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“Daniel Talbert is a top-notch attorney... he has a never-give-up approach even when things look bleak.”
- Roger T. -
“David Teddy was more than worth the money... he actually took the time to listen.”
- Rosslyn S. -
“David Teddy and his team are outstanding!!! WORTH EVERY PENNY!”
- Nicholas D. -
“Ralph is the epitome of what a lawyer should be.”
- Melinda R.
Importance of Safety in the Workplace
Employers must provide a reasonably safe work environment for their employees. Not only does this protect employees from suffering injuries and occupational illnesses, but it also saves employers money in the long run. Maintaining a safe workplace improves productivity and decreases turnover.
When workers get sick or sustain injuries on the job, every area of their life can be upended. Effects can range from impact on a worker’s financial wellbeing to their relationships and quality of life. Unsafe working conditions lower employee morale and hurt the business as a whole.
Common Types of Workplace Injuries in Lincolnton
Our team represents clients who have suffered from a broad range of workplace injuries, including:
- Overexertion injuries
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Being struck by an object
- Contact with equipment
- Psychological injuries
- Bodily reaction injuries
- Auto accidents
- Getting caught in or compressed by something
- Repetitive motion
- Striking an object
- Violence and assault
Out of the above injuries, overexertion, slip, trips, falls, and contact with objects and equipment are the most common, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). In total, they make up more than 84% of all nonfatal injuries involving time off work.
If you suffered any type of injury on the job, you deserve to be compensated for your losses. Our Lincolnton workers’ compensation attorneys can help you seek the benefits you need to pay for living and medical expenses while you are unable to work.
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“Daniel Talbert is a top-notch attorney... he has a never-give-up approach even when things look bleak.” - Roger T.
-
“David Teddy was more than worth the money... he actually took the time to listen.” - Rosslyn S.
-
“David Teddy and his team are outstanding!!! WORTH EVERY PENNY!” - Nicholas D.
-
“Ralph is the epitome of what a lawyer should be.” - Melinda R.
Who’s Responsible for Your Work Injury?
In most cases, if you are injured in the workplace, you will turn to your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. As long as the injury occurred while you were performing job-related duties, you should be able to recover compensation through workers’ comp. That is true even if your employer did nothing wrong or you were at fault for your injuries.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you might have the option to recover compensation through a third-party insurance claim. However, to pursue compensation this way, you need to prove you suffered bodily harm because of a third party’s negligence. You cannot typically file a third-party insurance claim against your employer or a coworker. Instead, third-party claims involve an individual or entity separate from your employer.
For example, if you are making deliveries for your job and you suffer injuries after a distracted driver hits you, you could file a third-party insurance claim against the at-fault driver to recover compensation for your injuries.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury
If you were injured in a workplace accident in Lincolnton, you should follow these steps to protect your rights after the accident:
- Report the injury. While you should make your employer aware of the injury as soon as possible, you technically have a 30-day window to report the injury orally and in writing.
- Seek prompt medical treatment. You should receive medical treatment for your injury as soon as possible after the accident. In North Carolina, your employer has the authority to decide your treating doctor. However, you can petition to use a doctor of your choice if you have a good reason. Be sure to tell the doctor that you sustained your injury on the job, and follow the doctor’s instructions.
- Keep track of costs. Keep a folder containing all your medical records, hospital bills, doctor’s visit bills, prescription medication costs, physical therapy expenses, surgery costs, and other medical expenses.
- Consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can walk you through every step of the workers’ comp claims process.
Do You Need to Hire a Workers’ Comp Attorney After a Job Injury?
Even though you should be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits by your employer if you are injured on the job, there’s no guarantee that you will receive full benefits in a timely fashion. The insurance company might not award the total amount you need to recover from your injuries or pay for everyday expenses. As a result, it can be incredibly beneficial to hire a workers’ compensation attorney to represent you. Having an advocate in your corner to help navigate the claims process provides the support you need during a trying time.
A workers’ compensation attorney can help you fill out paperwork and file your claim. Your attorney can also help expedite the entire process and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, significantly improving your chances of securing the benefits you deserve. If your claim is denied or undervalued, your lawyer can help you appeal the insurer’s decision.
You shouldn’t have to navigate the workers’ compensation process alone, especially while recovering from injuries. An attorney can defend your rights and act as your advocate throughout the claims process.
Contact a Lincolnton Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today
If you were injured on the job in Lincolnton or surrounding areas of North Carolina, contact Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., to discuss the details of your case and get started on your workers’ compensation claim. Our attorneys have the necessary skills to help you pursue fair benefits and promptly seek the treatment and funds you need.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.