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Injured on the Job?

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Your Wilmington Workers’ Comp Lawyers

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, North Carolina, and surrounding communities receive the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. Call us today to discuss your options!

Getting Help Is
Fast & Easy

We strive to make getting help as quick and easy as possible for our clients. As soon as you call us, we’ll start reviewing your case!

You Deserve to
Be Paid

You deserve compensation for your lost wages and medical bills. Our experienced attorneys will fight for every dollar you’re owed from the insurance company!

No Fees Unless
We Win

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!

We Know This Is Hard. We’re Here for You.

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.

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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

5 Star Testimonials

Mr. Speaks and Debbie are excellent. They took a very stressful situation and made it better. Debbie went way beyond what I had expected. She is great. Mr. Speaks and the whole law firm are excellent. I will use them… View Testimonial

- T.P.B.

I came to Mr. Clarke (Speaks Law Firm) in pain and distress because of a car accident that was not my fault. The insurance company was giving me the run around. Mr. Clarke got me into a specialist the same… View Testimonial

- L.M.

I am very pleased with Jamie and Clarke‘s services. In a time that was very grim and dark, they brought much light. I don’t know what I would of every done without you two. Thanks from the bottom of my… View Testimonial

- M.C.K.

Speaks Law Firm was very professional with the representation provided. I was very pleased with the outcome in my case. I would definitely recommend and use this law firm if ever need be. The office staff as very nice and… View Testimonial

- L. H.

These guys are awesome! If you need help, call Speaks Law Firm. View Testimonial

- N.S.

I was very pleased with my services with Speaks Law Firm. From the time I stepped into the office to speak with someone about my auto injury claim, they showed so much compassion for me and my family. They always… View Testimonial

- S.W.

Speaks Law Firm and Ashley have been great to deal with.  I am very thankful and happy with the money I received. View Testimonial

The experience I received at Speaks Law Firm was amazing! Dealing with any type of workers’ compensation claim settlement can be stressful. Clarke, Debbie and their team were wonderful. They took a lot of stress off of me. They made… View Testimonial

- QB

They did a really great job and I am very satisfied with the assistance I received in this matter. View Testimonial

- T.R.

I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You fought like hell in that courtroom for me. What a show you put on! You surprised me with that performance. Again, I say “Thank you, Mr. Speaks!”… View Testimonial

- H.M.

Our Results Speak For Themselves

Settlement plus future medical treatment

$200,000

Settlement for Workers Comp Back Injury

$155,000

Pedestrian Accident

$100,000

Injured by a Delivery Driver

$780,000

Recovered for Mother Injured by Drunk Driver

$900,000

Settlement: Client Slipped at Restaurant

$100,000

Injuries to a Pedestrian in a Parking Lot

$500,000

Awarded for Injuries Sustained from a Fall

$55,000

Hurt on the Job? We Can Help With Your Claim!

We’re here to fight for your right to workers’ compensation benefits. Call us today for a free case review.

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Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits

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. Disability benefits are typically separated into four categories, depending on the severity of your injury:

  • Temporary Partial Disability Benefits
    • If you can still partially perform your duties at work but your earnings are negatively impacted, you may be able to receive temporary partial disability benefits. For example, if your doctor says your injury will only allow you to work a few hours a day, partial disability benefits may be awarded to help supplement your reduced wages.
  • Temporary Total Disability Benefits
    • These benefits are intended for workers whose injuries totally prevent them from working while they recover. Temporary total disability benefits are usually two-thirds of your average weekly wages and end once you return to work or your doctor determines you’ve reached maximum medical improvement.
  • Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
    • If you suffer a permanent impairment that partially hinders your ability to work, you may be entitled to permanent partial disability benefits for a period of time.
  • Permanent Total Disability Benefits
    • Your work-related injury or illness may be so severe that it prevents you from returning to your job entirely. If this is the case, you may be entitled to permanent total disability benefits throughout the duration of your condition.

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.

Common Causes of Workplace Accidents

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 us a call.

Lifting Heavy Objects

Without proper technique or equipment, lifting heavy objects can cause sprains, strains, and tears. These injuries can be incredibly painful and may require surgery.

Slip and Falls

Improper footwear, slick floors, and poor lighting are all contributing factors to devastating slip and falls in the workplace. Falls can result in broken bones, dislocated joints, and even brain injuries.

Hazardous Materials

Many workers who are surrounded by hazardous materials at their jobs, run the risk of developing serious skin conditions or lung illnesses. These workplace diseases can lead to life-long disabilities.

Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim in North Carolina

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.

FAQs

Businesses operating with three or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage in North Carolina.

Report your accident to your employer and then seek immediate medical attention. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s important to receive a medical examination to protect your health and your rights.

While a lawyer isn’t required to file a claim, it can be incredibly beneficial. 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 workers’ comp lawyers are here to help. We’ve helped countless injured workers in Wilmington and surrounding communities obtain the benefits they’re owed!

If the insurance company rejects your claim, you have the right to file a Form 33 Request for Hearing with the NC Industrial Commission. Keep in mind that many valid workers’ comp claims in NC are denied by insurance companies for a number of reasons. If this has happened to you, we highly recommend contacting our attorneys for help

Clarke Speaks meeting with attorneys at Speaks Law Firm

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Disclaimer

This website is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. It is designed to give you the information you need to get started and to be knowledgable about the process as you search for the best injury lawyer, the best workers’ compensation lawyer, or the best divorce lawyer for you.

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