Durham Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workers Compensation Attorney in Durham, NC

Durham, North Carolina, is known for hard-working people and booming technology companies. Companies throughout the Tar Heel State must pay insurance companies for employee workers’ compensation coverage. After a work-related accident or illness, workers’ compensation benefits are supposed to be there to offer financial stability when you need it. For help after an accident, contact an experienced Durham workers’ compensation lawyer.

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About Us

At the Law Office of Jacob Goad, we provide reliable legal help. I am Jacob Goad, and I can investigate your work-related accident or illness. I can work by your side as you file for workers’ compensation in North Carolina.

As a workers’ compensation attorney, I feel honored to serve the employees of North Carolina, including the Spanish-speaking community. As a fluent Spanish speaker myself, I can make sure that you know your rights throughout the workers’ compensation claims process. My office provides comprehensive help to maximize your financial recovery as an employee.

Vital Employee Accident Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 5,283 workplace deaths reported across the United States in 2023 alone. For our state, 177 job-related fatalities were unfortunately recorded. Employees in North Carolina filed 68,600 non-fatal work injury or illness claims that same year, which is a rate of injury/illness of 2.2 for every 100 North Carolina employees working full-time.

Many locals may need help getting the financial benefits they need after a work-related incident. Fortunately, workers’ compensation can provide monetary assistance; however, it can be challenging to get what you deserve since the filing process is complicated, and insurance companies aren’t always motivated to make payments.

If you are a worker who suffered an injury or illness on the job, you probably have a lot of worries. You may be concerned about paying your bills and your family. When you need answers, you can turn to the Law Office of Jacob Goad for help with your accident recovery.

Accident Recovery in Workers’ Compensation Cases

Durham drives the growth in our area through a variety of important industries. Locals are involved in meat production (beef, chicken, and pork), construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. Growth in these industries can increase the overall risk of workplace accidents and illnesses. If you are hurt, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, such as:

• Orthopedic injuries, like head, shoulder, and knee issues
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Traffic collision injuries suffered on the job
• Crush injuries
• Repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel or back injuries
• Broken bones and sprains/strains
• Toxic chemical exposure
• Fall injuries
• Burns
• Hearing loss

Workers’ compensation laws are designed to cover serious employee accidents and illnesses. This program can provide compensation for healthcare costs, lost wages, and more. A Durham workers’ compensation attorney can provide reliable, personalized information specific to your work-related recovery.

Workers Excluded from Workers’ Compensation

Not everyone qualifies for workers’ comp benefits. State law excludes some workers from coverage including:

• Independent contractors
• Domestic employees
• Farmworkers on farms with fewer than 10 employees
• Federal government employees
• Railroad workers
• Workers who do not work regular hours (also called casual employees)

If you fall into one of these categories, you do not usually have the option to seek workers’ compensation. You should know, however, that many employers try to miscategorize workers and convince you that you fall into these categories when you do not. They’re simply trying to avoid paying out workers’ comp claims. It’s worth speaking with an attorney to determine whether you can qualify for benefits.

Undocumented Workers and Workers’ Compensation Rights

Many workers without permanent legal residency in the U.S. worry about how to pay their medical bills when they have a serious injury on the job.

In North Carolina, the law protects you even if you are an undocumented immigrant. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-2(2) defines the meaning of employee as, every person engaged in an employment under any appointment or contract of hire, including aliens, and whether lawfully or unlawfully employed.

Undocumented workers living in North Carolina are covered for their work-related incidents and illnesses by workers’ compensation. Whether you are documented, unlawfully employed, or not, you are entitled to benefits under workers’ compensation in North Carolina. To secure the benefits and compensation to which you are lawfully entitled, contact an experienced Durham attorney familiar with workers’ comp claims at the Law Office of Jacob Goad.

Critical Steps After A Work Injury

The moments after an injury can feel disorienting. If you can, try to:

• Report your injury to your supervisor. Do it in writing, if you can. You must do this within 30 days of your injury or you lose the chance to file a workers’ comp claim.
• Seek medical attention. You have the right to see the doctor of your choice, even if your employer tries to get you to see the doctor they recommend.
• File your workers’ compensation claim. The statute of limitations in North Carolina is two years from the date of your injury.

From the very first step to the last, when you hire my office, I will help you and make sure that we complete every detail correctly. For trustworthy help with filing for benefits, challenging a denial, negotiating benefits, or reviewing your legal recovery options, contact my office.

Employer Responsibility After An Injury

You are not the only one with certain steps to follow. Your employer has several obligations, too. These include:

• Helping you get emergency medical attention
• Addressing the safety concerns that contributed to your accident or illness
• Allowing you to see a doctor of your choice
• Reporting the incident to their workers’ compensation insurance provider
• Responding to your communications promptly
• Providing any relevant information you need for your claim
• Not retaliating against you for filing a claim or taking time off work

It is not enough for your employer to ignore the incident and hope that it does not happen again. They also cannot disregard your medical needs.

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Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at the Law Office of Jacob Goad

Whether you work at Duke University or The Museum of Life + Science, you may find yourself needing legal advice from an experienced attorney. At the Law Office of Jacob Goad, you work directly with a seasoned attorney, and I listen to your goals. I am also fluent in Spanish. If necessary, I’m not afraid to go to court to maximize your recovery after an accident or work-related illness.

You do not have to go through the overwhelming stages of a workplace injury or illness on your own. With me, you will have an advocate at your side who can protect your rights. We are located in the heart of Downtown Durham. From Walltown to the Golden Belt, we provide high-quality legal representation for locals. Contact the Law Office of Jacob Goad at my Durham office to schedule an initial consultation.

Attorneys

Mandy Vivelo

With more than 25 years of dedicated experience in personal injury law, Mandy brings unmatched knowledge, skill, and compassion to the clients of The Law Office of Jacob Goad. As...

Paralegal

Heather Freeman

Heather Freeman brings a unique blend of experience and dedication to her role as a paralegal at the firm. A North Carolina native, she graduated with honors from North Carolina...

Paralegal