At Waple & Houk, PLLC, our Lincoln County workers’ compensation attorneys represent injured workers throughout North Carolina, including any of the nearly 3,000 people who call Denver home after their lives have been disrupted by a workplace accident.
Our workers’ compensation lawyers use our knowledge, experience, and resources to use the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act statutes to help our clients and ensure they get the benefits they are entitled to by law.
How Do I Report a North Carolina Workplace Injury?
Reporting a workplace injury in North Carolina typically involves several steps to ensure that the incident is documented and that you initiate the process for seeking workers’ compensation benefits.
Here, we offer general tips for reporting a workplace injury in North Carolina:
- Notify Your Employer
Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Provide a detailed account of how the injury occurred and any symptoms you are experiencing. This notification is essential for documenting the incident.
Some employers may have specific procedures for reporting workplace injuries. Be sure to follow your employer’s guidelines, including completing incident reports or notifying particular individuals within the organization.
- Complete a Written Notice
Even if your employer does not have a customized form, completing a written notice of the injury is advisable. While the law does not explicitly require written notice, having a written record can be beneficial in case of disputes later on. Include details like the date, time, and location of the incident, as well as the nature of the injury.
- Keep a Copy of the Notice
Make a copy of the written notice for your records. This can serve as evidence that you reported the injury promptly.
- Get Witness Statements (if applicable)
If there were witnesses to the incident, ask them to provide written statements describing what they observed. Witness statements can be valuable in supporting your workers’ compensation claim.
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately
You can’t understand the severity of your injury until you seek immediate medical attention. Your health and well-being are the top priority. Do not wait until the end of the work day or go home to “see how you feel.” If you can report the incident first, do so, then seek medical care directly. If your injuries are severe, go directly to the emergency room and file a notice of the incident once you are stable.
- Document Your Medical Treatment
Keep detailed records of all medical treatments related to the workplace injury. This includes doctor visits, prescriptions, diagnostic tests, and recommended rehabilitation or therapy.
- File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Depending on the severity of the injury, you or your employer may need to file a workers’ compensation claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission by completing and submitting Standard Form 18.
If you encounter challenges during the workers’ compensation process or your claim is denied, contact our skilled Denver workers’ compensation attorney for help. We can guide you through the process, ensure you meet deadlines, and help protect your rights.
How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, injured employees have two years to file a compensation claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. The clock begins ticking on the date the injury occurs. While all injured employees are recommended to notify their employers immediately after getting hurt, the more extended deadline exists for a reason. Common reasons workplace injury victims may wait to file a claim is because they did not know their jobs were making them ill or hurting them. This is common with cancers caused by asbestos exposure or with repetitive motion injuries.
As soon as you become aware of your illness or injury, you must file a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina. If you file after the two-year deadline, you risk losing your compensation.
Our Denver workers’ compensation attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options so that you can pursue the best possible outcome for your future.
Contact Our Denver Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
Our legal team at Waple & Houk, PLLC PLLC will thoroughly investigate your case to build a strong North Carolina workers’ compensation claim. We can help you recover damages for your medical care, lost income, surgery costs, physical therapy costs, and lost earning capacity.
Contact our Denver workers’ compensation lawyers today at (704) 954-8697 or online for help.
