Work Injury Attorney in North Carolina
Are you struggling to get the compensation you deserve after a work injury in North Carolina? The workplace accident attorneys at Ward Black Law want to help you. We have decades of experience assisting injured workers across North Carolina. We know how to build a strong case for the benefits and compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free claim review so we can analyze your situation, answer your questions, and explain how we can support you.
Top Reasons to Choose Our Firm for Your NC Work Injury Case
Ward Black Law has helped injured workers across North Carolina for over 30 years and recovered millions of dollars for our deserving clients during that time. When you choose Ward Black Law, you get a team of dedicated attorneys and staff who focus on your needs and provide honest, clear communication every step of the way. Our team knows how to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
We accept work injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us only if and when we recover money for you. That allows you to pursue justice without worrying about upfront costs. Our team uses cutting-edge technology and efficient processes to stay responsive, and we develop sophisticated, effective solutions.
Clients appreciate our personal approach and commitment to excellence. Here’s what one satisfied client had to say about working with our team:
“Ward Black Law is such an awesome group of family-oriented professionals. When we lost a family member, they were there for our every need. There was never any lack of communication or unanswered questions, and most importantly, they cared more about our family than money. In a time of loss, it just meant so much to have the loving support of this team.” — Tanya
Common Types and Causes of Workplace Injuries in North Carolina
Workplace injuries happen for many reasons and can lead to severe physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Common causes and types of these injuries include:
- Slip-and-fall accidents – Workers can slip or trip and fall on wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained walkways in the workplace, for example.
- Overexertion injuries – Lifting, pulling, or carrying heavy objects without proper technique can strain or tear muscles. These injuries are common in physically demanding jobs like construction.
- Exposure to harmful substances – Workers who encounter toxic chemicals or fumes on the job can suffer respiratory issues, skin conditions, or long-term illnesses like cancer.
- Machinery-related injuries – Malfunctioning or improperly used equipment can lead to cuts, crushed limbs, or other serious harm.
- Motor vehicle crashes – Workers who drive as a part of their job duties can suffer severe injuries in traffic accidents.
What You Need to Know About NC Workers’ Compensation Laws
North Carolina workers’ compensation laws protect employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses while performing their job duties. If you get hurt at work, you can file a claim to receive medical care and partial wage-replacement benefits without needing to prove fault.
Workers’ compensation laws cover most employees in the state, but exceptions apply to some industries or small businesses.
You must report your injury to your employer as soon as possible and file a formal claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission within two years of the injury date to receive benefits. The workers’ compensation system provides benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and, in some cases, permanent disability. However, it does not cover pain and suffering or other non-economic losses.
Potential Third-Party Claims for Workplace Injuries
In some workplace injury cases, you could have a claim against a non-employer third party in addition to your workers’ compensation benefits. A third-party claim involves someone other than your employer or co-workers, such as a contractor, vendor, or equipment manufacturer.
Third-party claims can arise if someone else’s negligence or a defective product caused your injury. For example, if a delivery driver injures you while making a delivery at your worksite, you might have a third-party claim against them. Similarly, if a defective piece of machinery malfunctions and injures you, you could pursue a claim against the manufacturer.
Third-party claims allow you to seek additional compensation beyond what workers’ compensation covers, including full coverage of lost income and pain and suffering compensation. However, successfully pursuing a personal injury lawsuit requires proof that someone else’s negligence caused the accident.
Challenges When Pursuing Compensation for a Work Injury
Difficulties are common in workplace injury claims. Employers and insurance companies frequently attempt to reduce payouts by disputing the severity of injuries, claiming injuries are not work-related, or citing pre-existing conditions as grounds for denial. These disputes can delay, reduce, or even eliminate benefits for injured workers.
Managing the workplace injury claims process requires meeting strict deadlines and providing detailed medical evidence. Missing deadlines or submitting incomplete paperwork can result in claim denials. Insurance adjusters might also pressure you to accept a lower settlement than you deserve.
In addition, returning to work too soon or not following your doctor’s recommendations can harm your case. Some injured workers face intimidation from their employers, such as threats of termination or retaliation. Our knowledgeable work injury lawyers can help you address these challenges effectively.
How Our Work Injury Attorneys in North Carolina Can Help You
Work injury cases can be challenging to handle alone, especially when you’re trying to recover from a painful condition. A work injury lawyer from Ward Black Law can take the pressure off you by:
- Advising you on your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits and third-party claims
- Investigating the circumstances of your injury
- Calculating the full value of your claim, including lost wages and future medical needs
- Gathering evidence to support your case, such as medical records and witness statements
- Preparing and filing your workers’ compensation claim
- Communicating with your employer and their insurance company on your behalf
- Negotiating for a fair settlement with the insurance company
- Representing you at hearings before the North Carolina Industrial Commission
- Pursuing a third-party personal injury claim if another party contributed to your injury
- Advocating for you if your claims are denied or disputed
Contact a North Carolina Work Injury Lawyer
If you have suffered a work injury in North Carolina, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact the workers’ compensation lawyers at Ward Black Law today for a free claim review. Let us get to work for you and help you move forward after your work injury.
