Hickory is home to several industries, including technology, manufacturing, and other niche industries. From the Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company to the Mountain View Fire Station, Hickory residents work hard every day. When you get off work, you want to go home, spend time with your loved ones, and even take a stroll in the Central Business District. Suffering a work injury disrupts everything and puts significant stress on injured workers.
When a work-related injury leaves you unable to work, you miss the income needed to provide for your family and pay for everyday expenses. You shouldn’t have to fight with an insurance company to recover these damages.
If you have been injured at work in Hickory, it is important to contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today. A lawyer can help you file a workers’ compensation claim, understand your rights and options, and can fight for the full benefits that you are entitled to.
North Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation System
In North Carolina, employers with three or more regular employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. This state-mandated insurance program provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job.
What to Do After a Work Injury
If you are injured at work, you should:
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
- Seek medical treatment for your injuries.
- Contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
It is also important to keep any medical bills, records, and receipts for other costs incurred due to your injuries. Your lawyer will use this evidence to build your case with the workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
Filing Workers’ Compensation Claims in North Carolina
If you have been injured or become ill due to your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help you cover medical expenses and lost wages while recovering from your injuries. In North Carolina, you must file a claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission within two years of the date of your injury or illness. You can file a claim online, by mail, or in person.
What is Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
In general, workers’ compensation will cover any injury by accident or illness caused by your job. This can include injuries that occur at work and illnesses that result from exposure to hazardous materials or conditions.
Wage Replacement Benefits Covered by Workers’ Compensation
There are a few different wage replacement benefits that workers’ compensation may cover.
Temporary Total Disability Benefits
If you cannot work due to your job-related injury or illness, you may be eligible for temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. TTD benefits provide income replacement for a set period of time while you are recovering from your injuries. The amount of these benefits is paid at two-thirds of your average weekly wage, and they are typically paid weekly.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
If you have a permanent disability that limits your future ability to earn an income, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits
If you have a permanent disability that prevents you from returning to work and earning an income, you may be eligible for permanent total disability (PTD) benefits. PTD benefits provide income replacement for the rest of your life. However, this is rarely the case because changes to the Workers’ Compensation Act require you to show the inability to earn any wages.
Temporary Partial Disability Benefits
If you can return to work but cannot earn your full income, you may be eligible for temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits. TPD benefits provide two-thirds of the difference in pre-injury wages and post-injury incomefor a set period of time while you are recovering from your injuries.
Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits
Supplemental job displacement benefits can provide funding for retraining or education if an employee cannot return to their previous job due to their injury or illness.
Other Benefits Available Under Workers’ Compensation
Along with lost wages, an injured worker can recover compensation for medical expenses and wrongful death in more severe cases.
Medical Benefits
Workers’ compensation will typically cover the cost of medical treatment related to your injury or illness. This can include the cost of hospitalization, surgery, and prescription medication.
Death Benefits
The surviving spouse and/or dependent children may be eligible for death benefits. These benefits can include funeral expenses and income replacement. How Long Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Last?
The length of time that workers’ compensation benefits will last depends on the severity of the injury or illness. In most cases, injured workers can receive benefits until they reach maximum medical improvement. Maximum medical improvement (MMI) is when your condition has stabilized and is not expected to improve any further.
Contact an Experienced Hickory Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today
You deserve to get the full benefits that you are entitled to under the North Carolina workers’ compensation law. If you have been injured at work, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced Hickory Workers’ Compensation attorneys. At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we work hard to get you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery and get back to work as soon as possible.
