If you have suffered an illness or injury while on the job in North Carolina, you might be able to pursue workers' compensation benefits. In the United States, most employers are required to maintain the special insurance coverage to protect themselves and their workers in such situations. Workers' compensation includes medical benefits and covers a portion of lost wages while the worker is recovering. Each state sets its own laws regarding workers' compensation, so the coverage does vary somewhat. How Many Workers' Compensation Attorneys Are in North Carolina? North Carolina has several workers' compensation attorneys to choose from. According to Avvo, the state had 741 workers' compensation lawyers as of February 2018, but that number might be off a bit. These are lawyers who are licensed to practice in North Carolina and who are familiar with the state laws. These attorneys understand an occupational disease and the devastating effects of a work injury. You want a lawyer licensed in the state where you were injured so you can be represented in court. What Can A North Carolina Workers' Compensation Attorney Do For Me? If you have suffered a work-related illness or injury, you are most likely facing financial difficulties. Medical bills are mounting and you are not bringing home your paycheck so you can cover living expenses. Not all workers' compensation claims are approved. Benefits can be stopped and claims can be denied. As an example, you were a truck driver who suffered a back injury from the repetitive bouncing and compression of vertebrae. Your employer denies your claim, alleging the injury was not work-related. You need an attorney who will appeal the ruling and help you get your benefits either started or reinstated. Your odds of a successful claim increase significantly with a workers' compensation attorney representing you. Where Are Courthouses in North Carolina? There are different courts that handle different cases and have hearings for different regions or districts. Where the injury took place, where your employer is located, and where you live all play a role in determining where your case should be pursued. Here are some North Carolina courthouses: North Carolina Civil Actions, Watauga County Courthouse 842 W King Street Boone, NC 28607 Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Gaston County Courthouse 325 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Way #1004 Gastonia, NC 28052 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mecklenburg County Courthouse 832 E 4th Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Your attorney will determine where to file your claim and get it underway in a timely fashion. How Long Does It Take To Settle A Workers Comp Case In NC? If you were injured at work and you’re waiting to settle a workers’ compensation claim in NC you should know it can take anywhere from 12-16 months to settle a workers' compensation claim. While that might sound like a long time it’s really not. There are a lot of reasons why it can take a year or more to settle a workers’ compensation but the primary reason is that negotiations take time. When you submit a workers' compensation claim in NC the process of negotiation starts. The process goes like this: You, or your lawyer, draft a demand letter detailing your injuries, your lost wages, and the total amount of compensation you want to receive. This goes to the insurance company. The insurance company will look over your demand letter and any evidence that you sent with the letter. They will propose a counteroffer and send you a letter detailing the terms of the counteroffer. Then you and your lawyer will negotiate back and forth with the insurance company until a settlement amount is reached that you both agree to. After that you will receive your payment. The process of negotiating offers with the insurance company can take months. Letters need to be typed up and mailed back and forth. And the insurance company can take time to review your proposal or counterproposal. They may ask for additional documentation too. But it’s worth it, in the end, to keep negotiating and to work with an attorney. Even if it takes a little longer to get a settlement offer you will probably get more money in the long run if you can let the process take as long as it takes. Speak With An Attorney! If you have suffered an injury or illness because of your job, time is of the essence. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for pursuing a workers' compensation claim is very precise. You have two years from the date of your injury to file a Form 18 with the state's industrial commission. To talk with a local workers' compensation attorney, complete the information form on this page. Your details will then be shared with a workers' compensation lawyer who will provide you a free case evaluation. Additional Resources Filing for Workers' Comp in North Carolina Denied Workers' Comp in North Carolina
