After an injury on the job, our workers’ compensation lawyers will fight for the benefits you need.
We’ve helped injured workers across North Carolina for over 45 years and are ready to help you, too. Contact us to speak with a workers' compensation lawyer for free today.
Protecting The Rights of Injured Workers Since 1976
You Pay Nothing Unless We Win Your Case
A workplace accident can cause more than just physical harm. It can take a significant emotional and financial toll on workers and their families, leaving them uncertain of the future and wondering how they’ll be able to afford the care they need. While workers' compensation insurance is supposed to help and protect injured workers, we often see claim denials for reasons such as a lack of evidence to support the claim or missed deadlines. We know how crucial these benefits are to helping you support yourself and your family, which is why we’re committed to getting you the benefits you need.
Regardless of whether you’re beginning the process of applying for benefits or have already applied and been denied, our workers' compensation lawyers are here to help. We’ve been helping injured workers across North Carolina since 1976 and will use our experience and knowledge to fight for the benefits you need. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation by filling out an online form or calling us at 919-999-3320.
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When should you consult an attorney about a workers' compensation claim?
The severity of your injury determines this. If your injury is minor and a full recovery is expected, legal representation may not be necessary. However, if your injury is severe and requires surgery that jeopardizes your ability to return to your prior employment, consulting an attorney is advisable.
$240 Thousand
Workers' Compensation
$15 Million
Nursing Home Abuse
$9.5 Million
Truck Accident
About Henson Fuerst Attorneys
Over 150 years of combined experience
We have been serving accident victims since 1976. If you need a workers' compensation lawyer in North Carolina, contact us today.
Our law firm is highly rated by our clients
You can expect to be treated like family and receive honest and compassionate legal representation. We have helped thousands of clients just like you.
Our team is available 24 hours a day
Contact our NC workers' compensation lawyers day or night to get help with your case. Henson Fuerst will stand up for your rights.
"I had a work injury. The owner of the company did not have workers’ compensation insurance. I was afraid doctor bills wouldn’t get paid, so I retained this company. My employer also never offered a dime outside of doctor bills. Joey and Kim worked my case. They were so amazing and stuck with me every single step of the way. They put my mind at ease. If you are looking for an attorney and paralegal who know all of the ins and outs of these cases, and work to get for you what you deserve, Joey and Kim are exactly what you need!"
Steve C.
Workers' Compensation
Getting You The Workers’ Comp Benefits You Need is Our Top Priority
We Won’t Let The Insurance Company Take Advantage of You
After your employer’s insurance carrier becomes aware of your work-related injury or illness, they’ll quickly assign a claims adjuster to your file, often before you begin receiving any treatment. However, it's crucial to remain vigilant; these adjusters are representatives of the insurance company, not advocates for your best interests. Regrettably, you cannot rely on them to prioritize the well-being of you and your loved ones. More often than not, you'll feel reduced to a mere statistic within their system. Workers' compensation adjusters adhere to their own strategies for probing, defending, negotiating, and resolving claims. It might seem as though you stand alone, with the insurance company poised to exploit any inconsistency. At Henson Fuerst, we stand by our clients. We're here to support you, advocating fiercely to facilitate your journey back to health and financial stability.
We’ll Stand By Your Side, Every Step of The Way.
From the moment you contact our law firm to the conclusion of your case, you can rest assured that our team will be by your side and available to you whenever you need us. Whether it’s filing paperwork or going head-to-head with insurance companies, we have the experience, knowledge, resources, and compassion to safeguard your rights and fight for the benefits you need. We know the impact an occupational injury or illness has on a person’s life and will do whatever it takes to make sure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. When it feels like your voice isn't being heard, our attorneys will champion your cause. Contact our workers’ compensation lawyers today by calling 919-999-3320 or submitting a free case evaluation form online.
What Should I Do After Suffering a Work Injury?
