If you’ve been injured on the job, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits through your employer. Workers’ compensation is designed to provide benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs when you’re unable to work due to a work-related injury or illness. While the process may seem straightforward, in practice, it’s anything but – and even small errors can jeopardize your claim.
Fortunately, it’s also not a process you need to go through alone. Instead, you can enlist the help of Ted A. Greve & Associates, P.A. While you rest and recover, an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Concord can pursue your claim on your behalf, interacting with your employer, the insurance company, and the N.C. Industrial Commission so you don’t have to. That way, you’re better positioned to get the benefits you’re entitled to, and you don’t have to jump through any hoops to get them. So contact us today for a free consultation, and let us start work on your claim right away and at no upfront cost.
The Importance of Understanding Your Rights
Workers’ compensation is an insurance program designed to protect employees who suffer injuries or illnesses related to their jobs. In North Carolina, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Let’s go over the basics:
- Most full-time and part-time employees are covered, but independent contractors and certain exempt workers may not qualify.
- Workplace injuries and illnesses caused by hazardous exposures are typically covered.
- Employees can receive benefits regardless of who caused the injury.
Choosing the Right Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Concord, NC
Why have so many injured workers trusted Ted A. Greve & Associates, P.A. with their claims? Because we offer:
- Decades of Experience: We’ve helped countless injured workers secure the benefits they need to move forward with their lives.
- Proven Results: From wage replacement to medical coverage, we know how to put money back in our clients’ pockets.
- Client-Focused Representation: We listen to your concerns and tailor our approach to meet your unique needs.
- No Upfront Fees: You pay nothing unless we win your case, ensuring access to quality legal help regardless of your financial situation.
As both a seasoned injury lawyer and a chiropractic physician, Ted Greve understands both the dynamics of your injury and the laws that govern them. This varied experience gives us an inside edge in helping our clients get the benefits they deserve, including for long-term impairment.
Workers’ Compensation Claims Handled by Our Concord Lawyers
At Ted A. Greve & Associates PA, we help clients recover compensation for a wide range of workplace injuries, including:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Injuries caused by falling objects or equipment malfunctions
- Exposure to hazardous substances
- Accidents involving workplace vehicles
- Burns, cuts, and fractures from fires, explosions, or industrial accidents
The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim
Unfortunately, you do not have unlimited time to pursue your claim. First, you must report your injury or your illness to your employer in writing within 30 days. Next, you must file your claim within two years. Failure to do so could waive your rights to benefits.
Filing For Workers’ Compensation
Filing for workers’ compensation involves multiple steps, and meeting deadlines is critical. Here’s what to expect:
- Report the Injury: Notify your employer immediately, preferably in writing. North Carolina law requires injuries to be reported within 30 days.
- Seek Medical Treatment: Visit a healthcare provider approved by your employer or their insurer for treatment.
- File Form 18: Submit this form to the North Carolina Industrial Commission within two years of the injury date.
- Keep Detailed Records: Document your medical treatment, lost workdays, and communication with your employer and insurer.
Denied Claims and the Appeal Process
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation claims are not always approved, even when employees follow the rules. Common reasons for claim denial include:
- Delayed injury reporting
- Errors in documentation or missing paperwork
- Disputes over whether the injury is work-related
- Allegations of intoxication, horseplay, or pre-existing conditions
If your claim has been denied, our experienced attorneys can help by:
- Reviewing the Denial: We’ll identify the reasons for denial and address any gaps or errors in your claim.
- Gathering Evidence: From medical records to witness statements, we’ll compile the information needed to strengthen your case.
- Filing an Appeal: We’ll represent you in hearings before the North Carolina Industrial Commission, advocating for the benefits you deserve.
Employer Retaliation
North Carolina state law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who attempt to file workers’ compensation claims. If your employer attempts to pressure you out of filing a claim, get help from an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Concord immediately.
Work-Related Injuries
Common work-related injuries covered by workers’ compensation include:
- Slip and fall injuries
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burns
- Fractures
- Electrical shocks
- Machinery accidents
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Vehicle-related accidents
- Overexertion and lifting injuries
What Benefits Are Available Through Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation provides several types of benefits to injured employees. These include:
- Medical Benefits: Coverage for doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and other necessary medical treatments
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): Wage replacement for workers who can still work during their injury, but in a diminished capacity
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Wage replacement for employees unable to work during recovery
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Compensation for employees with long-term impairments that affect their earning capacity
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): Benefits for workers unable to return to any form of employment due to severe injuries
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Training or job placement services for workers who cannot return to their previous role
- Wrongful Death Benefits: Financial compensation for dependents of an employee who dies from a work-related injury, including funeral expenses and ongoing wage replacement
Let Ted A. Greve and Associates Help You with Your Concords Workers’ Compensation Claim
Hurt on the job in Concord, NC? If so, you could be entitled to benefits—but actually getting them is another matter entirely. Don’t let your employer or their insurer push you around, deny your claim, or diminish your benefits. Instead, turn to Ted A. Greve & Associates P.A. We’re here to guide you through every step of the workers’ compensation process and help you get back on your feet. Contact us today for a free consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Concord, and let us get to work on your case today.
