Workers' Compensation

In North Carolina, workplace injuries are governed by the Workers’ Compensation Act.  If you suffer from a work injury, you may be entitled to disability benefits and medical treatment from your employer.

Work Injury

In general, an injury must result from an "accident" to be covered under the Workers' Compensation Act.  A workplace accident is an unexpected event -- a trip and fall, for example -- that interrupts the usual work routine.  For back injuries, however, the worker need only experience a "specific traumatic incident," such as a sudden onset of pain while performing routine lifting.

The injury must also arise out of and in the course of the employment.  Generally speaking, an injury "arises out of" employment when it results from a risk inherent to the job and not common to the public.  An on-the-job injury is "in the course of" employment when it occurs at a place and time during which the employer's business is being furthered.

Construction Site Accidents

Working at a construction site is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States.  Each year, thousands of construction workers are injured and even killed in construction accidents.  If you have been injured on a construction site or you are a family member of someone killed on a construction site, you should contact a lawyer experienced in representing injured construction workers.  These claims often involve a complex legal analysis, which may involve elements of workers' compensation law, third party negligence,and defective product law.  We will fight to help you recover damages for medical treatment, lost wages, and permanent impairment.  

When a construction site accident occurs, the owners, architects, insurance companies, general contractors, sub-contractors and manufacturers of equipment may be responsible for any injury caused by their negligence.  These entities must provide a reasonably safe place to work, warn of dangers and hazards inherent in the site, and coordinate job safety.  

Common injuries that occur at construction sites include:  

• Broken and/or fractured bones (neck, back, arm, leg, hip)
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord Injury
• Electrocution
• Burn injuries
• Quadriplegia
• Paraplegia
• Wrongful death

Occupational Exposure

Ordinarily, when a worker is injured at work, he is entitled to limited workers' compensation benefits only.  However, if the workplace injury results from the negligence or fault of another person or party (a "third party"), the worker may be entitled to a recovery beyond workers' compensation benefits.  Moreover, a worker who suffers from an illness or disease from a toxic exposure in the workplace may be entitled to damages beyond those recoverable in the workers' compensation system.

Since 1982, Martin & Jones has been helping injured workers receive the recovery they deserve in the following types of cases:

• Exposure to asbestos
• Exposure to silica
• Exposure to cotton dust
• Various chemical exposures
• Exposure to nickel and chromium from metal spray work

We Can Help You

Serious workplace injury and hazardous substances exposure cases are complicated and require a team of professionals with the knowledge, experience, and resources to go the distance.  Martin & Jones has a long, successful record in such cases and has the expertise and resources needed to appropriately evaluate and successfully pursue these cases.

We have won benefits and negotiated favorable settlements for hundreds of workers with serious injuries and diseases, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations
• Burn injuries
• Electrocution injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Hip, knee, and leg injuries
• Shoulder and arm injuries
• Severe fractures, crush injuries, and other trauma
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Occupational lung diseases

The lawyers of Martin & Jones have an established history of standing by injured workers and helping them secure their futures.

Do I Need A Lawyer For My Workers' Compensation Claim?

If you are unsure if you need a workers' compensation lawyer to help you with your issues, please feel free to call us on the phone.  There is no charge for an initial consultation and an attorney will give you an honest determination of your situation, and let you know if we can help.