Seek immediate medical attention
If your workplace has a designated healthcare provider, make sure to promptly seek medical attention from them. If this is unavailable, ensure you get appropriate medical care elsewhere. Give the provider as much detail as possible, including how and when the accident occurred, and your employer’s details. This will help in processing your treatment expenses as a workers’ compensation claim.
Report your injuries to your employer
Notify your manager or company owner about your injuries as soon as possible. If you can’t report the accident yourself, arrange for a family member or healthcare provider to inform your employer.
Provide Written Notice of Your Injuries to Your Employer
Within 30 days of the incident, send your employer a written notice of your injury. The notice should include a brief description of the accident and injury. If writing is not feasible, enlist a family member or healthcare provider to assist. Keep a copy of the notice for your records.
Adhere to Your Healthcare Provider's Instructions
Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider to optimize your recovery and restore your pre-accident health. Make sure to attend all follow-up appointments as well, as this documentation is crucial to supporting your workers’ compensation claim.
What Should I Do If My Claim is Denied?
Consult an attorney. Workers’ compensation law may be too complicated to handle on your own. Many people try to go it alone and make mistakes that can be irreversible. You need a knowledgeable North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer to help you navigate the process. Your employer and the insurance company will definitely have attorneys, which puts you at a disadvantage unless you have your own representation.
We never charge a fee unless we obtain a recovery for you. If a recovery is not made, you pay us nothing.
Understanding Your Rights as an Injured Worker in North Carolina
As an injured worker in North Carolina, you have several rights protected by state law. Some of these rights include:
- Right to File a Workers' Compensation Claim: If you sustain a work-related injury or illness, you have the right to file a workers' compensation claim to seek benefits for your medical expenses and lost wages.
- Right to Medical Treatment: You have the right to receive reasonable and necessary medical treatment for your work-related injury or illness, including doctor's visits, hospital care, medications, surgeries, and rehabilitation services.
- Right to Choose a Physician: In North Carolina, you have the right to choose your treating physician for your work-related injury or illness. However, your employer may require you to see an approved healthcare provider for an initial evaluation.
- Right to Disability Benefits: If your injury or illness prevents you from working, you have the right to receive disability benefits to compensate for a portion of your lost wages. These benefits may include temporary total disability (TTD) benefits or temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits.
- Right to Vocational Rehabilitation: If you're unable to return to your previous job due to your injury or illness, you have the right to vocational rehabilitation services to help you retrain for a new job or obtain suitable employment.
- Right to Appeal: If your workers' compensation claim is denied or disputed by your employer or the insurance company, you have the right to appeal the decision and request a hearing before the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
- Right to Protection Against Retaliation: It's illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for filing a workers' compensation claim or exercising your rights under the law. This includes termination, demotion, or any other adverse employment action.
- Right to Privacy: Your medical records and personal information related to your workers' compensation claim are protected by privacy laws, and your employer is prohibited from disclosing this information without your consent.
- Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to seek legal representation from a qualified workers' compensation attorney to help you understand your rights, navigate the claims process, and protect your interests.
It's essential to understand your rights as an injured worker in North Carolina and take appropriate steps to assert and protect those rights. If you have questions or concerns about your rights under workers' compensation law, consider consulting with a knowledgeable attorney who can provide guidance and advocacy tailored to your specific situation. Our team is available 24/7 to discuss your case, free of charge. Call us at 919-999-3320 or submit a free case evaluation form online today.
Will I Lose My Health Insurance If I’m On Workers’ Compensation?
In North Carolina, while collecting workers' compensation benefits, your employer is typically required to continue providing health insurance coverage if they provided it before your injury. However, there are some situations where you may risk losing your health insurance benefits while receiving workers' compensation benefits:
- Termination of employment. If your employment is terminated while you're receiving workers' compensation benefits, your employer may no longer be obligated to provide health insurance coverage. However, depending on the circumstances of your termination and the reasons for it, they may still be required to provide workers' compensation benefits.
