Were you hurt at work in Raleigh, North Carolina? If so, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Depending on the facts, you might also have the right to pursue additional compensation through a third-party injury claim. Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and options.
With more than 190 years of combined experience and over $850 million recovered (see disclaimer below), our legal team has a long track record of success that you can count on. If you’ve been injured on the job, we’re ready to put our experience to work for you.
Contact us today at (919) 876-3020 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Raleigh workers’ compensation attorney.
How Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Workplace Injury in Raleigh, NC
Workplace accidents often raise complicated questions about what benefits are available and how to get them. Although the workers’ compensation system exists to provide financial help, it doesn’t always work the way it should. That’s where legal representation can make a difference.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers will work to protect your rights and handle the process from start to finish.
Our Raleigh workers’ comp attorneys can:
- Investigate your accident and gather documentation
- Explain your eligibility for benefits and legal claims
- Calculate the value of your case
- Identify any responsible third parties
- Handle the paperwork and deadlines
- Represent you in hearings, negotiations, or litigation
We understand how stressful a work injury can be. Let us step in and take care of the legal side so you can focus on your recovery. Contact our law offices today to get started with a free case review by a Raleigh personal injury lawyer.
What Is Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina?
Under North Carolina law, most employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you were hurt while performing job duties, you likely have the right to file a claim (even if the accident was partly your fault).
Workers’ comp provides the following benefits:
- Medical treatment for your injury
- Partial wage replacement while you’re unable to work
- Disability benefits for lasting injuries
- Death benefits for eligible surviving family members
You don’t need to prove that your employer was negligent, but you do need to follow the law and file your claim on time. We can walk you through the steps and make sure you meet all legal requirements.
Can I Sue Someone for Additional Damages?
If a third party (generally someone other than your employer) played a role in your accident, you may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit. This type of claim allows you to pursue a wider range of economic and non-economic damages.
For example, you may have a case if:
- You were hit by a negligent driver while working
- A subcontractor created a dangerous condition on a job site
- Faulty equipment or machinery contributed to your injury
Workers’ compensation doesn’t cover pain and suffering, but a third-party lawsuit might. We’ll examine the circumstances of your accident and let you know if this option is available to you.
How Much Is My Raleigh Workers’ Comp Claim Worth?
The value of a workers’ compensation claim depends on several different factors.
We’ll look closely at the following details:
- The seriousness of your injury
- Whether you’ll make a full recovery
- How long you’ll be out of work
- Whether your injury qualifies as a permanent disability
- Whether a third-party claim is available
- The total amount of medical care you’ll need (see disclaimer below)
Every case is different at the end of the day. We’ll help you understand the potential value of your claim during your free consultation.
What Happens if I’m Blamed for My Workplace Accident?
North Carolina workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You may be eligible for benefits even if you contributed to the accident, unless you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or intentionally caused your injury.
However, if you’re filing a personal injury lawsuit, North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule will apply. That means if you’re even 1% at fault, you may not be able to recover damages in a third-party claim. This makes it especially important to work with a lawyer who knows how to push back against blame-shifting tactics.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in North Carolina?
You must notify your employer within 30 days of the accident. To protect your claim, it’s best to do this in writing and keep a copy for your records. After that, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to formally file a workers’ compensation claim.
If you’re pursuing a lawsuit against a third party, the time limit is three years in most cases. These deadlines are firm, and missing one could end your right to benefits or compensation.
Contact Our Award-Winning Raleigh Workers’ Compensation Attorneys for a Free Consultation
When you’re injured at work, the last thing you need is added stress. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we focus on helping injured workers in Raleigh secure the benefits and financial support they’re entitled to under North Carolina law.
We’ve spent decades successfully taking on employers, insurers, and third parties. With over $850 million recovered (see disclaimer below), you can count on us to help you make the most of your claim.
If you were hurt on the job, we’re here to guide you through your options and help you move forward. Contact our Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.