Durham Workers' Compensation Attorneys

Getting hurt on the job can be terribly frustrating and confusing. We are here to help. Hiring an attorney will allow you to focus on recovery while we help you receive the compensation you may deserve.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Most businesses have insurance to cover the medical expenses and a portion of lost wages of their employees when they are injured at work. In North Carolina, the Workers’ Compensation Act requires businesses that employ three or more employees to have workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation benefits are often paid by your employer's workers’ compensation insurance company.

Do I Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?

There are three questions to consider when determining whether you qualify for workers’ compensation:

• Were you injured on the job? These injuries may be caused by a lack of protective gear, lack of proper training, unsafe working conditions, etc. However, most workers’ compensation insurance plans do not cover injuries that are intentional or the result of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol in the workplace.
• Has it been less than two years since the injury? In North Carolina, workers’ compensation claims typically must be filed within two years from the date of the injury.
• Have these injuries caused you to miss work and if so, were you written out by a doctor? If you are written out by a doctor and are unable to work during a certain window of time, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.

If a family member was fatally injured, your family may be entitled to compensation.

If you aren’t sure if you qualify for worker’s compensation or have any questions,
please contact us online or give us a call at (919) 887-7892.

Actions to Take When Injured on the Job

To improve the likelihood of workers’ compensation covering your injury, there are certain steps you should take.

When you are injured at work, follow these procedures:

• Notify and report your injuries to your supervisor. Employees should give a written report of the accident and injury to their employer as soon as possible, but no longer than 30 days after the date of injury. This can be done by filling out a NC Industrial Commission Form 18.
• Seek reasonable and necessary medical attention. If you are injured and need to see a doctor, your employer often has the right to determine where you go. However, if you are dissatisfied with the treatment that you receive, you also may have the right to get a second opinion.
• Ensure you have a doctor's note if you are unable to return to work due to your injuries. It is very important that you have documentation from your physician that shows you are unable to work due to your work-related injuries.
• Speak to a North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney. After being injured at work, it is important to consider that your employer – more importantly, your employer’s insurance company – may not keep your best interests in mind, especially if they are responsible for paying for your medical bills. Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions or concerns.

Seek Full Compensation for Your Work Injury

While the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act is here to protect individuals who have been injured on the job, the process can be quite difficult and there are several common mistakes that often derail a claim.

The attorneys at Wallace Pierce Law are here to assist in navigating the entire process for you or a loved one’s workers’ compensation claim. If you or someone you love has suffered a workplace injury, please feel free to contact our office directly, as we are here to help.

Schedule your free consultation by calling (919) 887-7892 or using our convenient online form.