Helping the Injured Secure Benefits

While many individuals know that they’re entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits when they’re injured on the job, few know where to turn or how to begin the claims process. The workers’ compensation system can be tricky to navigate on your own, especially considering the fact that each state has its own system and rules.

You may wonder whether your profession is even covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Fortunately, our Charlotte attorneys are available to demystify the process and walk you through the claims process, step by step. For years, Ramsay Law Firm, P.A. has been the go-to firm for workers throughout North Carolina who have been injured and wish to secure their benefits.

Many employers and insurance companies make the claims process more difficult than it needs to be and will often attempt to undermine workers’ claims. Our Charlotte unsafe workplace lawyers are knowledgeable about the various strategies companies use and have creative solutions for every legal trouble you may have.

Call us at (704) 376-1616 or contact us online to take advantage of your free consultation. Our compassionate team members can learn more about your unique situation and put our knowledge and skills to work for you.

We also offer the following services in Charlotte, NC

Common Terms to Know

There are a variety of terms unique to workers’ compensation cases that are often used and can be confusing to those who are new to the system. Our attorneys are knowledgeable about workers’ compensation claims and have helped countless workers successfully secure benefits. We’re more than happy to sit down with you, explain your situation, and educate you on your case.

Common terms you may encounter in your case include:

  • Permanent partial disability (PPD) and permanent total disability (PTD): Workers who are impaired permanently in their accident are entitled to different awards than workers who can expect to recover quickly. PPD applies to workers who have permanent injuries but can still work in some capacity, while PTD applies to the most serious injuries that leave workers unable to work in any capacity.
  • Temporary partial disability (TPD) and temporary total disability (TTD): Workers who are injured but can expect to recover can receive these types of awards. TPD is for workers who can still perform light-duty work while recovering, while TTD is for employees who are unable to work at all while they recover from their injuries.
  • Repetitive stress injury: A repetitive stress injury (RSI) refers to injuries that develop over time, sometimes over months and years, as a result of a worker needing to repeat the same movements as a part of their job duties. One example of an RSI is carpal tunnel syndrome, which can be developed over time from wrist movements like using a keyboard or scanning items.
  • Statute of limitations: Each state has a deadline for injury claims, including workers’ compensation claims. If individuals fail to file their claim by the deadline, they may be unable to collect their benefits. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims is two years, meaning that workers have two years from the date of their injury to file for compensation.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Established in the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA covers most private sector employers and their workers in the United States by setting health and safety standards in workplaces. OSHA also monitors federal employers and employees.

Walking You Through the Workers’ Compensation Claims Process

After you’ve been injured in your workplace accident, it’s important to seek medical attention, report the incident to your supervisor, and collect as much evidence of your accident and injuries as possible. The sooner you report your accident, the sooner your supervisor can contact the insurance company so you can receive benefits.

Additionally, waiting too long to report your accident can give employers a reason to pause and ask why you waited so long. Make sure to inform your supervisor in writing, then file a Form 18 to the North Carolina Industrial Commission.

Many employers and insurance companies deny claims on the basis of a lack of evidence that injuries were work-related. It’s essential that you collect any evidence that can support your claim, from photos of your injuries and the site of the accident to testimonies from any witnesses.

If your claim has been denied, you still have options. Workers have a right to request a hearing so that the North Carolina Industrial Commission can make a formal decision about whether or not your employer is responsible for providing you with benefits.

The sooner you get started on the case, the sooner you can reclaim your life. Give our Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyers a call so we can help you file a workers’ comp claim successfully at (704) 376-1616.

Related Links: