From moving freight to operating forklifts, warehouse employees in Lincolnton face daily risks that can lead to severe accidents. When those injuries happen, an experienced Lincolnton warehouse work injury lawyer can provide clarity and direction. At Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler, we know how often warehouse workers suffer from crush injuries, sprains, broken bones, or harm from repetitive tasks.
These incidents may result in weeks or months away from work and mounting medical bills that strain entire households. Many injured employees also worry about whether they will be able to return to the same job. Recognizing the toll of these injuries highlights the importance of ensuring workers have access to the support and resources they need.
When warehouse workers in Lincolnton are hurt on the job, they need legal advocates with credibility and dedication. Attorneys at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler have earned recognition from Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for their commitment to client success.
Expertise.com has also acknowledged our team for exceptional service in workers’ compensation law. This record of professional recognition reflects our ability to manage complex injury claims while maintaining a reputation for thorough, effective advocacy.
Warehouse safety in Lincolnton includes some concerns that are common to industrial centers throughout North Carolina, but also has some unique differences based on local conditions.
Warehouse facilities near the U.S. Highway 321 corridor and industrial parks off East Main Street must deal with high volumes of tractor-trailer traffic and loading activity, as well as slippery outdoor docks during seasonal rains and winter ice, which increase the potential for falls, being crushed or run over in the facility, and vehicle-related accidents on the job.
Being aware of some of these Lincolnton warehouse hazards may help to explain why it is so important to be safety-conscious and compliant with warehouse safety practices.
Warehouse work is one of North Carolina’s largest economic drivers, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. In 2023, there were 177 fatal occupational injuries in North Carolina. For those who work in a warehouse in Lincolnton, this statistic is a sobering reminder that the workplace can be a dangerous environment.
Accidents that lead to serious injury or even death can occur when and where you least expect them. From forklift rollovers and crushing injuries to overexertion from heavy lifting, North Carolina warehouse workers are at risk every day. It’s important to know your rights under North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system.
Many warehouse accidents in Lincolnton are the result of avoidable conditions. Unsafe racking that is overloaded or unstable, insufficient forklift operator training, blocked aisles, and poorly lit work areas are all conditions that significantly increase the risk of injury. Constantly lifting without ergonomic methods typically results in chronic back and shoulder injuries.
Forgoing the use of protective gear, such as gloves and harnesses, is another major contributor to warehouse injury risk. Warehouse safety protocols must focus on prevention because every reported accident stems from errors that could have been avoided. Injuries become less of a risk when there is solid safety programming in place and a commitment to holding employees accountable.
In North Carolina, injured workers must provide written notice of a workplace injury to their employer within 30 days of the injury. You must also file a claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission within two years from the date of injury or the date of your last medical treatment for the injury. A claim that is not filed in a timely manner may result in being permanently barred from receiving benefits.
If your employer or their insurance company denies your workers’ compensation claim, all is not lost. In North Carolina, you can file a request for a hearing with the Industrial Commission. At the hearing, you can present medical records, testimony from witnesses, and other evidence to the Industrial Commission. Knowing what to do if your claim is denied can help you fight for the benefits you deserve.
Common warehouse accidents in North Carolina include forklift rollovers, falling objects, repetitive lifting injuries, and slips on wet floors. Some, like crush injuries, are sudden. Others build over time, like back pain or tendonitis.
Warehouses have an increased risk of these incidents because of the combination of heavy equipment and high work demands. Understanding the types of accidents that occur can help workers better recognize when they may be entitled to benefits.
Yes, you can usually still receive workers’ compensation in North Carolina if your injury was partially your fault. The workers’ compensation system in North Carolina operates on a basis where fault is typically not considered. For instance, if you lift improperly and hurt your back, you may still be covered. The important question is not whether you made a mistake, but whether the injury arose out of your employment.
A warehouse accident in Lincolnton can instantly alter the course of your life, creating medical bills, lost income, and an uncertain future. The personal injury lawyers at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler understand the physical demands of warehouse work and the impact that an accident can have on an employee and his or her family.
When you hire a warehouse work injury lawyer, you get a strong advocate in your corner who can investigate the causes of your accident, build your case, and fight for every benefit you are owed under North Carolina law. Our team is here to offer guidance and effective advocacy during the workers’ compensation process.
For decades, we have helped injured workers just like you, and our commitment to professionalism has made us a respected law firm in Lincoln County. Contact Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler today to schedule your confidential consultation and learn how we can help you protect your health, your livelihood, and your long-term security.