Home » Areas Of Practice » Workers' Compensation
Many people assume that because they have worked hard and have a good relationship with their employer that they will be taken care of if they suffer an injury or illness due to their job. The truth is that employers and many workers’ compensation insurance carriers often try to escape liability when an employee is hurt on the job.
If you’ve suffered an injury or developed an illness that’s directly related to your work, you have rights. At Speaks Law Firm, we are committed to helping injured workers in Wilmington, Charlotte, and across North Carolina receive the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. Call our Wilmington, NC, workers’ comp lawyers today to discuss your options!
We work on a contingency-fee basis, so you never have to worry about expensive hourly legal fees or upfront costs. In fact, you won’t owe us a penny unless we win for you!
Workers’ compensation claims can become complicated, especially if there’s a challenge to whether the injury happened on the job or if the accident involves a third party. If you try to handle your case on your own, you could receive a denial or delay of your claim or end up with a lower settlement than you deserve. Hiring a workers’ compensation attorney gives you an advantage. Your employer’s insurance company has a team of attorneys on its side, so why shouldn’t you?
The team at Speaks Law Firm has decades of experience handling workers’ comp claims and fighting for the rights of injured workers in Wilmington, North Carolina. We’ll help you establish a clear connection between your injury and your workplace and seek the maximum possible compensation for your injuries and losses. If you’ve been denied or your employer is retaliating, We may be able to file an appeal while we protect your rights. We will handle all of the legal details of your claim while you focus on recovery.
Suffering an injury or illness because of your job not only affects your health but also your career, finances, and personal life. Even though you’re dealing with serious injuries, life doesn’t stop. Your medical expenses and monthly bills may be piling up and, if your injury prevents you from working, you might not have a way to keep up with your payments. A workplace accident can throw your life into chaos. We see it happen every day.
You should never have to worry about how you’re going to pay your bills and support your family after a workplace injury or illness. Our attorneys at Speaks Law Firm understand what you’re going through and are here to help you through every step of the way.
Most injuries that occur on the job are typically covered by workers’ compensation, but there are some exceptions. For example, injuries that happen while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or while committing a crime aren’t usually covered.
The statute of limitations is the time frame in which you have to file your claim. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file your claim.
This deadline is different from the time frame for reporting to your employer. In most cases, you should report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and no later than 30 days after your accident. If you miss the deadline, you could be refused compensation.
Our Wilmington, North Carolina workers’ comp lawyers are ready to look over the details of your case to determine the compensation you may deserve and ensure that every deadline is met. If you have any questions about how your injuries or your deadlines may affect your case, contact us today for a free case review.
Typically, workers’ compensation covers all medical expenses required to diagnose and treat your work-related injury or illness. This can include medications, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, and more.
If your injury or illness prevents or limits you from working during your recovery, workers’ compensation may provide disability benefits to help cover a portion of your lost wages. There are different types of disability benefits that may be available to you at different stages of your claim.
If an employee dies due to their work-related injury or illness, their spouse, children, or other dependants would be entitled to death benefits and other funeral costs.
We’re here to fight for your right to workers’ compensation benefits. Call us today for a free case review.
There are many ways a worker can become injured on the job. Below are some of the most common causes of workplace accidents our attorneys see. If your work-related injury/illness happened for one of these reasons or any reason and you need help filing a workers’ comp claim, please don’t hesitate to give our Wilmington, NC, workers’ comp lawyers a call.
If you were hurt on the job and are unsure what to do next, we can help. We have recovered millions for injured workers like you in North Carolina. Contact us now!
The first step to filing a North Carolina workers’ comp claim is to notify your employer of your injuries or illness. Regardless of whether you’ve given verbal notification, you must report your accident to your employer in writing within 30 days.
It is then your employer’s responsibility to notify the North Carolina Industrial Commission. You can also file a Form 18 directly with the North Carolina Industrial Commission which will then send your employer’s insurance company notice of your claim.
Be sure to include the date of your accident, your injuries, and a detailed account of what happened.
In addition to reporting your injury/illness to your employer, you should also seek immediate medical attention. Your employer has the right to select the doctor who will provide your medical treatment for a work-related injury/illness. While you may visit your own doctor, you are required to see any doctor your employer designates.
