Hickory Manufacturing Injury Lawyer

Hickory Manufacturing Injury Attorney

There are many hazards for workers in the manufacturing industry. If you suffer a workplace injury or illness as a result of a sudden accident or from continued repetitive stress on your body, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits or to file a third-party claim in civil court. A Hickory manufacturing injury lawyer can review the facts of the case and help you decide which method would have the most favorable result.

Hire a Manufacturing Injury Lawyer

It should be simple to apply for and be approved for workers’ compensation benefits following an injury or illness while on the job, but that is not always the case. If you are having difficulties applying for or being approved for benefits, you can hire a manufacturing injury lawyer to represent your interests and pursue full compensation in your case. It may be possible to apply for workers’ compensation benefits and file a civil claim to recover compensation.

At Ayers, Ayers and Dressler, our team has a proven track record of representing clients in Hickory and the surrounding areas. Our attorneys understand that filing for workers’ compensation benefits can leave you overwhelmed when you’re already sick or injured. We also understand that these benefits don’t fully reimburse you for the time you’re out of work. If you qualify, we can help you file a personal injury claim to receive further compensation.

Manufacturing Injuries and Illnesses in North Carolina

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics collects information on the number of workplace injuries and illnesses that occur throughout the country. In North Carolina, during 2024, there were a total of 64,200 private industry cases of workplace injury or illness, and an additional 16,900 cases within the state and local government. Of these cases, 9,800 were within the manufacturing sector. Of the manufacturing cases:

• 3,000 required days away from work
• 3,200 required a job transfer or restriction

If you suffer a workplace injury or illness and you live or work in Hickory, you can file a workers’ compensation claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). Cases are handled by Deputy Commissioners who travel throughout the state. Cases that originate in Hickory are usually heard within Catawba County. If you appeal a denied claim, the case is heard by the full commission at its headquarters in Raleigh.

If your injury or illness was caused by someone other than your employer or a fellow employee, you may have the option to file a third-party claim in civil court. An industrial accident attorney can help you decide whether filing a claim is a viable option to receive compensation for your injuries or illness.

If you do file a third-party claim in Hickory, you can file at the Catawba County Courthouse, located at 100 Government Drive, in Newton. Depending on the dollar value of your claim, you may file in Small Claims Court, District Court, or the Superior Court.

Types Of Workers Compensation Benefits in Hickory, NC

Most companies in North Carolina that employ three or more people are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, including manufacturing roles. If you get hurt or sick due to your regular job functions, you are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits until you can return to work. If you are having trouble using these benefits, a Hickory manufacturing injury attorney can help you get the compensation you are entitled to receive.

There are four main types of workers’ compensation benefits that you or a loved one may qualify to receive:

1. Medical benefits: The medical costs associated with the injury or illness you have suffered are covered. This includes current and future medical expenses required to help you recover as fully as possible. You can also be reimbursed for your mileage if you have to travel more than 20 miles round-trip for medical care.
2. Wage benefits: If you are out of work for longer than seven days, you can apply for wage benefits. Workers’ compensation covers two-thirds of your average weekly pay for a specified period of time, depending on the injury or illness you have suffered.
3. Vocational rehabilitation benefits: If the injury or illness you suffer leaves you unable to perform your previous job functions, you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation to learn a new skill or attend counseling to prepare you for a new job role.
4. Death benefits: If a loved one suffered a workplace injury or illness that resulted in their death, the surviving family members may be eligible for weekly benefits and funds to cover the burial and funeral expenses. Weekly benefits are usually equal to two-thirds of the deceased’s average weekly pay for a total of 500 weeks.

Hickory Personal Injury Claims

Experiencing a workplace injury or illness can leave you in a difficult situation. Even if you are approved for workers’ compensation benefits, they fully cover your lost wages, and they offer nothing to compensate for the pain and suffering or emotional distress you have experienced. In some situations, you may also be able to file a personal injury claim to receive further compensation.

Known as a third-party claim, if your injury or illness was due to the negligence or recklessness of someone other than your employer or a coworker, you can pursue compensation from that third party. Common third-party claims result from:

• Other workers: Accidents caused by subcontractors, vendors, or other employees working independently around your workplace.
• Defective equipment or malfunctioning machinery: The manufacturer or distributor may be liable for your injuries when they occur due to a defect or malfunction.
• Traffic accidents caused by a negligent driver: If you drive as part of your job functions and are involved in an accident while working.
• Unsafe working conditions: If you work in various job sites or at the private property of your customers, you can file a claim if you are injured due to hazards on the job site.

If your injury or illness qualifies as a third-party claim, you could recover more damages than you would if you were only seeking workers’ compensation benefits. Personal injury claims cover:

• Economic damages: These cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses you have paid out-of-pocket due to the injury or illness.
• Non-economic damages: These cover the nontangible damages you have suffered, such as pain and suffering or psychological harm.

FAQs About Hickory, NC Manufacturing Injury Laws

How Much Compensation Can You Get for an Injury at Work in Hickory?

The amount of compensation you can get for an injury at work in Hickory varies with the specific injury and the circumstances that caused the injury. Workers’ compensation provides two-thirds of your average weekly pay for a set duration, depending on the injury you have sustained. The maximum length of benefits is 500 weeks. For personal injury claims, the amount of compensation possible depends on the damages you suffer due to the initial incident.

What Is the Hardest Injury to Prove?

The hardest injuries to prove are those that are considered invisible injuries. Injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, soft tissue damage, and chronic pain conditions are difficult to prove and demonstrate because they are not readily visible on most medical tests. Injuries with subjective symptoms are also difficult to prove because they are difficult to demonstrate to others. It is also difficult to prove that symptoms are the direct result of the injury or accident that caused them.

What Is a Good Settlement Offer for a Back Injury in Hickory?

A good settlement offer for a back injury in Hickory should cover specific aspects of what you have experienced and are likely to experience in the future. Your settlement offer should include current and future medical expenses related to your back injury. A good settlement offer also considers your current lost wages and your future earning capacity. You should also be compensated for the pain and suffering caused by your back injury.

Does Getting an MRI Increase Your Settlement in North Carolina?

Getting an MRI can increase your settlement in North Carolina depending on the specifics of your case. If you have suffered an injury while on the job and your healthcare provider feels an MRI is necessary, having one done can provide evidence of soft-tissue or spinal injuries that may not be visible with other types of tests. An MRI provides objective medical proof of the injury you have suffered and can support your claim for compensation with visible proof.

What Are Common Injuries for Manufacturing Workers in North Carolina?

The types of injuries common to manufacturing workers in North Carolina vary with the specific type of work they are performing. Some of the most common across manufacturing types include overexertion, repetitive motion injuries, body movement injuries, transportation accidents, exposure to harmful substances, contact injuries, and fires or explosions.

Any of these injuries could lead to a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim if the injury or illness was caused by a third party.

Contact Ayers, Ayers and Dressler

When you’re sick or injured, you should follow the advice of your healthcare team so you can work towards a full recovery. However, it can be difficult to focus only on your recovery when you have unexpected medical bills to pay and are suddenly unable to work. Our team at Ayers, Ayers and Dressler understands this difficult situation. We’re ready to help you file for the benefits you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.