Did you or someone you know get injured at work in Shelby, NC? If so, you deserve to have someone on your side who understands both the legal and medical aspects of your situation. Dr. Ted of Ted A. Greve & Associates, P.A. is not only a lawyer but also a chiropractic physician. This means he has a unique perspective on work injuries that allows him to effectively handle your case. Contact us today for a free initial consultation, and let us help you secure the benefits you need.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Shelby, NC: A Comprehensive Guide
Workers’ compensation is a system designed to provide financial support and medical care if employees suffer injuries or illnesses due to their jobs. This system covers medical expenses and part of the employee’s lost wages if an occupational injury prevents them from working.
What Is Workers’ Compensation and Why Is It Important?
Workers’ compensation is important because it protects employees from the financial burdens that can arise after getting hurt on the job. Instead of worrying about how to pay for treatment or support their families without an income, workers can focus on healing. It also provides a safety net that encourages employees to report injuries immediately, leading to a safer work environment for everyone.
Key Benefits Provided by Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation offers several key benefits that support employees in Shelby, North Carolina, who get injured or ill due to their work. These benefits aim to cover medical costs, replace a portion of lost wages, and provide additional support where needed. Key workers’ comp benefits include:
- Medical Benefits: Workers’ compensation covers all necessary medical treatments related to your work injury. This includes hospital visits, medications, and surgeries. If you need to travel for treatment, workers’ compensation will cover your travel expenses as well.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits: If a work-related injury prevents you from working at all for a short period, you could be entitled to TTD benefits. These benefits replace up to two-thirds of your average weekly wages (AWW) until you can return to work or you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits: TPD benefits could be available to you if you can return to work but can’t earn as much as before your injury. These benefits replace up to two-thirds of the difference between your previous and current wages.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits: Depending on the severity and type of your injury, you might qualify for PPD benefits. If you lose the use of a “scheduled” body part, such as a hand or foot, workers’ compensation can provide a scheduled payment based on your impairment. For other significant injuries not specified in the schedule, unscheduled benefits of up to $20,000 could be available.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits: For severe injuries that permanently prevent you from returning to any work, you could receive PTD benefits at the same rate as TTD for life.
- Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits: If you can’t return to your previous job, workers’ compensation can also cover vocational rehabilitation services. This includes retraining and education to help you qualify for a new job.
- Death Benefits: If a work injury results in death, workers’ comp provides death benefits to dependents for up to 500 weeks. Additionally, up to $10,000 is available for funeral expenses.
Eligibility and Filing for Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina
Most employees working for employers with three or more employees are entitled to workers’ compensation, including full-time, part-time, seasonal, and even temporary workers. However, certain types of workers, such as independent contractors, volunteers, and, in some cases, farm laborers, are not covered under the standard workers’ compensation policies.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in NC
If you suffer a work-related injury in North Carolina, you must report it to your employer within 30 days to maintain eligibility for workers’ comp benefits. It’s best to submit your report in writing and keep a copy of the report for your records. After notifying your employer, you have up to two years to file a formal claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). You can do this by submitting a Form 18, which details your injury and how it occurred. If you miss this two-year deadline, you could lose your right to claim workers’ compensation benefits.
The Role and Importance of a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Many workers who file workers’ comp claims face hurdles like disputes over the severity of their injuries, disagreements on whether their injuries are work-related, and delays in benefit payments. A lawyer can make a significant difference in overcoming these hurdles and claiming the benefits you are owed. Your attorney can guide you through the filing process, prepare and submit all relevant documents, and represent your interests in hearings or negotiations if necessary. If your claim gets denied, a lawyer can help you appeal the decision. The role of a workers’ compensation lawyer is to secure the compensation you deserve so you are free to focus on recovery.
Typical Workplace Injuries and Challenges in Cleveland County
Work-related injuries can vary widely depending on the nature of the job and workplace conditions. Whether working in offices, on construction sites, or in warehouses, employees face various risks that can lead to injuries like:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Soft tissue injuries
- Puncture wounds
- Electrical shocks
- Hearing loss
- Vision impairment
- Respiration injuries
- Toxic exposure injuries
- Heat stroke
- Frostbite
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Dislocations
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Back injuries
Common Causes of Workplace Injuries in Shelby, NC
Many work-related injuries occur due to a variety of common hazards and accidents, such as:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Overexertion from lifting or moving heavy objects
- Being struck by falling objects
- Machinery accidents
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Vehicle accidents
- Electrical accidents
- Explosions or fires
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals
- High noise levels
- Working from heights
- Working in confined spaces
- Exposure to extreme temperatures
- Poor ergonomics
- Inadequate safety training or equipment
Contact Our Shelby Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
If you’re dealing with a workers’ compensation issue in Shelby, NC, it’s time to talk to someone who can help. With Dr. Ted Greve’s background in both law and chiropractic care, Ted A. Greve & Associates, P.A. is equipped to handle your case with the care it deserves. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to learn more about how we can help you recover.