After receiving medical attention, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s treatment orders. Failure to do so can jeopardize your workers’ comp benefits.
If you’re struggling with any part of the workers’ compensation system or your claim has been rejected, it’s in your best interest to consult an attorney who is experienced in handling workers’ comp claims.
Having the right attorney on your side can make all the difference in your claim. At Speaks Law Firm, our attorneys know the Wilmington workers’ comp laws and can ensure you aren’t taken advantage of by your employer or its insurance company.
What’s more, we can handle all the paperwork and hassles of your claim so that you can focus on getting better. All you have to do is call us.
Most workers’ comp cases are resolved with a fair settlement. You can choose to accept the initial settlement from the insurance company if it covers the expenses you need. However, with more serious or long-term injuries, it becomes more complicated and you may have to negotiate with the insurance company for the compensation you truly deserve.
You don’t want to miss out on the compensation you are entitled to collect. This is why it is beneficial to hire an experienced workers’ comp attorney. Your Speaks workers’ comp attorney will negotiate and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. Have no fear! We will handle everything and represent your case on your behalf.
In North Carolina, you are required to see any doctor your employer designates to determine your work-related injuries and illness. You can also see your own doctor for treatment, but those records may not be accepted by your employer. It’s important to keep in mind that any doctor evaluating your injuries or illness and treating your health issues can greatly impact your workers’ compensation or disability benefits.
If you have any reservations regarding the doctor that was provided to you, it's important to speak with a trusted attorney. It is the doctor's responsibility to remain neutral and unbiased when evaluating your injuries. Unfortunately, you never know what outside conflicts of interest may influence them into a biased evaluation. Hiring an experienced Wilmington, NC lawyer, can help you evaluate the situation and determine whether your injuries have been unfairly downplayed
Workers’ comp typically covers all medical expenses required to treat your eligible injury or illness. These expenses often include emergency room visits, doctors’ appointments, procedure fees, and medications. Though, this is not all workers’ comp coverage is limited to.
If your injury or illness has caused a temporary or permanent disability, workers’ comp may cover part of your lost wages due to time off as a result of your disability. You may also be eligible to receive compensation for recovery services, such as rehabilitation or retraining.
To determine what expenses and losses you may be entitled to seek compensation for, contact our team of workers’ comp attorneys.
Workplace incidents often lead to immediate injuries, such as falling off of a ladder. However, North Carolina law makes it difficult to seek compensation for long-term health injuries or conditions. Long-term health problems are considered injuries caused by repetitive motions or activities, like back injuries or repetitive stress injuries caused by your work responsibilities.
Don’t miss out on the compensation you deserve. Our team of experienced workers’ comp lawyers can help you determine if your injuries or conditions are covered by workers’ comp with your free case review.
We are proud to protect the rights of injured workers in Wilmington, Charlotte, and surrounding areas across North Carolina. If you were injured in an accident anywhere in North Carolina, we’ll speak for you.
While a lawyer isn’t required to file a claim, it could potentially make the difference between receiving workers’ compensation or not. In some cases, insurance companies refuse to pay injured employees the benefits they deserve. If you have suffered a work-related illness or injury and are having trouble obtaining benefits, our Wilmington, NC, workers’ comp lawyers are here to help. We’ve helped countless injured workers in Wilmington and surrounding communities obtain the benefits they’re owed.
This depends on the severity of your injury or illness. The workers’ compensation system is meant to cover your medical bills and lost wages during your recovery and typically will end when you return to work. However, if you have to work for a lower wage due to a disabling condition or you are no longer able to work full time, you may be eligible for loss of working wages.
Workers’ comp is a no-fault system, which means you’re entitled to benefits even if you were responsible for your injury. As long as the accident occurred while you were on the job, you should be entitled to benefits to help cover your medical expenses and lost wages.
Receiving a denied workers’ comp claim can be frustrating, but don’t lose hope. You may still be entitled to benefits and can appeal the decision. At this point, it will be to your benefit to contact an experienced Wilmington, NC, workers’ comp lawyer who can help you gather any necessary evidence to support your claim and ensure you have the best chance of getting the money you deserve.
Businesses operating with three or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage in North Carolina. Contact our workers’ comp attorneys at Speaks Law Firm if you have any questions about whether or not your employer carries workers’ compensation or how to seek benefits after an accident.
We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.
