Morganton Firefighter Injury Lawyer

Morganton Firefighter Injury Attorney

Firefighters work dangerous jobs in the interest of protecting the public. They deserve to have access to excellent medical care when they get injured at work. In North Carolina, they can cover the cost of that care through the workers’ compensation system, but it’s not always easy to get a claim approved. If you’re having issues with navigating the workers’ comp system, a Morganton firefighter injury lawyer can provide guidance and advocacy.

Trust Ayers, Ayers & Dressler

Maybe you’re just beginning the claim-filing process. Perhaps your claim has already been denied, and you need to file an appeal. No matter the situation, you can trust the team here at Ayers, Ayers & Dressler to assist you. We’ve been helping injured public servants get access to the benefits they need to heal and move on with their lives for years. We can help you file your firefighter injury claim, too.

Why Hire a Firefighter Injury Lawyer?

The City of Morganton Fire Services Division protects 19 square miles of land and responds to around 700 fire-related service calls each year. Morganton’s firefighters undergo around 10,600 hours of Fire Service training per year, allowing them to act on instinct in difficult moments. That said, even the most careful firefighter can get injured. Across North Carolina, injuries occur at a rate of 8.6 per 1,000 fires, which is slightly higher than the national average of 6.4 injuries.

The fact that firefighter injuries are relatively rare doesn’t help you if you have been hurt while responding to a fire or another type of service call. You still need access to the benefits you deserve. You can hire a firefighter injury lawyer to navigate the workers’ compensation benefits system. They can also determine whether there are other sources of revenue that could provide additional relief.

Three Injury Types Covered by Workers’ Comp

Workers’ compensation insurance covers three broad categories of injuries. They are:

1. Physical injuries: These can result from accidents while you’re responding to fires or other service calls.
2. Repetitive stress injuries: These can be caused by any repetitive motion required to do your job.
3. Occupational illnesses: These can occur from toxic exposure. Occupational illnesses also include mental illnesses, like PTSD.

No matter how you were injured, you have 30 days from the date of your injury or the day you became aware of your occupational illness to inform your employer of it in writing. Delaying this step can leave you ineligible to pursue workers’ compensation benefits.

When to Hire an Attorney for Workers’ Comp

Plenty of firefighters hire a Morganton firefighter injury attorney as soon as they get hurt. Having access to a legal professional who can let you know what your options are for pursuing compensation is always wise. If you’re not eligible to file a personal injury claim and don’t need help with the initial workers’ comp claim-filing process, you might still end up needing a lawyer later. Here are a few times it’s appropriate to contact an attorney:

• Your claim has been denied.
• You’ve been offered an unacceptably low settlement.
• The doctor chosen by your insurer downplays the severity of your injuries.
• Your employer won’t report your injury.
• Your employer’s insurer is unresponsive.
• You’re struggling to gain access to temporary or permanent disability benefits.

A firefighter injury lawyer can address all these situations.

Other Forms of Compensation May Be Available

If a third party contributed to your injury in Morganton, you could also file a personal injury claim against that person or company. Common examples include:

• Accidents on the way to fire scenes caused by other people’s negligent driving
• Equipment that was manufactured incorrectly and didn’t work when it was needed

If you could not get the medical care you needed at a local facility, like UNC Health Blue Ridge Hospital, you could also have cause to file a personal injury claim. In all these cases, you should hire a lawyer.

FAQs About Morganton, NC Firefighter Injury Laws

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a North Carolina Firefighter Injury Attorney?

The cost to hire a North Carolina firefighter injury attorney varies, depending on factors such as the severity of your injuries and the complexity of your case. Fortunately, most workers’ compensation lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so if they get you your money, they’ll take a percentage of it. If they can’t, they don’t get paid.

Are Families Entitled to Death Benefits If a Firefighter Dies in the Line of Duty in Morganton?

Families are entitled to death benefits if a firefighter dies in the line of duty. Workers’ compensation insurance provides them with a one-time $100,000 payment, and there may be educational benefits available for any dependent children. Your Morganton firefighter injury attorney can pursue these benefits if you are eligible to obtain them.

What Role Does the North Carolina Industrial Commission Have in Firefighter Injury Cases?

The role that the North Carolina Industrial Commission has in firefighter injury cases is to adjudicate and administer workers’ compensation claims. The NCIC oversees the entire claims process, ensuring that injured firefighters can have the benefits to which they are entitled under the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act in a timely manner.

How Long Does It Usually Take to Resolve a Firefighter Injury Claim in North Carolina?

How long it takes to resolve a firefighter injury claim in North Carolina varies. If your case is very straightforward, the claims process shouldn’t take long. If your case is complex, requires a more thorough review, or gets denied initially, and you have to appeal the decision, those factors can increase the expected timeline for obtaining your benefits.

Contact Our Morganton Firefighter Injury Lawyer Today

If you’re a firefighter who has been injured in the line of duty, you deserve to work with a skilled Morganton firefighter injury lawyer. The team at Ayers, Ayers & Dressler has been practicing in this area for years. We’re familiar with every aspect of workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability, and personal injury law. We can use our knowledge of firefighter injury laws to help you file your claim successfully and easily. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation.