Charlotte Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Serving Injured Workers in Mecklenburg County & All of North Carolina

If you have been injured in the workplace, the best outcome is that you will recover completely after a few days or a few weeks. Unfortunately, some workplace injuries are far more serious and complicated.

At Jetton & Meredith, our Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyers represent workers who have been injured on the job or suffer from an occupational illness. No matter your situation, we offer an initial consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions about North Carolina’s workers’ compensation program.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance required for most employers in North Carolina. It ensures that employees who are injured or develop illnesses due to work conditions can receive benefits without needing to prove employer negligence. While the system is designed to be straightforward, complications often arise. The claims process involves strict deadlines, detailed medical documentation, and potential resistance from employers or insurance carriers.

Our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys are dedicated to assisting injured workers through the complexities of the system, ensuring they receive the benefits they are entitled to under North Carolina law.

Some of the most common injuries seen in workers’ compensation claims include:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: Common in environments such as construction sites, warehouses, or even offices.
• Repetitive Motion Injuries: Such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis, often affecting those in manufacturing or clerical roles.
• Back and Neck Injuries: Frequently caused by heavy lifting or awkward movements.
• Hearing Loss: A risk for workers in noisy environments like factories or construction sites.
• Traumatic Injuries: Including fractures, burns, or head injuries from accidents involving machinery or equipment.

Why Pursue a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

In theory, workers’ compensation is designed to be a relatively simple system meant to protect both employees and employers from lawsuits or benefit denials following a workplace accident.

Unfortunately, the claims process can be rather complicated. If you have suffered an injury that will result in either work absence or a permanent impairment, it is important to get an attorney’s advice. The workers’ compensation insurance carrier has a financial incentive to deny your claim or send you back to work before you are ready. Without skilled legal representation on your side, you put yourself at a disadvantage and you may be unable to collect the valuable benefits you need and deserve.*

What is the Claims Process for Workers' Compensation in North Carolina?

Filing a workers’ compensation claim requires careful attention to detail and adherence to deadlines. Missing any step in the process can jeopardize your ability to recover benefits. Here’s an overview of the process:

1. Report the Injury: Notify your employer as soon as possible after the injury occurs. North Carolina law requires that employees provide written notice within 30 days.
2. Seek Medical Treatment: Your employer or their insurance carrier may direct you to an approved healthcare provider for treatment. Follow all prescribed medical advice to ensure proper documentation of your condition.
3. File Form 18: This is the official notice of your claim to the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). It must be filed within two years of the injury.
4. Insurance Carrier Review: Your employer’s insurance carrier will investigate the claim to determine eligibility for benefits.
5. Approval or Denial: If approved, benefits will begin. If denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.

Your employer will likely have legal representation to protect their interests, which is why you should have an advocate helping to protect yours. A claim may be denied at any time during the course of this process and you may need to file multiple petitions and make numerous appearances at various hearings. Our workers' compensation attorneys in Charlotte can help minimize delays and help your claim make its way through the system as smoothly as possible.*

What Happens if a Claim Is Denied?

Denials of workers’ compensation claims are frustrating but not uncommon. Some common reasons include:

• Failure to provide timely notice of the injury.
• Discrepancies between the injury report and medical records.
• Allegations that the injury is not work-related.
• Claims of non-compliance with medical treatment plans.

If your claim is denied, you can file a formal appeal with the NCIC. This involves attending a mediation conference and potentially a hearing before a deputy commissioner. Having a Charlotte workers’ compensation attorney during this process is crucial to building a compelling case and increasing your chances of success.

Commonly Asked Questions Answered by Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Charlotte

The following workers’ compensation FAQ is designed to provide you with some general information regarding the system. Of course, each client’s case is different and the following should not take the place of qualified legal advice.

The Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys at Jetton & Meredith can answer any other questions you may have and can help guide you through the process. We represent clients throughout the state of North Carolina.

What should I do if I have been injured at work?

The first step to take if you’re injured on the job is to notify your supervisor or employer, preferably in writing so that you can have a copy for your records. After your employer has been made aware of the accident, you should also file a form 18 with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. This ensures that the state will be made aware of your claim in the event that your employer fails to file the necessary paperwork. Our attorneys can help you fill out the required information for this form.

Can I sue my employer instead of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

The workers’ compensation system is designed to be a faultless system. In other words, you generally cannot sue your employer even if your employer was to blame for the injury. Conversely, your employer cannot prevent you from collecting benefits if you were at least partially to blame for the injury.

It may be possible to file a suit against a third party, such as another driver who caused an accident, or a product manufacturer who created a faulty product or defective piece of machinery. We will thoroughly review the circumstances of your case to fight for all reasonable claims.

Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim?

It is illegal for an employer to fire or demote a worker solely because he or she files a workers’ comp claim. However, such actions do still occur. If you feel that you were fired or have had an adverse action taken against you because of a claim, you may be able to sue your employer for wrongful termination.

What benefits may I be entitled to?

For an on-the-job injury or an occupational illness, you are typically entitled to medical treatments as well as two-thirds of your average weekly wage for the time that you are out of work. If you have suffered a permanent disability to a body part, you are entitled to a lump sum payment determined by a table of different injuries.*

Personalized Representation & Support in Your Time of Need

At Jetton & Meredith, our Charlotte injury lawyers pride themselves on providing the victims of workplace accidents with a great deal of close contact and support. We can help answer your questions and keep you informed about the status of your case at all times. Our team understands that it is difficult to know what steps to take if you’re injured on the job. You can rest assured that we will be here to provide you with the legal support you need while we aggressively protect your interests and work to get you the full settlement that you deserve.*