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Our Raleigh Workman’s Comp Attorney Represents Injured Workers Throughout North Carolina
Workers’ compensation pays benefits to those who suffer a work-related injury by accident or occupational illness. These benefits can replace your lost income and pay your medical expenses related to your injury or illness. If you are partially or totally disabled, workers’ comp will also pay disability benefits.
Unfortunately, navigating the process for making a claim isn’t always easy, and claims in different industries present their own unique issues. If you are injured and unable to work, you need a Raleigh workman’s compensation attorney with experience in handling claims in an industry similar to yours.
Our Raleigh Workman’s Compensation Attorney Serves Workers in Multiple Industries
With nearly 40 years of experience, we have worked with injured employees in every industry across North Carolina. We help our clients overcome their unique challenges to get the benefits they need as quickly as possible. We work with injured workers in the following industries:
- Forestry and fishing
- First responders: police, firefighters, and EMTs
- Farming, ranching, and agriculture
- Retail services
- Mechanics and technicians
- Arts and entertainment
- Railroad workers
- Banking, finance, and law
- Building and construction
- Education
- Industrial plant and warehouse workers
- Government and public services
- Healthcare and veterinary services
- Hospitality
- Landscaping
- Longshoremen and maritime
- Sanitation
- Truck drivers and transportation
- Management, administrative, and other professional services
- Manufacturing
- Food production
- Personal and home services
- Professional sports
- Skilled trades
- Gas, electric, and other Utilities
No matter what industry you work in, a Raleigh workers’ comp attorney with experience in handling your type of claim can make the difference between getting the benefits you need and facing severe financial hardship.
Which Laws Apply to Claims in Your Industry?
Generally speaking, all workers’ compensation claims in North Carolina are handled by the North Carolina Industrial Commission. Most claims will be filed with the Commission and handled through their process. However, some industries may be subject to federal laws that require special consideration.
For example, injured railroad workers also have the option of pursuing a claim under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Pursuing a FELA claim involves filing a lawsuit against the railroad, alleging that their negligence caused your injury or illness. If you think you may have a claim against the railroad, it is important to discuss your case with an attorney who has experience handling both workers’ compensation and FELA claims to understand your options and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Longshoremen and other maritime workers may have a claim under the Maritime and Longshore Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA). The LHWCA is a federal statute that is very similar to state workers’ compensation laws and provides the same type of benefits.
Federal employees in North Carolina are covered by the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). As a result, you would not pursue a claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission if you are a federal worker who suffers a work-related injury or illness.
Knowing which laws apply to your claim is critical to getting the benefits you need. An experienced Raleigh workers’ comp attorney can help you navigate the complex legal framework applicable to your claim.
Workers’ Compensation Under North Carolina Law
Under the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act, all employers with three or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. This includes full and part-time employees and applies to LLCs, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and corporations. However, there are some exceptions to this rule:
- Employees of certain railroads
- “Casual” employees
- Households that employ domestic servants
- Farmers who employ fewer than 10 full-time, non-seasonal laborers
- The federal government
- Sellers of agricultural products
Businesses that employ as few as one employee involved in the use of (or in the presence of) radiation are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Employers may also be required to have workers’ compensation coverage even if they classify these employees as independent contractors.
You are not obligated to hire an attorney to pursue a workers’ compensation claim. However, it can be challenging to navigate your way through the process, depending on the industry you work in and the complexity of your claim — even when considering a settlement. Working with an experienced Raleigh workers’ comp attorney can help you avoid common pitfalls and minimize delays so that you can begin receiving your benefits as soon as possible.
Workers’ Compensation Covers Any Work-Related Injury or Illness
Many people assume that workers’ comp applies only to bodily injuries suffered in specific accidents. Fortunately for many workers, workers’ comp coverage extends far beyond those cases. If you can prove that you suffered your injury or illness in the course of your employment, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation:
- Pre-existing injuries that were aggravated by your job
- Repetitive use/ repetitive stress injuries that have developed over time, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Occupational illnesses that developed as a result of prolonged exposure to toxic substances
Of course, these injuries and illnesses present specific challenges in proving that they are work-related. Employers often dispute these types of claims. Whether you have not yet filed or your claim has been denied, a Raleigh workers’ comp attorney can help you build your case so that you can get the benefits you need.
Contact a Raleigh Injury at Work Attorney at Martin & Jones Today
Martin & Jones has been helping injured workers across the state of North Carolina for nearly 40 years. We understand the challenges you face – you need medical treatment, but you also need to pay your bills and take care of your family. Our goal is to help you get back on your feet, and we know how to navigate the claim process so that you can get your benefits as quickly as possible. To discuss your case and learn more about how our Raleigh workman’s compensation attorney can help, call us at 1-800-662-1234 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
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“Forest, once again, my family and I thank you for obtaining another settlement on behalf of my Father. It’s almost uncanny that these checks seem to come at very opportune times. This one comes as we are expecting our fourth grandchild. It will provide her some sound footing towards her future college education, plus help Mom and Dad with the medical expenses. Sometimes, I think my Dad is helping you guys with this. Maybe so. Anyway, thank you again for your hard work.”
