Huntersville, NC Work Injury Lawyer Hurt at Work?

FAQs about workers’ compensation claims in Huntersville, NC

When you’re seriously injured at work and under immense financial pressure, it’s easy to fall into despair. Our Huntersville work injury compensation lawyers can help you understand your rights and determine your next best steps. Don’t lose hope.

How do I know if I’m eligible for workers’ comp in Huntersville?

According to North Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation Act, most businesses with 3 or more employees are required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance for their employees.

To qualify for benefits, you simply need to be able to show that your injury or occupational disease was caused by your job or your work environment. You do not need to prove that your employer caused your injury, illness, or disease to get benefits.

As is the case in almost every state, there are some workers who are exempt from North Carolina workers’ comp, such as:

• Independent contractors
• Farm laborers who work for a farm that employs less than 10 full-time, non-seasonal workers
• Railroad employees
• Federal workers
• Domestic workers directly employed by an individual household
• Certain sawmill and logging workers

In many of those cases, there are other legal options for workers to obtain compensation after a work-related injury, but the process can be more complicated, so it’s doubly important to consult with a knowledgeable North Carolina work injury attorney right away if you’re unsure if you qualify for workers’ comp.

How long do I have to file a workers’ comp claim in Huntersville?

The time limit (known as the statute of limitations) to file a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina is 2 years from the date of the injury or diagnosis of the occupational disease.

But—and this is important—employees only have 30 days to notify their employer after they sustain an injury or are diagnosed with a disease or illness due to their jobs.

Because of these tight timelines, you should never procrastinate and hope your injury heals on its own. Any delay whatsoever in filing your claim will be viewed skeptically by the insurance company or your employer, making it more likely that they will deny your claim.

Building a strong case on your behalf takes time and effort, so the sooner you can consult with an experienced Huntersville workers’ comp attorney about your claim, the better.

What workers’ comp benefits am I entitled to in Huntersville?

There are a variety of workers’ comp benefits an injured worker may be entitled to for their work-related injury or illness. Here are a few of the most common types of compensation available to most injured workers in Huntersville:

• Lost wage benefits. Employees who qualify for workers’ compensation benefits can expect two-thirds of their average weekly wage, up to a maximum rate that changes annually based on inflation.
• Medical benefits. Employees will have all medical expenses and treatments covered, as well as any travel that’s further than 20 miles round trip.
• Disability benefits. If your injury or disease leaves you with a permanent disability, you may be entitled to permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits or permanent total disability (PTD) benefits.
• Vocational rehabilitation. If your injury or illness is so debilitating that you can’t return to your old job or are earning less income as a result, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services.
• Death benefits. If a loved one dies because of a workplace accident or job-related illness, their family members may have access to death benefits, including income replacement for 500 weeks and funeral expenses totaling up to $10,000.

How do I file a workers’ comp claim in Huntersville, NC?

Below are the steps you need to take in North Carolina to file a workers’ compensation claim:

1. Get medical treatment. Whether you’re injured in a sudden accident or suffer a repetitive stress injury or other occupational disease from a long-term workplace exposure, the first thing you should do is seek medical treatment. You’ll need to ask your employer for a list of approved doctors (or “panel of physicians”) that you are allowed to visit unless it’s an emergency. If you are in immediate distress, don’t hesitate to call 911 or go to the emergency room. Waiting until after work or the weekend to seek help could only further aggravate the situation and cause issues with your claim.
2. Notify your boss. The next step in the process is to report your injury to your boss. Notify your manager or supervisor as soon as possible. Starting a paper trail is also important to secure your workers’ compensation benefits, so it’s best if you notify your employer in writing. Remember, if you wait more than 30 days to report your injury to your employer, you could lose out on your ability to receive benefits.
3. File a claim. Finally, you’ll need to correctly complete and submit Form 18 to the North Carolina Industrial Commission. This must be done within 2 years of your injury or the diagnosis of your occupational disease.

It’s vital to keep your employer informed at every step of the process. If your doctor excuses you from work or gives restrictions on the work you can perform, ask for this in writing and notify your employer immediately.

If your employer denies your claim or you suffered a catastrophic injury that will keep you from returning to work, reach out to a Huntersville work injury lawyer. They can help you calculate the value of your claim and negotiate with the insurer to help you secure all possible benefits.

About Huntersville, North Carolina

Huntersville is located in the northern tip of Mecklenburg County, on the border with South Carolina. Due to its close proximity to Charlotte (14 miles), it is considered an extended suburb of that city. Huntersville was originally named “Craighead,” but was later renamed to recognize a local cotton farmer named Robert Boston Hunter. Huntersville has grown in size over the decades as industry expands and the greater Charlotte region grows closer to the town.

Not far from Huntersville is the large man-made Lake Norman, which is popular with boaters and water sports enthusiasts near and far. Beyond the 8 elementary schools, 3 middle schools and 3 high schools, Huntersville also contains Central Piedmont Community College. The town is serviced by several main roadways, including Interstate 77, U.S. Highway 21 and North Carolina Highway 115. I-485 is also accessible. The town of Mooresville, NC is just 12 miles north.

Today, Huntersville is considered the 17th largest municipality in North Carolina, with an estimated 60,000 residents. Thanks to its low crime rate, the town is considered an excellent place to raise a family.

Huntersville is known in NASCAR circles as the base of operations for Joe Gibbs Racing, which runs 4 NASCAR Cup Series teams. As such, there have been a few famous NASCAR drivers from Huntersville—including Jim Vandiver, Blake Koch, Daniel Suarez and Harrison Burton. A few Major League Baseball players have also called Huntersville home, including Ben Shields and Hoyt Wilhelm, as well as professional basketball players Andrea Stinson and Brandyn Curry.

Top employers and industries in Huntersville, NC

One of the largest employers in Huntersville is the public school system, with over 1,000 teachers and administrative staff. The McGuire Nuclear Station employs roughly 1,200 people. Novant Health has about 750 employees, Metrolina Greenhouses and Joe Gibbs Racing employ about 650 each respectively, and Rubbermaid employs 400.

The Pactiv Corporation, which manufactures food packaging products, employs 315 people, GM Financial and Walmart each employ about 300 people, while Forbo Siegling, LCC, a manufacturer of conveyor belts and other plastic belt products, employs 280 workers. SAERTEX USA and Irwin Tools each employ 200 people, and the Town of Huntersville employs just over 100.

Burkert Fluid Controls has 100 people on staff, as does Positec Tool Corporation. Max Daetwyler Corporation, which makes printing accessories, employs roughly 95 people. DM Bowman, Inc., a transportation, warehousing and logistics company, has an estimated 70 people on staff. Southwire employs about 68 workers, while Microban International, an antimicrobial additives and odor control manufacturer, employs around 65 workers. Approximately 61 workers are employed at Keller Technology, a local custom machinery and contract fabrication services provider.