About Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem is the county seat of Forsyth County, North Carolina. With an estimated population of 250,000, it is the second-largest municipality in the Piedmont Triad region and the fifth-largest city in North Carolina.
Winston-Salem is home to Wake Forest University, Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Winston-Salem State University, and Forsyth Technical Community College.
Top 10 Employers in Winston-Salem, NC
According to Winston-Salem economic development data, these are some of the top employers in the city:
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist – 18,570
- Novant Health – 11,010
- Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools – 5,500
- BB&T/Truist – 4,000
- Wells Fargo – 3,500
- Reynolds American – 2,500
- Hanesbrands – 2,400
- City of Winston Salem – 2,287
- Wake Forest University – 2,270
- Forsyth County – 2,127
How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Workers’ Comp Claim?
To have a valid workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina, you must be an employee of a company required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. You must also have been injured or become ill due to your job.
If you are unsure whether you have a valid claim, an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help.
Common Workplace Accidents
Some common accidents that result in workers’ compensation claims include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Accidents caused by defective equipment
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Injuries caused by lifting heavy objects
- Exposure to hazardous materials
Common Workplace Injuries
Some common injuries that result in workers’ compensation claims include:
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Hip injuries
- Brain injuries
If you have been injured in any workplace accident, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Winston-Salem, North Carolina?
In North Carolina, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. If you do not file within this time frame, you will be unable to receive benefits. But, you should give your employer notice of your injury within 30-days of the accident resulting in your injury.
How Can a NC Workers Comp Lawyer Help Me?
If you have been injured at work, an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Winston-Salem can help you get the benefits you deserve. A lawyer can help you file a claim and navigate the workers’ compensation system.
A lawyer can also represent you if your claim is denied or if you need to appeal a decision.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits in North Carolina
If you are injured on the job in North Carolina, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can include:
Medical Benefits
Medical benefits are available to cover the cost of treatment for your workplace injury or illness. This includes any medical expenses related to your accident such as doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescription medication.
Wage Replacement Benefits
If you cannot work because of your injury or illness, you may be entitled to wage replacement benefits. These benefits typically replace two-thirds of your lost wages.
Death Benefits
If you lose a family member to a workplace accident, you may be entitled to death benefits. These benefits can help with funeral costs and replace some lost income.
Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
Vocational rehabilitation benefits help you return to work after a workplace injury or illness. These benefits can help with the cost of job retraining and job placement services.
An experienced Winston-Salem workers’ compensation lawyer can help you get your deserved benefits.
How Do I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Winston-Salem, NC?
If you have been injured at work, you must file a workers’ compensation claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. The commission recommends following these steps:
- Report Your Injury and Seek Medical Treatment – You will need to notify your employer of your injury and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Tell Your Healthcare Provider You Were Injured at Work – Be sure to tell your healthcare provider that you were injured at work. This will ensure that your injury is properly documented.
- Get a Copy of Your Medical Records – You will need to get a copy of your medical records from your healthcare provider. These records will be used to support your claim for benefits.
- Notify HR or the Appropriate Manager – You will need to notify your HR department or the appropriate manager of your injury.
- Put the Notice in Writing – You have 30 days to give written notice to your employer. This will create a paper trail and help to support your claim.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Orders – You will need to follow your doctor’s orders for treatment. This will help to ensure that you get the proper medical care and that your employer does not deny your claim.
What Are the Deadlines for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in North Carolina?
In general, you have two years from your injury to file a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina, but you should provide your employer with written notice of your injury within 30-days. There are some exceptions to this rule. If you are suffering from an occupational disease, you have two years from the date you knew or should have known that your job caused the disease.
It is important to note that these deadlines are strict. If you do not file your claim within the prescribed time frame, you will be barred from receiving benefits. A lawyer can help you ensure that your claim is filed on time.
What Should I Do if My Workers’ Compensation Claim is Denied?
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to be heard before a Deputy Commissioner who will determine whether your claim is compensable. This requires the filing of a Request for Hearing with the NC Industrial Commission.
At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present evidence and testimony supporting your claim. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate the hearing process and fight for your deserved benefits.
How Much Does a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Cost?
All workers’ compensation lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will only owe attorney’s fees if your lawyer successfully obtains benefits for you.
In general, lawyers charge a percentage of the benefits they recover for their clients. The exact percentage will vary depending on the lawyer and the facts of your case.
You should always ask about attorney’s fees before hiring a lawyer.
How Will Long Will It Take to Receive Benefits?
The amount of time it takes to receive benefits will vary depending on the facts of your case. In general, it can take a couple of weeks to start receiving benefits. Because the insurance company has 30 days to respond to your Notice of Injury, it can often take six weeks to receive indemnity benefits.
Contact the Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor Today
If you have suffered from a workplace accident in Winston-Salem, you may be entitled to compensation benefits. However, the process of obtaining these benefits can be complex and confusing.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure that you receive the full amount of benefits to which you are entitled. We offer injured workers a free initial consultation. Contact an attorney at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today for legal representation.
