Are you struggling with painful injuries after a workplace accident in Wilmington, NC? Do you have questions about workers’ compensation? Recovering fair workers’ compensation benefits isn’t always easy. An experienced Wilmington workers’ compensation lawyer at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers can help you recover the full amount you deserve, including filing a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf if possible.
We know how to stand up to the insurance companies and fight for every dollar. After all, we have over 190 years of combined experience helping injury victims like you. We’ve already recovered over $850 million in settlements and verdicts.
Our team is prepared to evaluate your options under both workers’ compensation and personal injury laws. Call 800-525-7111 or contact our law offices in Wilmington, North Carolina, to schedule a free consultation today.
Injured in Wilmington? Contact Us Today!
How Can Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers Help Maximize the Value of My Workers’ Compensation Claim in Wilmington, NC?
You work hard for a living. If you were injured because of something at work, you deserve protection. Recovering fair workers’ compensation benefits can unfortunately become an uphill battle.
You may be dealing with doctors who are trying to minimize your injuries. Your check may be far less than what you expected. You deserve an experienced Wilmington personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the system.
When you hire Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, you’re hiring an award-winning team that has been recognized by Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and The National Trial Lawyers.
We’re prepared to handle all legal issues you face, including:
- Explaining all legal options for recovering compensation
- Evaluating your case value
- Negotiating with the insurance companies on your behalf
- Handling all paperwork
- Helping you obtain an independent medical examination if needed
- Protecting you if your employer challenges your right to benefits
- Representing you at all hearings if your claim is denied or challenged
When you hire an experienced personal injury attorney in Wilmington, you greatly improve your chances of recovering every dollar you deserve. Call us today to learn more about how we can help.
“How Common Are Workplace Accidents in North Carolina?
According to data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers in North Carolina reported 68,600 non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses during 2023. Altogether, 40,900 workplace injury victims missed time at work or lost income due to their injuries.
We Handle All Types of Workplace Injury Claims in Wilmington
Any workplace can become dangerous when people are careless.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we’re prepared to handle any type of work injury claim, including those stemming from:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Electrical accidents and electrocution
- Fires
- Construction accidents
- Manufacturing accidents
- Scaffolding accidents
- Warehouse accidents
- Industrial accidents
- Hospitality industry accidents
- Landscaping accidents
- Accidents involving heavy machinery
- Falls from heights
- Elevator accidents
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Occupational diseases
If you or a loved one were hurt in the workplace, reach out to our law firm in Wilmington today. We’ll sit down, review your case, and discuss your options.
Understanding North Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation System
Workers’ compensation is mandatory for nearly every employer in North Carolina. If your employer has at least three employees, they’re required to carry workers’ compensation unless they qualify for an extremely rare exemption.
Workers’ compensation provides no-fault insurance coverage. In exchange for that insurance protection, employers give up their right to sue an employer for damages if they’re harmed because of something work-related (though there are rare exceptions).
However, in some cases, you may still be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation over and above what workers’ comp offers–more on this below.
What Is My Wilmington Workers’ Compensation Case Worth?
The value of your workers’ compensation benefits depends on a few different factors, including:
- The overall severity of your injuries
- The duration of your recovery period
- Your average wages prior to the disability
- The injury’s impact on your earnings during recovery
- Whether you will have a drop in earnings even after reaching MMI
- Your level of impairment
- The identity of the responsible party
Workers’ compensation benefits are incredibly important. They’re also limited by state law. If you were injured on the job in 2025, the maximum that you can receive is $1,380 per week. That’s why looking into the possibility of filing a personal injury lawsuit may be in your best interest, as you can recover full economic and non-economic damages that way.
What Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available in North Carolina?
Workers’ compensation provides several different types of benefits, including:
- Medical expense reimbursement
- Disability benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits
- Death benefits
All of these benefits provide critical assistance for injured workers and their families. The types of benefits you’ll receive depend on the nature of your injuries.
