Morganton Warehouse Work Injury Lawyer

Morganton Warehouse Work Injury Attorney

Warehouse employment can bring many benefits to workers, but the risk of injury is substantially higher than in other workplaces. In Burke County, major warehouse employers include UNIX Packaging, and there are many jobs at the Burke Business Park. For those who have experienced a workplace injury at such a site, contacting a Morganton warehouse work injury lawyer is an important next step.

Morganton Warehouse Work Injury Attorneys

Here at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler, our team has a sole focus on getting our injured clients the compensation and justice they deserve. We offer initial consultations to those injured in Morganton and the surrounding cities. When you’re at your most vulnerable, you need a lawyer you can trust to take care of the legal side of your case while you recover. Let our compassionate lawyers help you through this. You don’t have to struggle by yourself.

North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Laws

4.27% of Morganton residents worked in the transportation and warehousing industry as of 2023. These workers typically face higher risks than other occupations. Because of their constant close contact with heavy machinery and an increase in quotas, injuries are commonplace.

In North Carolina, injured workers may pursue workers’ compensation benefits. First, the employee must report the injury to their employer as soon as possible. They must do this, both orally and in writing, within 30 days.

Workers’ compensation benefits can be given, no matter who was at fault for the incident. However, this also prevents workers from opening legal cases against their employers for the incident. These benefits cover the medical bill related to the incident.

Another key workers’ comp benefit is partial wage replacement while the employee recovers. These wages are two-thirds of the employee’s average pay, and they are paid until the employee can come back to work. If the incident resulted in permanent disability, partial pay may continue indefinitely.

Workers can also open warehouse work injury cases against a third party, depending on the details of their incident. For example, if a faulty machine led to your injury, warehouse work injury laws allow you to file a civil claim against the machine’s manufacturer.

It’s important to hire a warehouse work injury lawyer to explain North Carolina’s complex laws. Our team can assist with workers’ compensation claim denials in Morganton, communications with insurance companies, and any potential future workplace retaliation. As longtime North Carolina residents, our team’s passion is making sure our clients are legally protected.

The Reality of Workplace Injuries in North Carolina

In 2023, there were a reported 85,700 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in the entire state. Despite laws and regulations in place to protect workers, these incident numbers keep climbing as the years go by.

It’s up to the employer to make sure workers are well-trained and informed of the risks involved. They must keep safety programs implemented, but many companies often find shortcuts. These employers value profit over safety. While accidents often happen, they can be decreased by companies enforcing safety standards more closely. Common types of injuries in a warehouse job can include:

• Falling objects: Due to the nature of warehouses, stored objects pose a great risk to workers. Sometimes, overhead objects may not be secured properly. Even if an employee wears safety equipment, a falling object still poses danger.
• Forklift accidents: Faulty machines or improperly trained operators pose a risk of severe injury.
• Stress injuries: These injuries happen because of prolonged standing, repetitive tasks, overexertion, and physically demanding jobs, like lifting heavy objects.
• Slips and falls: Liquid spills, dust, dirt, sand, and other similar materials can cause workers to slip and be injured.
• Machine and crush injuries: When a machine isn’t turned off properly or a worker’s clothes or body becomes stuck, the worker’s body can become crushed. The “lockout/tagout” method is necessary to ensure workplace safety, but it is often misused or not implemented.
• Hazardous chemical exposure: Many warehouses store dangerous chemicals. Depending on the type of chemical, these can cause respiratory problems or severe physical injury when workers are exposed to them.
• Automation and robotics: Conveyors, labelers, and automated pallet wrappers can cause employees significant risk.

FAQs About Morganton, NC Warehouse Work Injury Laws

What Safety Laws Must Employers Follow in North Carolina?

Employers must follow the Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina. Under this law, employers must provide a workplace that is free from serious hazards that could cause injury, illness, or death. Workplaces must follow safety and health standards. Allowing inspections of the workplace is a part of these standards. During inspections, companies must provide information at the inspector’s request. Employers can participate in creating safety standards by requesting new standards.

What Is the Medical Treatment Process Like After a Warehouse Injury in Morganton?

After a warehouse work injury in Morganton, the employer’s insurance company will provide medical treatment and payment for the treatment. However, in emergencies, employees can seek treatment on their own, but they must notify their employer as soon as possible. In North Carolina, injured workers may get 20 chiropractic visits if needed. They can also be reimbursed for travel over 20 miles, lodging, meals, or tolls if these are necessary for medical care.

Why Would My Workers’ Compensation Claim Get Denied in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, claim denials typically happen when the employer or their insurance company doesn’t believe that the injury or illness is a direct result of work. This can become very stressful for the injured or sick employee. Having to argue with an insurance company and their employer often feels destabilizing. An experienced Morganton warehouse work injury attorney can represent you and argue for fair compensation. These benefits are your legal right as long as the injury or illness was due to work.

What Should I Do If My Workers Compensation Claim Gets Denied in Morganton?

If your workers’ compensation claim gets denied in Morganton, you should be notified by your employer of this decision. You can then request a hearing to appeal the denial. During this time, you can still get medical treatment, and providers will only bill you for treatment if the claim is finalized as a denial. It’s recommended to contact a lawyer if this happens to you, as they understand the full extent of state law and how to argue on your behalf.

Hire a Warehouse Work Injury Lawyer You Can Rely On

The team at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler works exclusively on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get payment until we secure compensation for you. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation.