Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Kernersville, NC

Have you been hurt on the job in Kernersville, North Carolina? Are you wondering what steps you should take to seek the benefits you need for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses? At Ward Black Law, our Kernersville work injury lawyers understand how challenging this time can be. That’s why our team is here to help you every step of the way. 

We have over 30 years of experience handling workers’ compensation claims like yours. Our attorneys are ready to answer your questions, handle the claims process on your behalf, and fight for the maximum benefits you are entitled to. 

Don’t struggle through this process alone. Contact Ward Black Law online or call 1-336-502-6208 today for a free case review with a Kernersville workers’ compensation attorney at our law firm. 

Why You Need Our Kernersville Workers’ Compensation Lawyers 

If you have been hurt on the job, choosing Ward Black Law means selecting a workers’ compensation law firm in Kernersville with over 30 years of proven experience. Our award-winning attorneys have successfully represented thousands of clients and secured millions in settlements and trial verdicts. We understand that suffering a work-related injury can leave you overwhelmed and uncertain about the future, so we’re committed to fighting for the justice you need to move forward. 

Our team handles each case with the attention it deserves. Our legal team is adept at simplifying complex legal matters, making the process understandable and less daunting. We use cutting-edge technology and strategic planning to ensure our legal services are efficient and effective. This approach allows us to focus entirely on delivering results for you. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid only if and when you win. 

Overview of the Workers’ Compensation Process in North Carolina 

In the aftermath of a workplace injury, it’s important to follow specific steps to ensure you receive the workers’ compensation benefits you are due. First, you must report your injury to your employer within  30 days. This step is crucial as it officially starts the claims process. 

You should seek medical attention immediately. In North Carolina, your employer can choose your healthcare provider unless you apply for an exemption. That means your employer will select where you go for treatment, so it’s essential to follow their guidance to comply with the workers’ compensation rules and maintain your eligibility for benefits. 

If your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company does not automatically begin providing you with benefits, you can take action by submitting Form 18 to the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) within two years of the injury date. Filing this form initiates your claim with the NCIC. You also have the right to appeal a denied or undervalued claim through the North Carolina Industrial Commission. 

Common Workers’ Compensation Claims, Injuries, and Causes 

North Carolina workers’ compensation claims cover a wide range of injuries and causes, reflecting the various risks present in different workplaces. Some examples of common workplace injuries in Kernersville include: 

• Slips, trips, and falls due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or obstacles in walkways
• Overexertion injuries related to lifting, pulling, or carrying heavy objects
• Struck by or against object accidents involving machinery, equipment, or falling objects
• Repetitive motion injuries from tasks that involve recurring movements
• Machine entanglement involving limbs, hair, or clothing caught in machinery
• Vehicle accidents involving those who operate or work around vehicles
• Exposure to harmful substances resulting in respiratory issues or skin conditions
• Electrocutions due to improper handling of equipment or exposure to high-voltage 

Potential Benefits Available from the Workers’ Compensation System 

Workers’ compensation benefits in Kernersville aim to cover your medical expenses, partially replace your income while you recover, and assist in your rehabilitation. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits available to injured workers in Kernersville: 

• Medical care benefits – These benefits cover the costs of the medical care you need to recover from your work injury. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and therapy.
• Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits – If you are completely unable to work for a period due to your injury, you could qualify for TTD benefits. These benefits pay up to two-thirds of your regular wages while you are recovering and unable to work. However, they are unavailable for your first seven days of missed work unless you cannot work for at least 21 days.
• Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits – If you can return to work but cannot earn as much as before your injury, TPD benefits cover up to two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury pay and your current pay.
• Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits – For certain injuries, such as the loss of a limb, you could receive compensation according to a schedule that lists specific amounts for different types of losses. These PPD benefits are worth up to two-thirds of your average income multiplied by a set number of weeks assigned to your affected body part and adjusted based on your disability rating.
• Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits – If your injury permanently prevents you from returning to any kind of work, you could receive PTD benefits. These benefits provide long-term wage replacement at the same rate as TTD benefits.
• Vocational rehabilitation benefits – If you need help returning to work or finding new employment due to your injury, you could receive vocational rehabilitation benefits. These cover the costs of training and assistance to help you adapt or find suitable employment. 

Common Challenges in Kernersville Workers’ Compensation Claims 

Filing for workers’ compensation in North Carolina can be a complex process involving various challenges that complicate your path to receiving benefits. Below are some typical challenges injured workers face when pursuing their work-related injury claims: 

• Claim denials due to delayed injury reporting or incomplete paperwork
• Challenges related to receiving treatment from employer-selected providers
• Insufficient benefits
• Pressure to return to work too soon
• Pre-existing conditions that insurers use as excuses to deny benefits
• Retaliation from employers for filing claims or demanding full benefits
• Complex medical issues that lead to disputes over injury severity or eligibility 

How Our Attorneys Help with Workers’ Compensation Claims in Kernersville, NC 

Our Kernersville workplace injury attorneys are ready to provide the legal assistance you need. We’ll prepare and file your workers’ compensation claim paperwork, stand up to the insurance companies, and seek the total compensation you need for your recovery.

Do you have questions about your rights and the benefits you could receive? Contact Ward Black Law online or call 1-336-502-6208 for a free case review from an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.