Were you injured at work in Winston-Salem, North Carolina? You may have multiple legal options for financial relief, including filing a workers’ compensation claim and/or a personal injury lawsuit.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, our legal team is here to guide you every step of the way. With over 190 years of combined experience and more than $850 million recovered, we know how to help workers in Winston-Salem get the money and support they need after an accident on the job.
Call 800-525-7111 or contact today our Winston-Salem workers’ compensation lawyers to schedule a free case review. There are no upfront costs, and you only pay attorney’s fees if we successfully handle your claim.
Injured in Winston-Salem? Contact Us Today!
How Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers Can Help With Your Workers’ Comp Claim in Winston-Salem, NC
Filing a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina can be more difficult than it sounds. Insurance companies may delay or deny your claim. Your employer might dispute your injuries. And if you’re eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party, you’ll need someone who knows how to build a strong case.
When you work with Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, you get a firm that knows how to stand up to powerful insurers and employers. We’re respected trial attorneys with decades of results across North Carolina.
Our Winston-Salem personal injury lawyers can help you by:
- Investigating the cause of your accident
- Gathering medical records and other evidence
- Calculating the full value of your benefits and damages
- Identifying if a third-party lawsuit is possible
- Filing your claim or appeal
- Representing you in court or before the North Carolina Industrial Commission
Whether your injury happened at a construction site, in an office, or on the road, we’re ready to fight for your rights. Contact our Winston-Salem workers’ compensation lawyers today for a free consultation.
Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina: How It Works
Most employers in Winston-Salem are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage provides benefits to workers who suffer an injury or illness while performing their job duties. You can usually qualify for benefits regardless of who caused the accident (though there are exceptions for things like intentionally-caused injuries).
North Carolina workers’ compensation benefits include:
- Medical care: You’re entitled to all necessary treatment for your work-related injury, including surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, and mileage reimbursement.
- Temporary total disability (TTD): If your injury keeps you out of work entirely, you may be eligible for wage replacement benefits while you recover.
- Temporary partial disability (TPD): If you can return to work but in a reduced capacity or lower-paying role, partial wage replacement may be available.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD): If your injury results in long-term impairment, you may receive additional compensation based on the affected body part.
- Permanent total disability (PTD): If you’re unable to return to work at all, you may qualify for lifetime benefits.
- Death benefits: Surviving family members may be eligible for financial support and funeral expenses if a loved one is killed on the job.
There are strict deadlines and paperwork requirements, so having an experienced workers’ comp lawyer on your side can make a big difference.
Can I File a Lawsuit After a Workplace Injury in North Carolina?
Workers’ compensation benefits are often the only option for recovering money after a workplace injury. However, in some cases, you may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party. You generally can’t sue your employer except in rare circumstances.
These situations might involve:
- A negligent subcontractor on a construction site
- A careless driver who caused a car accident while you were working
- A manufacturer whose defective product caused your injuries
- A property owner who failed to maintain a safe space for delivery workers or contractors
Filing a third-party claim can allow you to seek compensation for pain and suffering, full lost wages, and other damages not covered by workers’ comp. Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers will carefully examine your case to determine all of your options.
What Is My Workers’ Comp Claim in Winston-Salem Worth?
Every injury claim is different, and your benefits will depend on your specific circumstances. Workers’ compensation claims don’t usually include damages for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages. However, if you’re eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit, that could significantly increase your potential recovery.
Factors that may affect the value of your claim include:
- The type and severity of your injury
- Whether you are temporarily or permanently disabled
- How long you will be unable to work
- Your average weekly wage before the injury
- Your ability to return to your previous job or any job at all
- Whether a third-party claim is available
Our legal team can walk you through each of these factors and explain what compensation you may be entitled to receive.
We’ll Fight for Compensation for All of Your Workplace Accident Injuries
Workplace accidents can cause serious and even life-altering harm. Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers has helped thousands of injured workers across North Carolina.
We handle all types of injuries, including:
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord trauma and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Burns and electrical injuries
- Amputations and crush injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Occupational diseases
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)
- Hearing or vision loss
- Internal injuries
- Exposure to harmful chemicals
- Mental health conditions linked to trauma
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s worth getting medical attention and speaking with a lawyer to understand your rights and make sure you’re protected.
Common Causes of Workplace Injuries in Winston-Salem
Accidents at work can happen for many different reasons. In some cases, the danger may be obvious, like falling from a ladder or getting struck by a heavy object. In other situations, injuries may develop over time or result from hidden hazards.
Common causes of on-the-job injuries include:
- Slip and fall incidents
- Equipment malfunctions or machinery defects
- Vehicle crashes during work-related travel
- Construction site negligence
- Dangerous property conditions
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Inadequate safety gear or training
- Overexertion and repetitive motion
- Falling tools or debris
- Fires, explosions, or electrical shock
No matter how your injury happened, you deserve a fair chance to recover. Let our attorneys review the details and help you pursue every available form of compensation.
What if I’m Blamed for My Workplace Accident in North Carolina?
Workers’ compensation in North Carolina is generally a no-fault system. That means you can still receive benefits even if the accident was your fault in most cases.
If you’re pursuing a third-party lawsuit, the rules are different. North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If you are found to be even 1% at fault in a personal injury lawsuit, you may be barred from recovering damages.
This makes it crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side who can push back against unfair blame and build a strong case in your favor.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Winston-Salem, NC?
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we don’t charge anything upfront. Our workers’ comp lawyers in Winston-Salem work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if we recover money for you.
If we win or settle your case, our fee is taken as a percentage of your award. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing in attorney’s fees. It’s that simple.
This arrangement allows anyone, no matter their financial situation, to get high-quality legal representation after a work injury. It also incentivizes us to recover as much money for you as we can.
How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Comp Claim in North Carolina?
Time limits are important in any workers’ comp or personal injury case. In North Carolina,
you must notify your employer about your injury within 30 days of the accident. From there, you have two years to file a workers’ compensation claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
If you’re filing a third-party personal injury lawsuit, the general deadline is three years from the date of injury.
These rules are strict, with exceptions only for rare cases, and missing a deadline could result in losing your right to compensation. That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.
Contact Our Winston-Salem Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for a Free Case Review Today
If you’ve been injured at work in Winston-Salem, NC, the experienced attorneys at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers are here for you. With 190 years of combined experience and over $850 million recovered, we have the skill and resources to handle even the most complex work injury cases. Let us help you protect your rights and fight for your future.
Call our experienced Winston-Salem workers’ compensation attorneys today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.