Wilmington On-the-Job Injury Lawyer

Wilmington On-the-Job Injury Attorney

Workplace accidents can happen without warning, and they often leave injured employees with unexpected medical expenses, lost paychecks, and questions about their ability to return to work. A Wilmington on-the-job injury lawyer can review how your accident took place. They can then advise you regarding the options available under North Carolina law.

Whether an injury takes place on a construction site, in an industrial facility, or as part of routine job responsibilities, it’s important to know your legal rights after an accident. At Ayers, Ayers & Dressler, we represent injured workers in Wilmington and across New Hanover County.

Hire an On-the-Job Injury Lawyer

At Ayers, Ayers & Dressler, we advocate on behalf of injured workers throughout North Carolina. The firm has handled workplace injury claims for many years, including those arising from injuries on construction sites, in industrial plants, and on jobs involving trucks and other vehicles.

Our lawyers have been named Super Lawyers and earned Martindale-Hubbell peer review ratings. We devote time to investigating facts and issues, analyzing the law, and providing advice and representation based on the North Carolina law that applies.

Common On-the-Job Injury Risks in Wilmington Industries

Wilmington workers hold jobs in construction, shipyards, hospitality, warehousing, manufacturing, and many other industries. Each job type and work environment can present different and unique hazards. Workers may get hurt at construction sites or shipyards due to falls, heights, or equipment-related accidents. Industrial workers can be injured on the job by machinery or exposure to harmful chemicals.

Workers in service or hospitality roles may experience slips, strains, or repetitive stress injuries. In jobs related to the Port of Wilmington, the process of loading or unloading cargo can cause musculoskeletal injuries or accidents with vehicles and other equipment. Understanding the environment where an injury occurred can be a key part of determining what legal rights and workers’ compensation options are available in an on-the-job injury claim.

Workplace Injury Frequency in North Carolina and What It Means for Wilmington Workers

Occupational injuries and illnesses are issues that happen statewide, and Wilmington employees in various industries may also be affected. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that there were 68,600 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses recorded by private industry employers across North Carolina in 2023.

During that time, 40,900 of the injuries/illnesses involved at least one day away from work, a job transfer, or restrictions (DART cases). These statistics show that these incidents are not uncommon, and they may have serious implications for the victim’s ability to work and earn a living. Wilmington workers may want to learn more about their legal rights if they have been hurt on the job.

What to Do After a Workplace Injury in Wilmington

In Wilmington, it is important to take the right steps quickly following a workplace injury. Doing so can improve your recovery and preserve your legal rights. Reporting the injury to your employer as soon as possible can satisfy the North Carolina workers’ compensation notice requirement in the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act, N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 97.

Seeking medical treatment in a timely manner and maintaining documentation of your injury, treatment, and job duties can also assist with a claim. In some instances, a third party, such as a property owner, equipment manufacturer, or contractor, may bear some responsibility when their conduct had a role in creating an unsafe condition.

Finally, determining what rights and responsibilities apply under state on-the-job injury laws can uncover what types of protections or sources of compensation may exist.

FAQs About Wilmington, NC On-the-Job Injury Laws

What Types of Injuries Are Considered On-the-Job Injuries in North Carolina?

An on-the-job injury generally includes injuries that occur while performing work-related duties, whether at a job site, during required travel, or while using employer-provided equipment. This can include sudden accidents, such as falls or machinery injuries, as well as injuries that develop over time from repetitive tasks.

Whether an injury qualifies depends on where it occurred and how closely it is connected to job responsibilities.

Can an Injured Worker Have Options Beyond Workers’ Compensation in Wilmington?

In some cases, yes, an injured worker in Wilmington can have options beyond workers’ compensation. Although many injuries that occur on the job are compensated through workers’ compensation, there may be additional legal remedies if a third party had a role in causing the accident. This could include the unsafe condition of the property, equipment that was defective, and the actions of a person who is not an employer or coworker.

Does Reporting an Injury Late Affect a Worker’s Rights in Wilmington?

In general, an injured worker in Wilmington must provide notice to their employer of a work-related injury within 30 days of the date of the accident. The notice must also be provided within 30 days of the injured worker’s knowledge that the injury is compensable under the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act. If an injured worker fails to give notice within this timeframe, their claim may become more difficult to prove, and benefits may be denied, depending on the facts.

How Often Do Fatal Work Injuries Occur in North Carolina?

Fatal work injuries remain a concern in North Carolina. Employers have a responsibility to make their jobs as safe as possible. In 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 177 fatal occupational injuries in North Carolina. The total includes work-related fatalities in transportation incidents, falls, and other events as reported by employers across the state.

Contact a Wilmington On-the-Job Injury Attorney

On-the-job injuries can present challenging questions about medical care, lost wages, and long-term work ability. Knowing how North Carolina law applies to your particular workplace injury is a critical step toward protecting your financial stability. A Wilmington on-the-job injury lawyer can investigate how an injury occurred, identify potential sources of compensation, and explain your legal options.

Ayers, Ayers & Dressler represents injured workers in Wilmington and throughout New Hanover County, assisting with workplace injury claims arising from construction sites, industrial facilities, and other job-related accidents. Book a consultation to hire an on-the-job injury lawyer today. We can fight for you.