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
Are individuals employed in South Carolina that suffer repetitive trauma injuries entitled to workers’ compensation? Goodness knows the insurance company that represents your employer will do everything in their power to deny claims for workers’ compensation benefits whenever they can. They consider it their job. Repetitive trauma injuries are no exception. In fact, repetitive trauma injuries are almost always an open invitation for your employer’s insurance company to put up a fight. They may argue that the injury was existing or is not job-related. It takes time for repetitive trauma injuries to occur. Rather than being caused by a specific, single event, they develop gradually, resulting from pressure, strain, or repetitive motion on a particular part of your body. The good news here is that they are covered under South Carolina workers’ compensation. What Is A Repetitive Trauma Injury? As…Read More
If you are injured on the job, you should report the injury as soon as you can. This will involve some paperwork. Injured workers have 30 days from the date of injury within which to file a report with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. It cannot be stressed enough that you should do so as soon as possible. The chances of your claim being accepted by the insurance company for your employer improves with early reporting. A successful workers’ compensation claim usually means the injured worker provided quick notice to both their employer and the North Carolina Industrial Commission. Above all else, as soon as you are injured on the job, verbally report it to your employer. Proper documentation can be completed and filed following emergency treatment (if necessary). That said, if you decide to file a workers’ compensation claim…Read More
The government does love its forms. Cases involving NC workers’ compensation are no exception. There are more forms than one can possibly imagine! As plentiful as they are, each and every one of them is important in its own right. Below, you will find a list and brief description of some of the forms that could be involved in a workers’ compensation case. These are not all of the forms, by any means. But you will, after reading through them, have an initial understanding of what’s involved in the filing of a case under NC workers’ compensation laws. For the best results, it is highly recommended that you consult a knowledgeable, reputable, and well-established attorney that is familiar with all of North Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws, forms, regulations, procedures, etc. No layman should be expected to shoulder the burden of…Read More
In your place of employment, even if you’re careful and everything is being done right, accidents can happen. Workplace injuries are regulated by the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act, found in Article 97 of the North Carolina general statutes. It states that “an injury by accident” must be suffered by an employee in order for them to be eligible for NC workers’ compensation. Simply put, a compensable injury is one where the normal work activity was interrupted by something unusual. Perhaps a slip, trip, or fall. Compensable injuries must arise in the course and scope of the employment. What Injuries Are Covered? Here is a list of the types of injuries that are often covered by NC workers’ comp: Paralysis Nerve damage Knee injuries Internal organ injuries Facial injuries Crush injuries Pre-existing injury aggravation Arm/hand vibration injuries Hand injuries Ankle…Read More