Medical Expense Reimbursement
Medical benefits cover any type of medical care necessary to treat your injuries, including:
- Doctor’s visits
- Hospitalization
- Prescription medications
- Surgeries and medical procedures
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Medical devices
- Mileage reimbursement for travel to and from medical appointments
It’s critical that you visit a doctor who has been authorized by your employer’s insurance company.
Disability Benefits
Your disability benefits replace a portion of your lost wages. They depend on the extent of your impairment.
Available disability benefits include:
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) if you can work in a lower-paid position while you recover
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) if you’re temporarily unable to work at all
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) if you remain impaired after you have reached MMI
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) if you suffered certain severe injuries that prevent you from returning to work at all
Typically, your disability benefits cover about ⅔ of your weekly salary prior to the disability. In partial disability cases, you can receive ⅔ of the difference between your prior and current earnings.
Vocational Rehabilitation
In some cases, your injuries will prevent you from returning to work in the same capacity. You may need help to return to work. Vocational rehabilitation provides needed support to help you return to work in some capacity.
Death Benefits
In cases involving fatal workplace injuries, death benefits are available to help surviving dependents. Death benefits provide financial assistance and benefits for funeral expenses.
Can I Sue Anyone for Damages After a Workplace Injury in Wilmington?
You’re only prohibited from suing your employer under North Carolina workers’ compensation laws (in most cases). If anyone other than your employer contributed to your injuries, they aren’t protected.
Personal injury laws give you the right to seek compensation for any economic and non-economic damages you have suffered, including:
- Any unreimbursed medical expenses
- Your full lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium
When you hire us, our lawyers will work to determine the cause of your accident. If someone other than your employer was ultimately responsible, we can fight to hold them accountable.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Lawyer to Handle My Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Personal injury law firms work on a contingency fee basis. You can hire our attorneys in Wilmington without upfront fees. Instead, we will receive our payment for attorney’s fees as a percentage of the settlement or jury verdict we secure for you.
Can North Carolina’s Shared Fault Law Impact the Value of My Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
No. You won’t have to worry about the application of North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence law. Workers’ compensation is an entirely no-fault system.
In personal injury cases, victims lose their right to recover compensation if they’re even partly responsible for their own injuries. Our attorneys can fight back against any allegations that the accident was your fault, aiming to protect your right to compensation.
Workers’ Compensation is Available in All Types of Workplace Injury Cases
Our Wilmington workers’ compensation attorneys handle all types of injury cases, including those involving:
- Broken bones
- Back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Concussions
- Dislocations
- Shoulder injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Burns
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
We also handle claims involving occupational diseases and illnesses. If you were injured on the job, call us today for a free case evaluation.
What Are the Leading Causes of Workplace Injuries in Wilmington?
Workplace injuries occur for many different reasons, including:
- Missing safety protection
- Missing fall protection
- Understaffing
- Negligent hiring practices
- Communication failures
- Ignoring safety regulations
- Failure to maintain property
- Dangerous property conditions
- Negligent driving
Identifying the cause of your injuries is important because it will dictate whether you can sue for damages outside of the workers’ comp system.
What Do I Have To Prove To Secure Workers’ Compensation Benefits in North Carolina?
You won’t have to prove negligence to secure workers’ compensation benefits.
You’re entitled to benefits if:
- You were classified as an employee
- You were injured or developed a medical condition in the course of employment
If you were hurt because of something work-related, you should be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim for Benefits After a Work Accident in North Carolina?
You must notify your employer about your injuries within 30 days of an accident or diagnosis. You must notify them both orally and in writing to protect your right to workers’ comp.
In personal injury cases, the statute of limitations in North Carolina is three years. There are exceptions for these time limits, but only for rare cases–contact our workers’ comp lawyers in Wilmington as soon as you can for help.
Contact a Trusted Wilmington Workers’ Compensation Attorney for a Free Case Review
If you were injured on the job, our team at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers is here to help you get the workers’ comp you deserve. Call an experienced Wilmington workers’ compensation attorney today. We offer a free consultation to explain your legal rights and options.