Close

Workers' Compensation FAQs in Beaufort, NC (Carteret County)

  1. What Should I Do if I’m Injured at Work?
  2. What Are My Rights Under the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law?
  3. How Do I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
  4. What Benefits Am I Entitled To?
  5. What if My Claim Is Denied?
  6. Can I Be Fired for Filing a Claim?
  7. What if My Injury Aggravates a Pre-Existing Condition?
  8. Is There a Deadline To File a Claim?
  9. Do I Need a Lawyer?
  10. What Medical Conditions Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
  11. How Long Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Last?
  12. What Happens if I Can’t Return to My Previous Job Due to My Injury?
  13. What Documentation Should I Keep for My Workers’ Compensation Claim?
  14. What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make When Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
  15. What Does “Board Certified Specialist in Worker’s Compensation” in North Carolina Mean?
  16. How Much Does a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?
Q: What Should I Do if I’m Injured at Work?

A: If you're injured at work, it's crucial to take immediate action:

  • Seek medical attention to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
  • Report the injury to your supervisor as soon as possible, following established workplace protocols.
  • Document everything about the incident, including the date, time, location, and details of your injury.

Back to Top


Q: What Are My Rights Under the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law?

A: North Carolina law mandates most employers to carry workers' compensation insurance. This insurance provides benefits for work-related injuries and illnesses, covering medical bills, lost wages, and disability payments.


Back to Top


Q: How Do I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

A: Your employer should provide a workers' compensation claim form. File it with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) in a timely manner. An experienced workers' compensation attorney can assist you with the filing process and answer questions about your legal rights and the possible value of your Work Comp claim in North Carolina.

Back to Top


Q: What Benefits Am I Entitled To?

A: Workers' compensation may provide various benefits, including:

  • Medical care for all necessary treatment related to your work injury
  • Temporary total disability (TTD) payments, which are two-thirds of your average weekly wage if you're unable to work at all
  • Temporary partial disability (TPD) payments, which are two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury wages if you can work with limitations
  • Permanent partial disability (PPD) compensation for a permanent loss of function resulting from your injury
  • Vocational rehabilitation services to help you find suitable work if you can't return to your previous job due to the injury

Back to Top


Q: What if My Claim Is Denied?

A: You have the right to appeal the decision with the NCIC. An attorney can guide you through the appeals process and explain your legal rights. Our Beaufort NC law firm provides a free case evaluation to employees who have been injured on the job in Carteret County.

Back to Top


Q: Can I Be Fired for Filing a Claim?

A: No, it's illegal for employers to retaliate against you for filing a workers' compensation claim. However, that does not mean employers always follow the law. That’s one reason we think it makes sense to immediately retain legal counsel to protect your legal rights and interests.

Back to Top


Q: What if My Injury Aggravates a Pre-Existing Condition?

A: Even if you have a pre-existing condition, workers' compensation may still cover the portion of your injury that was aggravated by the work incident. The NC Workers Comp laws are relatively complicated. Seek the advice of an experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer in Beaufort NC.

Back to Top


Q: Is There a Deadline To File a Claim?

A: Yes, there are deadlines to file a workers' compensation claim in North Carolina. Given the legal complexities of such matters, it’s a good idea to consult with a Beaufort Workers Compensation lawyer regarding the specific aspects of your claim. The Dodge Jones Injury Law Firm provides a free case evaluation for employees who have suffered an on-the-job injury in Carteret County.

Back to Top


Q: Do I Need a Lawyer?

A: While not mandatory, consulting with a workers' compensation attorney in Beaufort NC is highly recommended. An attorney can help protect your legal rights, navigate the complexities of the workers' compensation system, and advocate for the benefits you deserve under the NC Workers’ Compensation law.

Back to Top


Q: What Medical Conditions Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

A: Workers' compensation generally covers medical conditions that arise from or are aggravated by a work-related injury or illness. That can include things like repetitive motion injuries, amputations, and traumatic brain injuries. The NC Workers’ Compensation law also provides protection to employees who are killed in a workplace accident.

Back to Top


Q: How Long Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Last?

A: The duration of benefits depends on the severity of your injury and your recovery.

  • Temporary disability benefits typically last until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or you can return to work with limitations and/or a reasonable accommodation.
  • Permanent disability benefits may be awarded for a set period or for life, depending on the nature of your disability.

Back to Top


Q: What Happens if I Can’t Return to My Previous Job Due to My Injury?

A: The NC Workers' Compensation law may offer vocational rehabilitation services to help you find suitable alternative employment.

Back to Top


Q: What Documentation Should I Keep for My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

A: Keep all relevant documents, including:

  • Medical records related to your work injury
  • Accident reports
  • Communication with your employer and the NCIC
  • Pay stubs
  • Any documentation related to lost wages due to your injury

Back to Top


Q: What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make When Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

A: Some common mistakes include:

  • Not seeking medical attention immediately after the injury
  • Failing to report the injury to your supervisor on time
  • Not filing a claim within the deadline
  • Not keeping proper documentation

Back to Top


Q: What Does “Board Certified Specialist in Worker’s Compensation” in North Carolina Mean?

A: In North Carolina, a "Board Certified Specialist in Worker's Compensation" signifies an attorney who has demonstrated exceptional knowledge and experience in this specific legal area. This certification is awarded by the North Carolina State Bar after a rigorous process that includes:

  • Experience: The attorney must have practiced worker's compensation law for a substantial amount of time, with a significant portion dedicated to worker's compensation cases.
  • Continuing Education: The attorney must complete a specific number of continuing legal education (CLE) hours focused on worker's compensation law and related areas.
  • Peer Review: Other qualified lawyers and judges familiar with the attorney's work in worker's compensation must provide positive evaluations.

By choosing a Board Certified Specialist in Worker's Compensation, you can be confident that your attorney has the necessary experience and dedication to handle your case effectively.

Back to Top


Q: How Much Does a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?

A: Workers' compensation cases in North Carolina typically follow a contingency fee structure. This means you won't pay any upfront legal fees for your attorney's services. Instead, the attorney's fee is a percentage of the benefits you recover through your claim, such as medical payments, disability benefits, or a settlement.

Here at Dodge Jones Injury Law Firm we understand the financial stress a work injury can cause. That's why we offer a free case evaluation to employees who have been hurt at work in Beaufort, NC. During this evaluation, we can discuss your specific situation, the workers' compensation claims process, and answer any questions you may have.

Here's a breakdown of how contingency fees typically work in North Carolina workers' compensation cases:

  • The attorney's fee percentage is usually a percentage of the recovery, whether that’s through a settlement and/or award after litigation
  • You won't pay any legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful
  • The specific fee percentage may vary depending on the complexity of your case and the attorney's experience

Back to Top


Remember: The consultation with the Dodge Jones Injury Law Firm, located in Beaufort in Carteret County, North Carolina, is completely free, and you're not obligated to hire us after the evaluation. We're here to help you understand your rights and options following a work injury.


Client Reviews
★★★★★
If you are looking for a highly knowledgeable, caring, and virtuous law firm to help you, Dodge Jones is the answer! You can definitely count on them to provide the best quality legal service. They are outstanding! Meghan H.
★★★★★
Highly recommend Dodge Jones to anyone. Joey H.
Contact Us