Charlotte Warehouse and Distribution Employee Workers Compensation Attorney

Warehousing and distribution operations are essential parts of the North Carolina economy. Everyone working in a warehouse or distribution center has the right to expect a reasonably safe workplace and access to the equipment they need to perform their jobs safely. However, even under seemingly ideal circumstances, serious workplace injuries are always possible. Warehousing and distribution are inherently dangerous work environments for several reasons. Everyone working in the distribution sector should know what to do when they are injured at work.

The North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) enforces strict rules pertaining to workplace injury and workers’ compensation. If you are injured while performing your job duties in North Carolina, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. A successful claim can potentially cover your medical expenses and provide ongoing disability benefits that replace lost income when you are unable to work. However, the workers’ compensation system is not as straightforward as it may seem, and many people face unexpected obstacles as they work toward securing compensation for their losses after workplace injuries.

The Bollinger Law Firm, PC can provide the legal counsel and support you need to approach the workers’ compensation system with confidence and peace of mind. Attorney Bob Bollinger and his team have helped many North Carolina workers secure the workers’ compensation benefits they needed after their injuries, and we can apply this experience to your case. If you have been injured while working in a North Carolina warehouse or distribution center, our team will help you with every stage of your workers’ compensation claim.

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

While it may be technically possible to file a workers’ compensation claim on your own, having an attorney assist you will significantly improve your experience with the workers’ compensation claim system. Every North Carolina employer must have workers’ compensation insurance, and filing a workers’ compensation claim is a type of insurance claim. Like all other insurance companies, workers’ compensation insurance carriers tend to look for any and all justifications they can find to reduce claim settlements or deny claims.

A North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer can make it much easier for you to file your claim not only correctly but also significantly reduce the chance of encountering unexpected complications with your claim. One of the most pivotal aspects of your claim will be your statement to your employer’s insurance company, and many claimants mistakenly downplay their injuries and prevent themselves from maximizing their compensation.

Your North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney can help you complete your claim forms correctly and prepare your statement to the insurance company. If you encounter any problems with your claim, such as the insurer’s request for additional information, your attorney can help you address these issues as well. Ultimately, you are not only more likely to succeed with your workers’ compensation claim when you have legal representation but more likely to obtain compensation much faster than you could manage on your own.

Commonly Reported Warehousing and Distribution Injuries

Individuals working in warehouses and distribution centers face various risks every day at work. Acute injuries from accidents are not only possible, but some workers may also acquire medical conditions due to the nature of their job duties and the physical stress they experience over time. Some of the most commonly reported workplace injuries from warehouse and distribution center employees include:

• Injuries from falling objects. Products falling from high shelves, dropped items from forklifts, and various other falling objects can potentially cause devastating acute injuries.
• Vehicle injuries. Working in a warehouse or distribution center often means working near various vehicles, such as forklifts, scissor lifts, tractor-trailers, and other specialized vehicles. Runover incidents, crushing injuries, and other vehicle-related injuries are commonly reported in North Carolina.
• Repetitive stress injuries. Warehouses and distribution centers often require employees to perform repetitive tasks, from lifting and carrying products to packing shipping boxes, loading trucks, and operating various machines. Over time, repetitive motions can cause conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, herniated spinal discs, and soft tissue deterioration.
• Traumatic injuries. Warehousing and distribution are inherently dangerous in many ways, and employees can potentially sustain severe traumatic injuries from a wide range of unpredictable accidents.

Ultimately, warehousing and distribution are inherently dangerous for many reasons. Whenever an injury occurs, or when an employee develops a medical condition due to their job duties, they have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim and secure the benefits they need to recover.

How Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits Determined?

An injured worker can typically expect two main types of compensation from a successful workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation will cover the cost of any medical treatment the claimant requires to heal from their injury and manage their symptoms. Additionally, they can expect disability benefits while they are unable to work due to their recovery or only able to perform lower-paying work while they recover.

The workers’ compensation system typically uses a claimant’s prior 52 weeks of income to determine their average weekly wage, and the baseline for disability benefits is two-thirds of the claimant’s average weekly wage. However, this amount can fluctuate in several ways. The length of time that disability benefits continue hinges on the severity of the claimant’s injury.

Temporary disability benefits are awarded when the claimant is expected to eventually recover from their injury and resume their previous job duties. Temporary total disability is disbursed when the employee cannot work at all until they recover, and temporary partial disability is applicable when an employee can work but cannot earn as much income due to their injury. Permanent partial disability is possible for up to 500 weeks when an injury prevents the employee from returning to their previous position indefinitely, and permanent total disability is reserved for injured employees who cannot return to any type of work due to the severity of their injuries.

Find Legal Counsel Today

An experienced North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney is the best resource to consult to ensure you receive the appropriate amount and type of benefits based on your workplace injury. Attorney Bob Bollinger and the team at the Bollinger Law Firm, PC have years of experience guiding injured warehouse and distribution center employees through the North Carolina workers’ compensation system, and we can apply our experience to your claim. Contact us today if you’re ready to discuss your case with an experienced North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer.