Statesville Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Workers who have been seriously hurt on the job in Statesville or anywhere else in Iredell County count on the workers’ comp system to provide medical treatment and wage replacement benefits while they recover.

Unfortunately, instead of financial relief, many workers are met with pushback, delays, and outright denials after they file a workers’ comp claim. That’s why so many injured North Carolinians like you regularly turn to Wilder Pantazis Law Group to help them with their workers’ compensation cases.

Our Statesville work injury attorneys have fought on behalf of injured North Carolina workers for more than 85 years, so we know how to secure the benefits you’re owed.

How do we do it? We use our extensive workers’ comp legal knowledge and work hand-in-hand with medical and vocational experts to deliver the best possible results, keeping you in the loop every step of the way.

Don’t try to take on your employer or big insurance alone. Let us do the heavy lifting so you can focus on your recovery.

Schedule a free consultation with Wilder Pantazis Law Group today and find out why we’re the trusted choice for injured workers in Statesville and throughout North Carolina.

Answers to top questions about Statesville workers’ comp claims

Which workers qualify for workers’ comp in Statesville?

In North Carolina, most businesses with 3 or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you’re on their payroll—as an employee, not a contractor—you’re generally covered.

To qualify for benefits, two things need to be true:

1. You must be an employee of a qualifying business—not an independent contractor or someone the law sees as self-employed.
2. Your injury or illness must be work-related—meaning it either happened on the job (like a brain injury from falling off a ladder) or developed over time because of your work duties or environment. Examples of covered occupational illnesses and diseases that develop over time include repetitive strain injuries like arthritis and tendonitis and conditions like mesothelioma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that are caused by long-term exposure to hazardous toxins or chemicals.

If both apply to your situation, you’re likely eligible for workers’ comp. When in doubt, talk with a local North Carolina workers’ comp lawyer who can help clarify your specific rights and legal options for financial recovery.

What workers’ comp benefits can I get after an injury at work in Statesville?

After a workplace injury in Statesville, workers’ comp is there to help cover the essentials—like your medical care and part of your lost income while you’re out of work. Typical types of workers’ comp benefits available to injured North Carolina workers include:

• Medical benefits. This includes doctor visits, surgery, rehab, medications, medical supplies and equipment, and other necessary care.
• Indemnity benefits. If you’re out of work, you may receive weekly checks to help replace lost income—usually about two-thirds of your average weekly wage. If your injury is serious, you may qualify for additional compensation for lasting impairment.
• Vocational rehab. If you can’t return to your old job, you may get help with retraining or finding new work.
• Death benefits. If a loved one dies from a work-related injury, their dependents may qualify for financial support for lost income and funeral costs.

If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury—something that’s likely to change your life or ability to work long-term—it’s especially important to speak with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer.

Insurance companies often push quick payouts that don’t even come close to covering what you’ll need in the years ahead. An experienced Statesville work injury compensation lawyer can calculate the past and future benefits you’re eligible for and handle the negotiations with the insurance company to ensure you’re not shortchanged.

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

If you want to file a workers’ comp claim in Statesville, there are some key steps you need to take to protect your rights. Missing a deadline or skipping a step can give the insurance company a reason to deny your claim, so timing and documentation are crucial. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Get medical attention. If you’re hurt on the job, don’t wait to get treated. Go to the emergency room if it’s urgent, but if it’s not, ask your employer for a list of approved doctors. In North Carolina, you generally need to see a provider authorized by your employer’s insurance. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the insurer will question your injury or delay approving care.
2. Report the injury to your employer. As soon as you can, let your boss or supervisor know what happened. It’s best to do this in writing so there’s a record. By law, you must report your injury or the discovery or your occupational disease within 30 days, or you could lose your right to benefits altogether.
3. File Form 18. To officially start your workers’ comp claim, you’ll need to submit Form 18 to the North Carolina Industrial Commission. You have up to 2 years from the date of the injury or disease diagnosis, but filing sooner helps keep your claim moving and strengthens your case.

If your claim is denied or you’re not getting the medical care or compensation you need, don’t try to handle it alone. A Statesville work injury attorney can step in, deal with the insurance company, and file a workers’ comp appeal if necessary to help you get the full benefits you’re entitled to.

About Statesville, North Carolina

The town of Statesville was officially founded in 1789. Settlers in the area congregated at a log cabin located in the center of town, which is now the First Presbyterian Church.

Before 1789, the settlement was called Fourth Creek, named after a stream that ran to the north of town. A frontier fort was built in 1755, to which soldiers were assigned during the French and Indian War. The year before Statesville was founded, the North Carolina state legislature divided up Rowan County. The new county that housed Statesville was named “Iredell,” after James Iredell, a justice on the Supreme Court during George Washington’s presidency.

When the 1800 census was taken, Statesville was found to have 95 residents—68 free people and 27 slaves. Around 1833, railroad tracks were laid to connect the area containing Statesville (called the Piedmont) to other cities and towns along a northeast/southwest direction. Twenty years later, Statesville grew larger as farmers grew their cash crop: tobacco.

Nowadays, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that about 31,693 people call Statesville home, and the area continues to boom as part of the Charlotte metropolitan area. Statesville has a daily newspaper called the Statesville Record & Landmark, and 2 local radio stations (WAME 92.9 FM and WSIC 100.7).

Local resources for Statesville, NC residents