Charlotte Manufacturing Employees Workers Compensation Attorney

The manufacturing sector is one of the most crucial components of the North Carolina economy. Many people in the state work in various manufacturing positions, some of which are inherently dangerous due to close proximity with heavy equipment, dangerous machinery, and harmful substances. If you recently suffered an injury at work in a manufacturing center in North Carolina, it’s vital to understand how the workers’ compensation system works and what you can do to recover the benefits you deserve.

A North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney is an invaluable asset in this situation. You can rely on your attorney to guide you through each stage of your claim, address disputes with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier, and determine the scope of the benefits you deserve under the laws of the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC).

Why Do I Need a North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

It’s technically possible to file a workers’ compensation claim on your own, but doing so is very risky. Even though North Carolina law provides robust legal protections for injured workers, there are several risks whenever you interact with an insurance company on your own. When you file a workers’ compensation claim, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company processes your claim and determines your eligibility for benefits. Typically, insurance companies look for any and all reasons they can find to reduce or deny claims. Additionally, the average person could make mistakes in their claim paperwork that may lead to significant delays in receiving benefits.

Hiring an experienced North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney significantly improves your chances of maximizing your recovery from your workers’ compensation claim. The right attorney can not only help you file your claim paperwork correctly but also prepare you for the statement you must submit to your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company. Some injured manufacturing employees may be entitled to more workers’ compensation benefits than they initially expect, and a North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer is the best resource to consult if you find yourself struggling in the aftermath of an injury at work.

Commonly Reported Manufacturing Injuries

Workers in the manufacturing sector face risks every day at work. It’s important to remember that you can qualify for workers’ compensation as long as your injury or medical condition directly resulted from performing your job duties. In the manufacturing sector, some of the most commonly reported injuries that lead to workers’ compensation claims include:

• Heavy equipment injuries. Manufacturing often requires the use of complex and dangerous machines and equipment. It’s possible for some manufacturing devices to cause devastating injuries, including broken bones, lacerations, and even amputations or crushing injuries.
• Vehicle injuries. Many manufacturing centers require the use of specialized vehicles, such as large trucks, forklifts, and boom lifts. These vehicles can easily cause various injuries, some of which could result in permanent disabilities.
• Injuries from toxic exposure. Some types of manufacturing require working with or near harmful substances. Even when appropriate protective equipment is worn, workers may develop medical complications or suffer acute injuries from exposure to these substances.
• Soft tissue injuries. Some manufacturing work requires repetitive physical motions or stressful lifting and carrying. Strains, sprains, muscle tears, and torn ligaments are just a few examples of soft tissue injuries that may require extensive recovery time.
• Acute traumatic injury. Manufacturing mishaps, equipment malfunctions, and even simple negligence can potentially result in devastating injuries. Traumatic brain injuries, crushing injuries, and injuries that cause severe bleeding are all possible in some manufacturing centers.

Ultimately, there are many risks facing anyone working in the manufacturing sector, and it’s vital to report workplace injuries promptly. North Carolina requires injured workers to notify their employers of injuries within 30 days if they intend to file for workers’ compensation benefits. The sooner you report your injury and seek medical care, the easier it will be for you to obtain the workers’ compensation benefits you need after a manufacturing injury.

How Are Benefits Determined in North Carolina?

The workers’ compensation laws of North Carolina allow injured employees to qualify for various levels of workers’ compensation benefits based on the severity of their injuries:

• An injured manufacturing employee can quality for temporary total disability benefits if they cannot work at all until they recover from their injury.
• If an employee can return to work but cannot earn as much as they did before their injury, they can qualify for temporary partial disability benefits.
• Injured employees may obtain permanent partial disability benefits if they can resume working but cannot return to their previous position due to the severity of their injury. These benefits may continue for up to 500 weeks.
• When an employee’s injury results in permanent damage that completely prevents the employee from doing any work at all in the future, they can qualify for permanent total disability benefits.

It’s possible for an injured manufacturing employee to qualify for one type of benefit initially and then transition to a different benefit program after their initial recovery period. The employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier will determine the claimant’s disability rating based on the seriousness of their injury and the long-term complications they are likely to experience.

Can I File a Civil Claim for a Workplace Injury?

The workers’ compensation laws of North Carolina prevent employees from filing civil claims against their employers for workplace injuries. However, if a third party caused your injury, you may have grounds for a civil claim against them. This third-party claim could potentially allow you to recover compensation for your pain and suffering and other losses that workers’ compensation benefits won’t cover. Ultimately, if you are unsure of your legal options after a manufacturing injury, it’s vital to speak with an experienced North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible.

The Bollinger Law Firm, PC can provide the comprehensive legal representation you need to approach your workers’ compensation claim with confidence. We will carefully review the details of your recent manufacturing injury and help you determine the best approach to recovering your losses. If you are ready to discuss your situation with a compassionate and experienced North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney, contact the Bollinger Law Firm, PC today to schedule your consultation.