What Injuries Are Covered by Workers Compensation in Shelby?

If you have recently been hurt on the job, you might be wondering what injuries are covered by workers’ compensation in Shelby. The good news is that you don’t have to keep wondering. North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system covers a wide range of injuries and occupational illnesses. As long as your injury happened while you were performing your job duties, you will be entitled to receive certain benefits, regardless of who was at fault.

Commonly Covered Workplace Injuries

Not all injuries that happen at work look the same. However, many fall into some key categories that are important to be aware of for coverage purposes. Some of the most common types of injuries in North Carolina that appear more frequently in workers’ comp claims than others include:

• Lower extremity injuries, including foot, ankle, knee, leg, and toes
• Back injuries, such as strains, slipped discs, and nerve compression
• Head and finger injuries, from lacerations to crushed fingers, toes, and repetitive strains
• Upper extremity injuries that affect the shoulder, arm, wrist, or elbow

Any of these common injuries can result from either acute accidents or long-term wear and tear from performing your job. Whether it was due to a sudden fall or months of repetitive lifting, both types are typically covered if they arise from your work responsibilities.

The Top Causes of Injuries on the Job

It’s important to understand how most work injuries happen so you can proactively spot risks and take action quickly. Many compensation claims result from:

• Overexertion and bodily reactions (33%): These are caused by pushing, lifting, carrying, or engaging in repetitive motions. They are often seen in sectors such as warehouses, factories, and even straightforward office jobs with poor ergonomics.
• Falls, slips, and trips (31.4%): These can happen on flat surfaces or from heights like ladders, stairs, and scaffolding.
• Contact with objects or equipment (22.5%): Being struck by tools, caught in machinery, or injured by falling material can all contribute to an injury that might qualify for compensation.

While less common, there are other possible ways to be hurt at work, such as transportation incidents, exposure to harmful chemicals or environments, violence by other colleagues, or a fire or explosion. Regardless of how you were injured, it’s important to remember to document what happened and promptly report it to preserve your eligibility for benefits.

How Workers’ Compensation in Shelby, NC Protects You

Workers’ compensation is a legal safety net designed to protect both employees and their employers when injuries happen at work. In North Carolina, workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system. This means that even if the accident was partially your fault, your ability to qualify for benefits is not jeopardized.

Here is how the system is set up to work in your favor:

• You don’t have to prove negligence. Unlike personal injury cases, you don’t need to show that your employer did something wrong, and as long as your injury happened while on the clock at work, you are typically covered.
• You waive the right to sue. In exchange for these guaranteed work benefits, you give up the right to file a traditional lawsuit against your employer in most circumstances. To your benefit, this speeds up the process and avoids a lengthy court battle.
• You are protected no matter how the injury developed. Whether you were hurt suddenly or are dealing with a repetitive strain that has been building up over the years, workers’ compensation covers a wide range of injuries and timelines to ensure you are covered.
• Benefits are delivered quickly. Once your claim has been approved, the system is designed to provide prompt access to benefits like medical care, wage replacement, and rehabilitation services if needed.

For many workers across North Carolina, especially those who work in physically demanding jobs, the state’s workers’ compensation program is a lifeline that allows them to heal without financial devastation. It ensures that you are able to focus on getting better rather than trying to juggle your recovery with fighting for your basic needs.

FAQs

Q: What Doesn’t Workers’ Compensation Pay for?

A: Workers’ compensation covers many different expenses, but there are some areas where coverage will not be issued. For example, it typically will not pay for someone’s pain and suffering, emotional distress, or any other damages that have not been linked to someone’s physical recovery or loss of income. You are also not allowed to pursue compensation for any damages that happened outside of work, during your commute, or while you were off the clock.

Q: Can I Choose My Own Doctor for a Workers’ Comp Claim?

A: In many cases, your employer or their insurance carrier will direct you to an approved doctor or medical provider. If you decide to go outside of the provided network without their permission, there is no guarantee that your treatment will be covered. However, if you are unhappy with the care you’re receiving, you may be able to request a second opinion or request a provider change.

Q: What Should I Do if My Workers’ Comp Claim Was Denied?

A: A denied workers’ comp claim does not necessarily mean that the door has been closed permanently. You still have the right to challenge this initial decision through the appeals process. Start by reviewing why your claim was denied. It could be due to something as simple as missing paperwork, deadlines, or a dispute about how the injury occurred. Consult with a workers’ compensation attorney to guide you through these steps as efficiently as possible.

Q: Can I Still Work While Receiving Workers’ Comp?

A: In some situations, you could still work while receiving workers’ compensation benefits. This would be the case if your doctor approves you for light duty or modified work. It’s important to be aware that if you go this route, your wage replacement benefits might be reduced if you are earning partial income on your own. However, you would still receive full support for your medical care.

Contact The Bollinger Law Firm, PC Today

If you are looking for a quality legal resource to support your workers’ compensation claim in Shelby, contact our firm today. The Bollinger Law Firm, PC, has been helping injured employees for years secure the benefits they need to recover from a work injury, and we would be honored to help achieve the same outcome for you.