Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in Jacksonville, NC

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Jacksonville Police Department is 910 455-1472.

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

  Visit the police station at 206 North Marine Boulevard, Jacksonville, North Carolina 2854 from Mondays to Sundays between the hours of 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Requests can also be sent through the mail to the same address.

• How can you protect your rights after being injured at work in Jacksonville?

  Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Follow the doctor's orders for things like leave of absence, medications, and checkups. Save any evidence of your injury, such as photographs, medical records, and eyewitness information. It is critical to speak with a workers' compensation attorney in Jacksonville to fully understand your options.

• What happens if an employer in Jacksonville does not have worker's compensation insurance or is not self-insured?

  The employer in Jacksonville must be reported to the NCIC Criminal Investigations & Employee Classification Division. The Fraud and Insurance Compliance Hotline can be reached at (888) 891-4895 or through email at fraudcomplaints@ic.nc.gov. If the employee is injured, they must file Forms 18 and 33 and send these by email to forms@ic.nc.gov. The NCIC Help Line are 919-716-1700 and 800-688-8349 and can be reached by email at infospec@ic.nc.gov.

• What kind of benefits can you get from filing a workers' compensation claim in Jacksonville?

  You may be eligible for benefits such as vocational rehabilitation assistance and payments for lost wages and medical bills. The amount you can receive as compensation for lost wages is roughly two-thirds of your most recent salary. Additionally, your Jacksonville employer has the right to select the medical provider who will treat your injury and must pay for the prescription, procedures, and care required. You will also be trained for a different type of job if your injury results in a disability that prevents you from returning to your previous one.

• Do workers' compensation cases in Jacksonville undergo mediation?

  The Order for Mediated Settlement Conference will be issued to all workers' compensation claims filed in Jacksonville and throughout the state. However, there are some exceptions to these rules. Cases involving self-represented claimants and non-insured employers are examples of exceptions. Mediation will only take place in these cases if both parties to the claim agree and the Deputy Commissioner approves.

• Can you be reimbursed for medical treatment that requires travel if you were injured at work in Jacksonville?

  Yes. An employee in Jacksonville may be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred while seeking treatment for workplace injuries. When the roundtrip distance is 20 miles or more, the employee is entitled to food, lodging, and transportation benefits. Self-insured employers and insurance companies do not need permission from the Industrial Commission to reimburse the employee directly.

• 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.