Statesville Workers Compensation Lawyer

Statesville Workers Compensation Attorney

It can be overwhelming to handle applying for workers’ compensation benefits after you have experienced a workplace injury or illness. You may wonder whether your case qualifies for benefits or whether there is anything you can do if your claim is denied. A Statesville workers compensation lawyer can review your case and help you move forward with the process.

Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

When you hire a workers’ compensation lawyer from Ayers, Ayers and Dressler, you benefit from our team’s years of experience handling workers’ compensation cases in Statesville and the surrounding areas. Our attorneys have a proven track record of pursuing compensation for our clients. The workers’ compensation insurance provider is not concerned with getting you the benefits you deserve. You need a work injury attorney who can safeguard your interests.

Occupational Injuries and Illnesses in North Carolina

When an employee experiences a workplace injury or illness, that information is gathered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and included in yearly reports. During 2024, in North Carolina, there were a total of 64,200 private sector injury or illness cases. Of these cases, 20,700 required days away from work, and another 14,900 required a job transfer or restrictions. There were also an additional 16,900 state and local government sector injuries or illnesses.

If you live or work in Statesville and are injured or become ill while on the job, you can file a claim for workers’ compensation through the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). Cases are heard by Deputy Commissioners who travel throughout the state. Appeals are heard by the full commission at the NCIC headquarters in Raleigh.

Steps For Filing Statesville Workers Compensation Claims

When filing for workers’ compensation benefits in Statesville, NC , it is important to follow the necessary steps so you do not risk your otherwise valid claim being denied or losing your ability to petition for medical care payments in the future. Follow these steps:

• Notify your employer as soon as you experience an injury or illness while on the job: Your employer may have a designated healthcare provider that you need to see, or they may allow you to see any appropriate provider.
• When seeing a healthcare provider, inform them that your injury or illness is the result of a workplace incident, and give them details about your employer.
• Contact your manager and inform them about your injury or illness: If you are unable to report personally, a family member or friend can report for you.
• Within 30 days of the incident, notify your employer in writing about the incident that caused your injury or illness. Give the exact date of the incident, as well as a description of what happened and about the injury or illness that occurred.
• Follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider for treating your injury or illness.

Within five days of reporting the injury or illness, your employer must submit a copy of Form 19 to the NCIC. Your employer must also provide you with a copy of Form 19 for your records and Form 18 for you to complete and submit to the NCIC.

Common Workers’ Compensation Case Disputes

Receiving an initial denial when filing for workers’ compensation benefits is not unusual. Common disputes include:

• Denying the injury is work-related
• Claiming you waited too long to file
• Disagreements about appropriate medical treatments
• Claims you can return to work sooner than reported

FAQs About Statesville, NC Workers Compensation Laws

What Doesn’t Workers Compensation Pay for in Statesville?

Workers’ compensation is designed to provide medical care and partial wage replacement, but there are some things not covered in Statesville. If your injury occurs during your commute, it is not covered under workers’ compensation benefits. You also cannot receive full wage replacement regardless of the nature of your injury or illness. Financial compensation for pain and suffering or emotional distress caused by the injury or illness is also not available.

How Long Can You Be on Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina?

The amount of time you can be on workers’ compensation in North Carolina varies with the specific injury or illness you experience. Under the North Carolina General Statute Section 97-31, losing specific limbs has designated benefit lengths. There is also a 500-week cap on the amount of time you can receive benefits unless you qualify for lifetime or extended benefits. Medical care is provided for as long as it is needed.

How Likely Am I to Get a Settlement From Workers’ Compensation in Statesville?

You are very likely to get a settlement from a valid workers’ compensation claim in Statesville. The majority of claims filed in North Carolina eventually reach a settlement agreement. You are more likely to reach a settlement agreement if your claim involves injuries that require extensive medical care, have left you permanently impaired, or prevent you from returning to your previous job.

What Are the Main Requirements to File for Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina?

To file for workers’ compensation benefits in North Carolina, you have to work for a company that is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and your injury or illness must have been caused while performing your job functions. You also have to adhere to any deadlines for filing, or you may lose your right to file for benefits. After the incident occurs, you should seek medical attention right away and follow any instructions for your care.

What Can Void a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Statesville?

Many things could void a workers’ compensation claim in Statesville. After the injury or illness occurs, you only have 30 days to notify your employer in writing about the incident; failing to do so can void your claim. If an injury occurs due to the misconduct of the employee, it can also void the claim. If the employee is intoxicated at the time of the incident, they are unable to file a claim.

Contact Ayers, Ayers and Dressler

It can be stressful to be injured or fall ill while performing your normal job functions. When this happens, you deserve the time and space to fully recover to prevent further damage to your health. Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to offer financial assistance during this time so you can focus on recovering. If you need help applying for benefits or appealing a denial, contact Ayers, Ayers and Dressler today to schedule your initial consultation.