Charlotte Back And Neck Injury Lawyer

Charlotte Back And Neck Injury Attorney

From Christian’s interview for the Masters of Workers’ Compensation series on ReelLawyers.com.

On-the-job back and neck injuries can keep a person from ever working again and limit their ability to do the things they love and need to do outside of work. Unfortunately, many of the doctors chosen by workers’ compensation insurance carriers are more interested in getting injured workers back to work as soon as possible than making sure their problems are actually resolved. A dedicated Charlotte Back And Neck Injury Lawyer can help ensure you receive the proper medical care and the full benefits you deserve.

We Know How To Review Your Medical Records

An experienced Charlotte back injury lawyer can thoroughly review your medical records to make sure you get the full scope of care you need. We understand that many workers’ compensation doctors designate a worker as ready to return if an MRI or CAT scan shows no clear signs of herniation or some other readily apparent injury.

Neck and back injuries can be much more subtle than that. A spinal disc may develop an annular tear or bulge that causes inflammation or irritates nearby nerves, potentially resulting in radiculitis. This condition can cause significant pain or other symptoms even when imaging does not reveal obvious nerve compression. Doctors may blame the patient. They may think the patient is exaggerating the pain to stay out of work.

Having a skilled Charlotte back and neck injury attorney can help make sure that your back and neck injury claim successfully navigates the workers’ compensation process and that you receive the care and benefits you need.

Common Causes of Workplace Back and Neck Injuries

Back injuries and neck injuries can happen at work across almost any profession. Workers who engage in heavy labor may be even more likely to injure themselves at work. However, construction workers, warehouse workers, healthcare professionals, and Charlotte delivery drivers often engage in physically strenuous labor that can strain the spine. Frequent causes of workplace back and neck injuries include:

• Heavy lifting: Employees may injure their backs and neck when lifting equipment, stock, or patients. Twisting while lifting heavy items can cause muscle strains and spinal disc damage.
• Slip and fall accidents: Walking on wet floors, climbing on uneven surfaces, and tripping over workplace debris can lead to falls that hurt employees’ spines.
• Repetitive movements: Bending over, lifting heavy items, twisting, or reaching repeatedly may lead to musculoskeletal disorders.
• Motor vehicle accidents: Workers who drive along I-77, I-85, or Independence Boulevard may suffer whiplash, herniated discs, and other spinal injuries after being struck by another driver.
• Falls from heights: Construction workers who climb ladders, scaffolding, or work on elevated platforms can suffer severe spinal injuries after falls from height.
• Falling objects: Items can fall off shelves, construction platforms, racks, or storage bins and hit workers, injuring their necks and backs. 

Workers who injure themselves during the course of their employment may also face recovery time following their accident. According to reports, private employers across North Carolina saw roughly 64,200 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses during 2024. For 35,700 of these cases, employees experienced lost workdays, job transfers, or limitations on their work. Also, 20,700 cases included days away from work.  

Keep in mind that these numbers represent workplace injuries and illnesses statewide but do not focus on back and neck injuries exclusively. 

What Should You Do After Getting Hurt at Work in Charlotte, North Carolina?

Individuals who injure their backs or necks while on the job in Charlotte should seek medical attention and notify their employers about their accident. After suffering an injury at work, employees should:

• Stop doing anything that may exacerbate their injuries: If employees suffer serious neck or back pain with weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, or loss of bladder or bowel control, they should seek immediate medical attention.
• Notify their supervisor: Individuals should notify their employer of their workplace injury as soon as possible. Injured workers should provide their employer with the date, time, and place they were hurt and how the accident occurred. Employees must provide written notice to their employer within 30 days unless they fall under one of the statute’s exceptions.
• Seek medical treatment and follow through with authorized treatment: Workers should visit a doctor to treat their injuries and explain how their symptoms developed. Keeping accident reports, witness information, and medical records can help workers establish how their workplace accident led to their injuries.
• Fill out Form 18 and file a claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission to receive workers’ compensation benefits. 

Getting a Second Medical Opinion

Sometimes, employees’ injuries do not improve with treatment, even if they have visited a doctor and are cleared to return to work. In other situations, an employee may disagree with a physician’s assessment of their injuries. 

Back and neck injury laws allow employees to ask their employers for a second medical opinion. Either party may seek a second opinion from a physician of their choice if the initial request is denied or if the parties cannot agree. Either party can file a request with the Industrial Commission, which then orders an additional examination. 

Getting a second opinion may help when employees experience chronic pain, disagree with a physician’s findings, or do not believe a recommended treatment helps.

Hire a Back and Neck Injury Lawyer

Employees who face disputes regarding their medical treatment, denied claims, or ability to return to work should hire a back and neck injury lawyer. A lawyer can review your medical records and help dispute any claim denials without merit. An attorney may also request a hearing before the North Carolina Industrial Commission or dispute denials of disability benefits.

Workers’ compensation claims in Charlotte, NC typically go through the Industrial Commission instead of local civil courts. Still, some legal claims may be appropriate depending on the circumstances of your workplace accident.

Financial Assistance After A Back Or Neck Injury

At Ayers, Ayers & Dressler, we understand the workers’ compensation process. We help make certain that our clients’ needs are respected and that they receive the full benefits to which they are entitled under the law. Attorney John F. Ayers III has been helping injured workers pursue their benefits and protect their rights for more than 25 years. John’s commitment to injured workers and their families can make all the difference.

To find out more about how we have helped our clients, review our client testimonials.

FAQs About Charlotte, NC Back And Neck Injury Laws

Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation for a Pre-existing Back or Neck Condition in Charlotte?

In Charlotte, workers’ compensation may cover an aggravation of a preexisting back or neck condition if a qualifying injury or accident at work causes the condition to worsen. However, employees typically need to demonstrate a connection between their work duties and the aggravation. Prior medical records that show previous symptoms improve, along with changes to physical limitations and need for additional treatment, can help show whether an injury is work-related. 

Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation for a Back Injury That Developed Gradually?

You may be able to receive workers’ compensation for a back injury that developed gradually, but it is likely to be more difficult to prove. North Carolina workers’ compensation law generally requires proof of a qualifying accident or distinct traumatic event to establish an ordinary back injury claim. 

Certain occupational diseases may also be eligible for benefits under different requirements. Simply repeating the same motions at work is not enough to establish an injury developed from employment. 

What Happens If My Back or Neck Injury Prevents Me From Returning to My Previous Job in North Carolina? 

Employees who are unable to return to their regular work duties as a result of a compensable back or neck injury may be eligible for disability benefits or vocational rehabilitation services. Through workers’ compensation in North Carolina, you may be able to receive help securing alternative employment that you can perform within your medical restrictions. 

Can I Refuse Light-Duty Work After a Back or Neck Injury in Charlotte? 

Refusing to perform suitable work within your restrictions may lead to repercussions. In Charlotte, employees who unreasonably refuse light-duty employment may have their disability benefits suspended under workers’ compensation law. However, you may have options if your assigned duties exceed your restrictions or place you at risk for additional injuries.

Contact Our Charlotte Workers’ Compensation Law Firm

If you have suffered a back or neck injury at work in Charlotte, NC, trust your case to an attorney with a record of success. The workers’ compensation attorneys of Ayers, Ayers & Dressler can help you effectively pursue the compensation you need. To schedule a free initial consultation with one of our Charlotte back and neck injury attorneys, call 704-594-4317 or contact us online.

We accept cases on a contingent fee basis. We only collect attorney fees if we obtain benefits for you.