Over time, disabling medical conditions can develop from an employee being exposed to on-the-job health risks. These medical conditions are referred to as occupational diseases. Included in such health risks are exposure to harmful agents (such as chemicals) and physical activities that are damaging or repetitive. In many cases, occupational diseases can be covered under North Carolina’s Worker’s Compensation. What’s Covered? The North Carolina General Statute 97-53 specifies which conditions are covered under North Carolina’s Occupational Diseases. To be covered, proof of a condition (and that their employment caused the condition) is required. If it can be proved that their employment substantially contributed to or caused their condition, but the…Read More
Were you injured on the job? Did you make sure to get an accident report in within 30 days of your injury? Did you further file a Workers’ Compensation case? As long as you haven’t been denied, you’re probably wondering when your disability benefits will start. If you haven’t already, make sure that you immediately retain legal representation for your Workers’ Compensation case. Best case scenario, you retained the services of a reliable Workers’ Compensation attorney before you filed your case. If you didn’t, and your case has been denied, it’s even more important that you check with an attorney for your appeal. Now, let’s get the disability benefits. Know…Read More
Getting hurt at work isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. No one wants that – not you, not your employer. There are Workers’ Compensation laws in place to protect employees that receive occupational injuries. The way the laws work, both parties are actually protected and represented. Specific rules and requirements must be fulfilled in order for a Workers’ Compensation case to be successful. If not, rulings go in favor of the employer. Acquiring legal representation for your Workers’ Compensation case gives you the best chance of success. Accidents happen. Financial and medical consequences for an injured worker and their family can be very serious. When is it time to…Read More
There is an independent contractor problem facing the Workers’ Compensation system in North Carolina today. What’s the problem? Simply put, independent contractors aren’t eligible for Workers’ Compensation coverage under North Carolina law (and pretty much across the country, for that matter). What does that mean for an independent contractor? It means that you will not be able to receive benefits if you get hurt on the job. All of your bills and medical expenses, lost wages, and pain-and-suffering, will be paid for by you. You’re on your own. Now here’s the problem: Just to make sure that workers aren’t covered by Worker’s Compensation, some full-time employees receive an independent contractor…Read More
It is not uncommon for any number of blue-collar workers to be injured on the job. Many blue-collar jobs involve heavy lifting, twisting and turning, heavy machinery operation, and more. The circumstances surrounding a blue-collar job simply make them more prone to injury on a relatively frequent basis. But what about white-collar workers? How prone to injury are they? If injured, are they entitled to the same Workers’ Compensation as blue-collar workers? The answer is a resounding yes! In North Carolina, as long as no pre-existing condition contributed to the injury or pain suffered from it, and all the necessary paperwork has been filled out and filed, a white-collar worker…Read More
Dangerous jobs exist in every city and state. North Carolina is no exception, having their own dangerous occupations and resulting workplace injuries. Some jobs are pretty minor when it comes to dangerous situations, but may occasionally present precarious situations nonetheless. Other jobs are just downright threatening to human existence! So you can better prepare yourself and see to your own safety, we’re going to take a look at some of North Carolina’s most dangerous jobs. The specific danger level of a job will, at least for today, be judged on the frequency of workplace injuries. First let’s take a look at some statistics involving North Carolina employees getting hurt on…Read More
Medical treatment must be provided by a Workers’ Compensation insurance company or an employer if Worker’s Compensation covers an injury received by an employee in the workplace. Usually chosen to provide medical treatment is a private medical provider. In-house medical services may be preferred by various employers, i.e., hospitals or large manufacturers. Medical Treatments To relieve pain, assist an employee in returning to work, or cure the injury, medical treatment must be provided. These treatments can include the following: Medications Prosthetics Surgery Diagnostic testing Rehabilitation Doctor visits Health Insurance Health insurance and Workers’ Compensation are not one and the same, but… Conditions immediately resulting from a workplace injury are, of…Read More
Are you an employee who was injured on the job? Have you visited your doctor for your work-related back injury? Did they tell you that, regarding your back injury, you have a 10% permanent disability? If so, what were they talking about? If, pertaining to your injury rating, you accept payment from your North Carolina Workers’ Compensation case, what effect will it have on your case? In fact, what are injury ratings? How these questions are answered could mean whether or not you can support your family, pay your bills, continue working, receive compensation, and more. Worse yet, the answers never seem to be cut and dried. They’re as tricky…Read More
When Are Workers’ Compensation Injuries Not Compensable Suffering a workplace injury does not mean there will be a compensable claim. In fact, many Workers’ Compensation claims are denied by employers’ insurance carriers. These claims are denied for various reasons. It is important to keep in mind that insurance companies do not have the final say over the compensability of claims. Ultimately, it is the North Carolina Industrial Commission that determines whether claims brought by injured workers are compensable. Finding an experienced Workers’ Comp attorney early in a claim can make the difference between claims being denied or being found compensable. How claims are reported to the employer, insurance company, and…Read More
Not all injuries result in severe, immediate symptoms. Several types of workplace injuries often have delayed symptoms. These types of claims are tricky to handle because they are not always clear whether an injured worker’s condition is related to the workplace accident or a preexisting medical condtion. Regardless of which injury is being treated, it is a good idea to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Typical Injuries With Delayed Symptoms Head Injuries: Oftentimes, head injures result in symptoms that include headaches, vision disturbances, headaches, and nausea. It is not uncommon for some head injury symptoms to materialize hours or even days after a workplace injury. In addition, head…Read More
