Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in Greensboro, NC

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Greensboro, North Carolina?

  For non-emergency matters, individuals can reach the Greensboro Police Department at (336) 373-2222.

• Where can I get a copy of police report for incidents related to my case in Greensboro, North Carolina?

  To obtain a copy of a police report, you can either visit the Records Division of the Greensboro Police Department at 300 W Washington St, Greensboro, NC 27401, use the provided link http://p2c.greensboro-nc.gov/AccidentDetail.aspx to locate your report online, or contact the department by phone at (336) 373-2287.

• What is the exact process for filing a workers' compensation claim in Greensboro?

  To file a workers' compensation claim in Greensboro, you need to promptly inform your employer of your work-related injury, seek medical attention for your injury, and let the healthcare provider know that your injury occurred while working. You should also follow your treating provider's instructions, report your injury claim to your employer in writing within 30 days of the injury, and fill out a Form 18 claim form to be submitted to the North Carolina Industrial Commission.

• How many fatal workplace accidents occur in Greensboro every year?

  As of June 2022, the Greensboro-High Point region had 350,146 employed individuals according to The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, with seven documented workplace fatalities in 2021, according to OSHA. This highlights the occurrence of fatal workplace accidents despite their relatively low likelihood.

• What challenges could you possibly encounter in Greensboro when pursuing workers’ compensation?

  Challenges you may encounter when pursuing workers’ compensation in Greensboro include difficulty finding necessary medical treatment, dissatisfaction with employer-required medical providers, premature demands to return to work, unsuitable alternative work assignments, and lack of medical accommodations upon returning to work. You could also face potential long-term medical needs, miscalculated disability benefits, attempts to reduce or terminate compensation, termination of employment, and claim denials.

• How much time do you have to file a work injury claim in Greensboro?

  In Greensboro, if you're injured in a work-related accident, promptly inform your employer within 30 days. Submit a form to the North Carolina Industrial Commission and provide a copy to your employer. For compensation claims, file within two years of the injury, and for occupational disease, file within two years of diagnosis or disability. If your company terminates medical coverage, you have two years from the last treatment to file a claim with the Industrial Commission.

• What should you do if you dislike the doctor that your Greensboro workers' compensation insurance company provided?

  If you dislike the doctor that your Greensboro workers' compensation insurance company, you can request a second medical opinion through the insurance provider or your employer, but they might not approve it. If that happens, you can ask the North Carolina Industrial Commission to authorize a second opinion that the insurer has to cover. It is advisable to hire a qualified workers' compensation lawyer to assist you with this aspect of the claims process.

• What does a workers’ compensation attorney do?

  Workers’ compensation attorneys help injured employees recover monetary benefits following workplace accidents and illnesses. Attorneys in this practice area provide legal advice, gather evidence, review medical records, prepare petitions, and negotiate insurance settlements. They also represent clients’ interests during court cases and administrative hearings overseen by state workers’ compensation boards.

• What are the benefits of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

  Workers’ compensation insurance gives employees access to vital cash benefits in case of workplace injuries or illnesses. Filing a claim can help injured workers pay for medical care, physical therapy, and essential living expenses while they recover from a temporary or permanent disability. Workers’ compensation also pays for funeral and burial expenses following fatal workplace injuries.

• How long does a workers’ compensation claim stay open?

  Workers’ compensation claims typically remain open as long as the individual is receiving treatment or until the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement. This milestone varies for each person, and it can take years to determine whether a disability is temporary or permanent. Additionally, there’s a fixed time limit for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations can be anywhere from six months to two years from the date of the injury or the date of the last payment, depending on the worker’s state of residence. A qualified attorney can explain your state’s specific rules.

• What is the average payout for a workers’ compensation claim?

  Nationally, the average workers’ compensation claimant receives $21,800. Payouts range from $2,000 on the low end to upwards of $60,000 for well-compensated workers in high-income areas. The exact amount depends on the claimant’s average weekly paycheck, the extent of the injuries, and their state of residence. Individuals who accept an insurance settlement or initial offer typically receive less than those who negotiate or have an attorney represent them before an arbitrator or workers’ compensation judge.

• How are settlements calculated in workers’ compensation cases?

  Settlements typically cover current and future medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation or retraining, and two-thirds of lost wages. The total amount may vary depending on whether the worker’s disability is temporary or permanent. Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits, including funeral expenses and two-thirds of wages for up to 25 years or a state-specified maximum.

• What is workers comp?

  Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides medical care, rehabilitation, and other benefits for employees who are injured or fall ill while performing assigned work duties. Common reasons for filing a workers' comp claim include slip and fall injuries, machinery accidents, or muscle strains while lifting heavy items.

  All businesses must carry some form of workers' compensation insurance, with minimum guidelines imposed by the state of residence. Workers' comp is intended to safeguard both the employee and the employer by providing a social safety net. This can protect companies from civil suits and guarantee that injured employees receive the benefits they need.

• What does workers comp cover?

  Workers' compensation insurance covers benefits associated with a wide range of accidents and illnesses that may occur in a place of work. This can include:

  • Medical benefits, such as payments for treatments, hospitalizations, or surgeries
  • Compensation for lost wages while not working
  • Coverage for ongoing care, such as physical therapy
  • Continued access to benefits, including insurance provided through an employer
  • Disability benefits, if an injury results in a permanent loss of functioning in some manner
  • Death benefits and funeral expense coverage

  How and when workers' compensation coverage applies depends on the illness or injury in question and the results of a medical exam. An unsatisfactory ruling by an insurer can be appealed with help from a workers' comp attorney.

  
  

• What does a workers comp defense attorney do?

  A workers' compensation defense attorney is a legal professional who represents the employer in a workers’ comp case. Typically, the defense attorney works to minimize the employer’s liability and reduce the amount of benefits to be paid out.

• When does workers comp start paying?

  How and when workers' comp starts paying can depend on both the circumstances and the state in which an injury took place. In most areas, benefits related to medical care start paying out immediately, even before a claim is formally processed or accepted. Once a case is approved, injured workers may be entitled to other benefits, including coverage for lost wages.

• How much is workers comp insurance for self-employed people?

  Workers' compensation isn't required for self-employed individuals, but those working in dangerous industries, such as construction or manufacturing, may choose to purchase policies. In some cases, employers may request this coverage when hiring a contractor. While costs will vary based on industry and location, most freelancers can expect to pay around $25 to $50 per month.

• How do I file a workers comp claim?

  A workers' comp claim is best filed as soon as an injury occurs. In some states, there are time limits, such as one month following an incident.

  After an injury, an employee must notify their employer. The employer must then provide access to the necessary forms and offer guidance. Employees must fill out all forms and return them to the employer who then files them with the insurer. Some states have additional requirements, including assessment by a medical provider. Once the paperwork has been filed, the insurance provider issues a ruling. If the ruling is unfavorable, the employee may choose to appeal the decision with the support of an attorney.