For most Americans, life has been upended by the coronavirus pandemic. To date, though some have been more fortunate than others with fewer infections, no state has been completely spared. Workers and their families have lots of questions regarding the coronavirus and workers’ compensation during COVID-19. Getting sick from this pandemic means lost wages, missed work, medical bills, and more. If an individual contracts COVID-19 as a result of their job, are they covered under workers’ compensation? The short answer here should be, yes. Got Covid-19 On The Job? Should You File A Workers’ Compensation Claim? Again – short answer – yes. If an employee is injured on the job or becomes ill as a direct result of their job, they fall under North Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation Act. Most people are familiar with more cut-and-dry situations, such as if a…Read More
Can You Receive Workers’ Compensation If You Get Hurt Working From Home? Working from home has become commonplace for more people today than ever before due to the COVID-19 virus. Did you know, however, that working from home makes you more likely than ever to suffer a work-related injury? After all, many people suffer injuries at home. Let’s say, for example, that you get injured while working from home. Are you eligible for workers’ compensation coverage working from home? Perhaps you were getting a fresh cup of coffee or going to the restroom when you got injured. These periods of time could be considered official breaks. The “personal comfort doctrine” may entitle employees to personal comfort breaks during the workday, meaning injuries that occurred during these time periods may make you eligible for workers’ compensation. The Personal Comfort Doctrine Under…Read More
When examining workers’ compensation cases in North Carolina, it’s important to identify the facts. In most auto accident cases, there tends to be negligence on the part of at least one party. In some cases of worker’s compensation, however, there are no verdicts and no damage trials – just injuries. The question then becomes whether or not a workers’ compensation case requires the intervention of a neutral third party to get the insurance company to agree to a lump sum payout by an insurance company. Deputy Commissioners in North Carolina do not have the authority to order workers’ compensation carrier to pay lump sum payments. Secondly, negotiations must take place with an insurance company in order to reach a settlement agreement. They must be convinced of the following: This case may remain open for years and cost the insurance company…Read More
How Much Should Spinal Cord Injury Compensation Be? The average person may find it almost impossible to cover all the medical expenses of a spinal cord injury. In the first year alone, victims of tetraplegia (a.k.a. quadriplegia) can expect to spend upwards of $1 million. Every year after that, an average of $171,000 may be needed for victims’ spinal cord injury medical expenses. While the numbers vary, injured individuals could have expenses that reach as high as $4.5 million over the course of their lifetime. The information above is a testament as to why spinal cord injury compensation is not only desired but absolutely necessary for spinal cord injury victims. If the spinal cord injury is due to the careless actions of someone else, you may be entitled to compensation for that injury. The next question therefore becomes, what kind…Read More
It can be devastating to lose a loved one in any circumstance, but especially as a result of an illness or injury on the job. Death benefits may be provided to the families of individuals who have died because of injury or illness that result from their work. Death benefits are a special type of worker’s compensation that must be addressed and properly handled. Qualified family members or loved ones are entitled to death benefits under NC workers’ compensation laws. While this is good, it is important that the individuals with the opportunity to receive these death benefits understand how they can acquire them. Does Your Loved One’s Death Qualify For Benefits? In order for your family members and loved ones to receive death benefits on your behalf, you must have contracted a work-related illness or sustained a work-related injury.…Read More
When you are involved in an accident, the smartest thing to do is to hire an attorney to represent you. The professional you choose for that role matters greatly. A lawyer can make or break a personal injury case. But equally as important as whom you choose to represent your personal injury claim is avoiding some of the most common mistakes made by people every day. If you’ve already been involved in a wreck, you don’t want to further wreck your chances of a successful personal injury claim. Defense lawyers and insurance claims adjusters just love to hear people spout on social media as to the extent of their injuries, what happened, what was said at the accident scene, etc. Don’t be that person! Let’s take a look at the five biggest mistakes that people make that can end up…Read More
For car accident victims, even if the crash was caused by another party, it can be upsetting, confusing, and disorienting. You may have been injured, your property is probably damaged, and you’re going to have insurance companies and police reports to deal with. Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, one way or another, you’re going to be in a world of hurt. Should you get a lawyer? We simply cannot stress enough that the answer here is a resounding, “Yes!” Even if the police report faults the other party, don’t think for a moment that they or their insurance company isn’t going to try to blame you in some way, shape, or form. Hire An Experienced, Reputable Attorney So, getting a lawyer is essential. Not convinced? We’re going to introduce you to a number of reasons why you need…Read More
Whoever said, “All things come to those who wait,” clearly wasn’t talking about SSD benefits. Unfortunately, for some, no matter how long they wait, SSD benefits remain just out of their grasp. If you are one of those people, it might be time to hire a lawyer. A lawyer provides someone experienced with the paperwork, process, regulations, etc. involved in SSD benefits on your side, helping you fight for your rights. In the meantime, let’s see what all the waiting is about. Why does it take so long, in some cases, to process a request for SSD benefits? Exactly how long can you expect to wait if you do file a request? The Application Process It can be an extremely frustrating time of your life, waiting for a claim decision to be made by the SSA (Social Security Administration). Unfortunately,…Read More
One of the most significant moments in the lives of many is their wedding. Unfortunately, also a big moment in the lives of many – one that constitutes a major life change – can be divorce. Divorce presents unprecedented emotional aspects and numerous decisions that will be critical to your future. Finances can be a concern for many. Alimony/child support will be a hot topic for some former couples. But what about benefits? Following a divorce, would an ex-spouse be eligible for benefits if their spouse had SSD benefits? SSD Benefit Receipt Requirements Based on the employment record of your ex-spouse, you might be able to receive Social Security benefits after a divorce. Naturally you/your ex-spouse must meet certain requirements in order for you to obtain such benefits. Some of these are as follows: For the receipt of Social Security…Read More
You may already know that if you’re injured on the job, a workers’ compensation claim should be filed. No mystery there. But with all the rules and regulations that go along with workers’ comp cases, questions tend to arise. In general, 100% of your medical bills should be covered by your employer’s insurance. But can you pick your own doctor? Stringent rules are part of the system. This can mean using a doctor that the insurance company has approved for the treatment of your injury. It can be a confusing and lengthy process, but with the assistance of a qualified attorney to help fight for your rights, you will be better equipped. This will help you to not only understand the process behind workplace injury claims but have someone on your side who is knowledgeable and experienced. Locating A Physician…Read More
