’ comp lawyer can help you gather the right documents, present a stronger case, and fight to turn things around.
Filing a Claim for Death Benefits After a Fatal Workplace Accident in North Carolina
Losing a loved one in a workplace accident is something no family should have to go through. In North Carolina, surviving family members may be eligible for death benefits through the workers’ compensation system.
These benefits can help cover funeral costs (up to $10,000) and provide weekly financial support for qualifying dependents. To get started, you’ll need to notify the employer and submit the proper paperwork.
These cases are incredibly emotional and can be tough to navigate alone. A Raleigh-based workers’ comp lawyer can help you understand what your family may be entitled to and guide you through each step.
Contact a Trusted Raleigh Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Help
Navigating the workers’ compensation system alone can be overwhelming, especially while you’re trying to recover. Let Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers be your trusted advocates.
We understand what’s at stake. Our team will handle your claim from start to finish, ensuring your medical needs are met and your rights are protected. Whether you need help filing your claim, appealing a denial, pursuing additional damages from a third party, or simply seeking a second opinion on your case, we’re here for you.
Call our Raleigh workers’ compensation attorneys today or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. You don’t have to fight alone — let us put our experience to work for you.