Do I Need a North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

If you get hurt on the job, you do not have to hire a North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney to seek workers’ compensation benefits. However, doing so can make a difference, especially if your case involves a serious injury, denial of your claim, or other disputes with your employer and its insurance company. 

While some claims proceed smoothly, many injured workers encounter unexpected challenges when seeking benefits that require the assistance of an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.

What Are Some Reasons for Hiring a North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

Even when a workplace injury seems straightforward, several factors can complicate your path to receiving benefits. Here are a few reasons why you should consider working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney:

• A lawyer knows North Carolina workers’ compensation law – The North Carolina workers’ compensation system involves specific rules, forms, and procedures that can be confusing for anyone unfamiliar with them. An attorney who regularly handles these cases understands how the system works and can guide you through each step in your case.

• Your employer and its insurer may dispute your workers’ compensation claim – Some employers challenge whether an injury actually happened at work or question the severity of an employee’s condition. When disputes arise, having legal representation will help you build a stronger case and present evidence effectively.

• The insurance company will have lawyers – Your employer’s insurance carrier employs experienced adjusters and attorneys who regularly handle workers’ comp claims. Their job is to minimize payouts and protect the company’s interests. Having your own attorney allows you to have someone on your side who is fighting for your rights.

• An attorney can provide their professional opinion on a settlement offer – One of the primary ways insurers minimize payouts is by knowingly offering settlement amounts that are significantly below what injured employees are entitled to receive. Before accepting any settlement offer, you need to understand whether it will fairly compensate you for your injuries and future needs. A lawyer can evaluate the offer, calculate what you may actually deserve, and negotiate for better terms if necessary.

• An attorney can make sure you meet required deadlines – North Carolina law requires you to notify your employer within 30 days of your injury and file your claim within two years. Missing these deadlines could result in the loss of your right to benefits. When you work with an attorney, they can track these dates and ensure you complete everything on time.

What Situations Call for Having a Workers’ Comp Lawyer?

Certain circumstances make legal representation particularly valuable. Consider consulting with an attorney if you face any of the following circumstances: 

• You have suffered a severe injury ‒ Serious injuries often involve complex medical treatment, expensive medical bills, and extended time away from work.
• You have a permanent disability ‒ Permanent conditions require a calculation of long-term benefits and potential lump-sum payments.
• You cannot return to work ‒ Career-ending injuries raise questions about vocational rehabilitation and ongoing compensation.
• Your employer demands you return to work, but you feel you are not ready ‒ Some employers push workers to get back to work before they have reached maximum medical improvement, worsening their injuries.
• You earned a high level of wages before your injury ‒ Higher pre-injury earnings mean more is at stake when calculating wage replacement benefits.
• Your employer or insurance adjuster is pressuring you to resolve the matter quickly ‒ Rushed settlements often shortchange injured workers.
• An issue is whether you are an independent contractor, employee, or subcontractor’s employee ‒ Classification disputes about whether you qualify for benefits at all may require a lawyer’s intervention.
• You are experiencing discrimination as a result of your claim ‒ Workers have legal protections against retaliation for filing workers’ compensation claims.
• You have grounds to file a third-party injury lawsuit ‒ When someone other than your employer caused your injury, you may have additional legal options.
• Your employer and its insurance company denied your claim ‒ A denial does not have to be the final word on your case.
• You wish to file an appeal ‒ The appeals process involves hearings before the North Carolina Industrial Commission, requiring careful preparation.

Can a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Help Me Get a Higher Amount of Benefits?

Having professional legal assistance on your side can help you pursue full compensation. A workers’ comp attorney will know how to:

• Properly document your injuries
• Gather supporting medical evidence
• Present your case in the strongest possible light.

Your employer’s insurance company may try to miscalculate benefits or delay payments in your workers’ compensation case, hoping you will accept less than you deserve. An attorney can carefully review your work and medical records, identify these issues, and fight for the medical treatment and disability benefits you are due under the law.

How Much Does a North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Cost?

Most workers’ compensation attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. With this type of agreement, you will pay nothing up front. Instead, the attorney will receive a percentage of the benefits they recover for you. If your attorney does not win your case, you typically owe no attorney fees. This arrangement enables injured workers to access legal assistance regardless of their financial circumstances.

Contact a North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

When you suffer a workplace injury, you deserve an experienced attorney who will take the time to understand your situation and fight for the benefits you need. At The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., three generations of attorneys have helped injured workers throughout North Carolina.

Our team offers direct client relationships and the resources of an established, full-service firm. But don’t just take our word for it — many of our satisfied clients have written enthusiastically about working with us on our testimonials page.

If you would like to learn more about how our attorneys can help you pursue workers’ compensation benefits, contact us today for a free consultation. We look forward to fighting for your rights.

Visit Our North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law Offices