- Failure to pay premiums. If you're responsible for paying premiums for your health insurance coverage, you must ensure that these premiums are paid while you're receiving workers' compensation benefits. Failure to do so could result in the loss of coverage.
- Exhaustion of benefits. Depending on the terms of your health insurance plan, there may be limitations on the duration of coverage while you're on leave due to a work-related injury. If your health insurance benefits have a maximum coverage period, you could lose coverage once this period expires, even if you're still receiving workers' compensation benefits.
- Employer policy changes. Employers may change their health insurance policies or benefits offerings over time, which could potentially impact your coverage while you're on workers' compensation leave. It's essential to stay informed about any changes to your employer's policies regarding health insurance benefits.
It's crucial to review the terms of your health insurance plan, communicate with your employer's human resources department, and consult with a knowledgeable workers' compensation attorney to understand your rights and obligations regarding health insurance coverage while receiving workers' compensation benefits. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and help ensure you receive the benefits you're entitled to.
We have represented thousands of clients for over 45 years.
$240K Settlement
While stepping down from a truck, our client suffered a type of ankle fracture called a calcaneous avulsion fracture. His injuries required complicated surgery and aggressive physical therapy. The injury then triggered a complex regional pain syndrome. As a result of this serious medical condition, our client was unable to return to his job. The settlement for our client was fully collectible.
How Long Can You Stay on Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the duration for which an individual can receive workers' compensation benefits varies depending on the nature and severity of the injury, as well as other factors. Here are some key points regarding the duration of workers' compensation benefits in North Carolina:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits: If an injured worker is temporarily unable to work due to their injury, they may be eligible to receive TTD benefits. These benefits typically provide compensation for lost wages while the worker is recovering. In North Carolina, TTD benefits can be paid for up to 500 weeks from the date of the injury.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits: If an injured worker is able to return to work but is earning less than they were before the injury due to work-related restrictions, they may be eligible for TPD benefits. These benefits provide partial compensation for the difference in earnings. Like TTD benefits, TPD benefits in North Carolina can also be paid for up to 500 weeks from the date of injury.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits: If an injured worker sustains a permanent impairment as a result of their work-related injury, they may be entitled to PPD benefits. The duration and amount of these benefits are determined based on the severity of the impairment and other factors outlined in the North Carolina Workers' Compensation Act.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits: If an injured worker is permanently and totally disabled as a result of their work-related injury, they may be eligible for PTD benefits. These benefits provide ongoing compensation for individuals unable to engage in substantial gainful employment. PTD benefits can continue for the duration of the disability.
It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and the specific circumstances of each case can impact the duration and amount of workers' compensation benefits. Additionally, individuals receiving workers' compensation benefits in North Carolina are typically subject to periodic reviews to assess their eligibility for continued benefits.
Who is Exempt from Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, certain categories of workers are typically exempt from workers' compensation coverage. These exemptions may include:
- Independent contractors. Individuals who work as independent contractors rather than employees are typically not covered by workers' compensation insurance.
- Certain agricultural workers. Agricultural workers may be exempt from workers' compensation coverage under certain circumstances, such as if they work for a small farm with fewer than ten full-time employees.
- Casual workers. Some states exempt casual workers, such as occasional or seasonal employees, from workers' compensation coverage.
- Domestic workers. Workers who provide services in a private home, such as housekeepers, babysitters, or gardeners, may not be covered by workers' compensation.
- Sole proprietors, partners, and corporate officers. In many states, sole proprietors, partners in partnerships, and corporate officers may choose to be excluded from workers' compensation coverage, although they can opt to be covered if desired.
- Volunteers. Volunteers who donate their time and services without expectation of compensation are generally not covered by workers' compensation insurance.
It's important to note that these exemptions can vary depending on state laws and regulations. Additionally, some employers may misclassify workers as independent contractors to avoid providing workers' compensation coverage, which can lead to legal issues and penalties. If you have questions about your eligibility for workers' compensation coverage or believe you have been misclassified, contact the workers’ compensation team at Henson Fuerst by calling 919-999-3320.