In 2020, employees reported 2.7 million nonfatal workplace injuries. In many cases, these injuries have lasting consequences. In addition to medical bills, an injury can keep you out of work or prevent you from earning your previous wage.
Worker’s compensation insurance is designed to protect workers, but unfortunately, filing a claim isn’t always an easy process. If your claim is delayed or denied, you won’t have access to the benefits you desperately need.
Thankfully, you don’t need to file a claim on your own. The team at Ted A. Greve & Associates specializes in injury cases and can give you the support you need to get your deserved workers’ compensation in Wilmington, NC.
What Are the Most Common On-the-Job Injuries?
While health and safety measures have helped to decrease workplace injuries, accidents still occur. Common injuries that could lead to a worker’s compensation claim include:
Slips and Falls
Falls are possible in many different work environments, which is why these injuries are so common. Slips and falls could occur because of wet floors, poor lighting, clutter, a lack of maintenance, or many other factors.
Cuts and Punctures
Cuts, skin abrasions, and other injuries can keep a worker off the job, even if the injury initially seems to be minor. If an injury isn’t properly treated, it could become infected.
Being Struck By Equipment or Objects
Falling debris, improper use of heavy machinery, and dropped loads can all lead to severe injuries. Some of the injuries caused by these kinds of incidents include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and stress fractures.
Overexertion Injuries
Repetitive strain injuries, muscle strains, and other overexertion injuries can make it difficult for workers to complete basic tasks. Causes of these injuries include working without breaks, lifting heavy objects manually, or lifting without using the appropriate technique.
Exposure to Hazardous Substances
Working in dangerous environments or with potentially toxic chemicals puts workers at risk. It’s possible for injuries or illnesses to occur even when safety measures are followed.
Collisions
When a job involves driving vehicles or heavy equipment, crashes are always a risk. Workers behind the wheel aren’t the only ones at risk. Passengers or employees working around vehicles can be injured as well.
While injuries can occur for many reasons, any injury or illness that was sustained in the scope of your employment is eligible for worker’s comp. Injuries don’t necessarily have to be related to a specific incident or accident. Injuries caused by ongoing work conditions are also eligible for coverage.
What Should You Do If You’re Injured at Work?
While workers in North Carolina have up to 30 days to report a work-related illness or injury, it’s best to report injuries as soon as possible. Reporting your injury early on can help to preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.
It’s also important to seek medical attention right away, even if the injury doesn’t seem to be serious. Seeing a doctor early on is an excellent way to document your injury. Your employer may have a designated health office or an on-site healthcare worker that they want you to report to. If this isn’t the case, you can visit the emergency room or see your normal doctor.
How Can You Prove an Injury or Illness Is Work-Related?
North Carolina has a no-fault system for workers’ compensation, which means you don’t have to prove that your employer’s negligence contributed to your injury. You’re still entitled to benefits even if you made a mistake that lead to your injury.
With that said, if you want to file a successful workers’ compensation claim, you’ll need to prove that your injury was caused by your job. This could include injuries caused by an on-the-job accident or injuries or illnesses related to ongoing work conditions, such as overexertion injuries or illnesses caused by occupational hazards.
To prove you have a valid claim, you’ll want to show evidence, such as:
- Medical records
- Security footage
- Your injury report
- Witness statements
Ted A. Greve & Associates can collect evidence on your behalf, making it easier for you to collect the benefits that you’re owed. We’ll negotiate with insurance companies and will fight for your claim to be approved as quickly as possible.
Contact a Wilmington Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today!
Being injured on the job is hard enough, and fighting to collect the benefits you’re owed can make things even tougher. Thankfully, you don’t have to go through this on your own. The team at Ted A. Greve & Associates will handle your claim and make sure that your rights are protected throughout this process.
Our attorneys have extensive experience with North Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws and have successfully secured large settlements for many clients. Not only do we offer free consultations for potential clients, but we won’t charge you any fees unless we win your case. Call us today at (844) 387-8677 to learn more.
