Workers' Compensation Lawyer in Durham, NC

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A job-related severe injury can leave you with expensive medical bills and lost income if you cannot work while recovering. The law in North Carolina enables most injured workers to receive the medical and income benefits they need while focusing on their treatment. However, many people run into trouble getting the entire workers’ compensation benefits they deserve. Some valid claims are denied altogether. If this has happened to you, a Durham workers’ compensation lawyer can help you fight for the full financial benefits you’re owed.

At Kreger Brodish LLP, our attorneys provide comprehensive, focused legal advocacy to people who have been hurt. We will thoroughly investigate your claim and ensure you have access to the medical care you need. In addition, we will use our in-depth experience and resources to develop an effective legal strategy to recover the maximum compensation possible in your case.

Reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation case review with a respected Durham workers’ compensation attorney. We can take the stress off you while you focus on your recovery.

When Do You Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Durham, North Carolina?

If you are being forced to defend yourself in a North Carolina workers’ compensation case, you are probably facing several challenges. But, if you aren’t facing challenges, you could be soon.

Do these issues apply to your case?

  • You’re having difficulty finding medical treatment while dealing with a loss of income.
  • You’re being forced to return to work even though you are not ready.
  • Your employer is making you work in a new position that disregards your experience and skill.
  • Your employer is not accommodating your medical needs after your return to work.
  • You’re unsatisfied with the doctors the insurance company is sending you to for care.
  • Your employer asks you to do tasks your doctor says you can’t do.
  • You’re not sure how your future medical needs will be paid for.
  • You’re worried your checks may stop.
  • You’re not receiving your wages promptly.
  • Your employer has terminated your wages.

Do not wait for legal advice if you are struggling with a workers’ compensation claim. At Kreger Brodish LLP, we have extensive experience dealing with all the challenges that workers face in these cases, and we can fight for the full benefits you are owed.

How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in North Carolina

To recover workers’ compensation benefits in North Carolina, you will need to follow these steps to file your claim:

  1. Tell your supervisor or employer that you have been injured on the job.
  2. See a doctor for your injuries. Your employer can direct you to seek treatment from an approved provider. Remember to inform the doctor that your injuries occurred at work.
  3. Within 30 days of your work injury, provide written notice of your injury to your employer.
  4. Complete and file Form 18 with the North Carolina Industrial Commission to begin a formal workers’ comp claim for benefits.

How Long Does It Take to Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Durham?

When you and your employer file a claim form with the Industrial Commission, your employer or workers’ compensation insurer has 14 days to accept or deny your claim. If your employer denies your claim or pays you less than the full scope of benefits, you believe you are entitled to. You can request a hearing, which usually takes place within 30 to 60 days.

If your employer accepts your claim or the Industrial Commission awards you benefits, you can start receiving medical help immediately. Disability benefit payments do not begin until you have missed at least seven days from work. You can receive disability benefits for those seven days after you have missed at least 21 days from work.

When You Deserve More Than Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation typically serves as your sole legal claim against your employer. However, you may be entitled to pursue additional compensation through a personal injury claim if a third party caused your work injury. A third-party personal injury claim may be pursued in addition to seeking workers’ comp benefits.

Injured worker on the job

For example, if you were hit by a negligent driver while traveling in the course and scope of your job, you may be entitled to pursue a car accident injury claim against that driver. Or if you were hurt by defective equipment or machinery at work, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

A third-party personal injury claim can allow you to recover payment for losses not available from workers’ compensation, such as full reimbursement of your lost income, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life.