Raleigh Workers Compensation Lawyer

Workers Compensation Attorney in Raleigh, NC

You may be entitled to benefits from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance if you have been injured at work. It is important to understand your benefits and what you are entitled to receive. For workers in the Raleigh area dealing with a workers’ compensation-eligible injury, it is wise to seek legal counsel from a Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyer.

About the Law Office of Jacob Goad

At the Law Office of Jacob Goad, we focus on injury claims for people injured in accidents, whether in the workplace or not. We prioritize a personal approach with all our clients, and our bilingual team can communicate effectively with both English- and Spanish-speaking clients. We serve clients across North Carolina. For our Raleigh-area clients, we have a convenient office at 3622 Haworth Drive. We have been advocating for people affected by injuries for over a decade, and we are ready to advocate for you, too.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

In 2024, United States employers reported over 2.5 million instances of nonfatal workplace injuries or illnesses. It is a fact of life that people get hurt while doing their jobs. When that happens, workers’ compensation is there to help.

Workers’ compensation is an insurance policy that most employers are required to carry. By law, all employers in North Carolina that employ three or more people must carry workers’ compensation insurance. It functions as a safety net for workers and the company in the event of workplace injuries.

For injured workers, the workers’ compensation policy can cover the cost of medical care related to workplace accidents. When workers use the workers’ compensation coverage, they agree to waive the right to file a legal claim against the company for losses related to the injury.

Who Can Claim Workers’ Compensation Benefits in North Carolina?

Eligibility to file a workers’ compensation claim is usually fairly straightforward. In order to claim workers’ compensation for an injury, the following statements must be true:

• You are an employee of the company.
• Your injury occurred during the course of your work and as a direct result of your work.

Under these guidelines, injuries like broken bones, burns, or other incident-based injuries easily qualify for workers’ compensation. However, other, lesser-considered injuries can qualify, as well. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome can be a qualifying workers’ compensation injury if a worker can prove that the syndrome is a direct result of the work they do.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

Workers’ compensation insurance should cover any immediate medical expenses related to your injury as well as the cost of any ongoing medical treatment, such as medications, subsequent surgeries, physical therapy, or rehabilitation. Workers’ compensation can also benefit you financially by paying a portion of wages you miss because of your injury. This can help to ease the burden of missed work on workers and their families.

What To Do If You Are Injured at Work

If you are injured at work and need emergency medical care, the first thing you should do is seek appropriate medical attention. The second thing you should do is hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you navigate the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Notify your employer of your injury. You must do this within a specific timeframe of the injury so that you qualify for benefits. Upon notifying your employer of your injury, you should request an appointment with your employer’s insurance-approved physician for an evaluation and treatment plan. Of course, if you have already seen a medical provider on an emergency basis, you should inform your employer. They may still want you to see their doctor.

You should then complete and submit the necessary paperwork to file your workers’ compensation claim. Your attorney can help you with every step of this process.

Why Should You Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

Any time you are dealing with an insurance company, it is a good idea to consult a lawyer in Raleigh, NC. Insurance companies generally do whatever they can to pay as little as possible. Hiring a lawyer is a practical step you can take to make sure that everything is filed correctly and you are treated fairly by your employer and the insurance company.

Your attorney can take care of paperwork for you and communicate on your behalf. Sometimes, all it takes to encourage people to follow the rules is professional communication from someone with a deep knowledge of employment and workers’ compensation laws.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Get a Workers’ Compensation Settlement?

The time it takes to get a workers’ compensation settlement can vary extensively depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injury, and whether you need ongoing medical care. Generally speaking, cases are not fully settled until the injured person has recovered as much as they are expected to recover.

If I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim, Can I Still File a Civil Claim Against My Employer?

Usually, no. If you file a workers’ compensation claim, you generally cannot separately file a civil claim for negligence or otherwise against your employer. When you accept workers’ compensation benefits, you waive the right to pursue compensation through other means. Exceptions to this arise when injuries result from willful negligence, which occurs when an employer intentionally creates an unsafe environment.

Are Pain and Suffering Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

No, pain and suffering are not included in workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation coverage can take care of medical bills, both immediate and ongoing, and partially replace your salary while you are unable to work. It does not cover damages for pain, suffering, or trauma resulting from any injuries workers might sustain.

What If My Claim Is Denied?

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, an experienced attorney can assist you. Your lawyer can find out the reason for the denial and push back against the insurance company or your employer. With your help, the attorney can gather information about your case, including any supporting proof you may have, and urge the insurance company to reconsider. If they do not, you may be able to file a claim to recover compensation.

Need Representation? Contact the Law Office of Jacob Goad

Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming and stressful, and even more so if you are already in pain because of an injury. If you were injured in the workplace and need a lawyer to help you navigate your workers’ compensation claim, contact the Law Office of Jacob Goad today.