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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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