Workers Compensation Lawyer in Raleigh, NC
Injured at work? Get the benefits you deserve. Our experienced workers compensation attorneys fight for Raleigh workers against insurance companies and employers who deny legitimate claims.
Raleigh Office
Serving Wake County
Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM
Emergency available
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Bilingual staff
No Win, No Fee
Contingency basis
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Common Workplace Injuries in Raleigh
Physical Injuries
- Back and spine injuries
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents
- Construction accidents
- Machinery accidents
- Burns and chemical exposure
Repetitive Stress Injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendinitis and bursitis
- Herniated discs
- Neck and shoulder strain
- Vision problems from computer work
Occupational Diseases
- Lung diseases from dust exposure
- Hearing loss from noise
- Chemical poisoning
- Skin conditions
- Work-related stress disorders
Fatal Workplace Accidents
- Vehicle accidents
- Falls from heights
- Electrocution
- Struck by objects
- Workplace violence
Workers Compensation Benefits in North Carolina
Medical Benefits
- • All reasonable and necessary medical treatment
- • Hospital and emergency room visits
- • Doctor visits and specialist consultations
- • Prescription medications
- • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- • Medical equipment and prosthetics
- • Mileage reimbursement for medical travel
Disability Benefits
- • Temporary total disability payments
- • Temporary partial disability benefits
- • Permanent partial disability compensation
- • Permanent total disability benefits
- • Based on 2/3 of average weekly wage
- • Subject to state maximum limits
- • Tax-free benefits
Vocational Rehabilitation
- • Job retraining programs
- • Educational assistance
- • Job placement services
- • Workplace accommodations
- • Return-to-work planning
- • Career counseling services
- • Skills assessment testing
Death Benefits
- • Burial and funeral expenses
- • Weekly benefits to dependents
- • Surviving spouse benefits
- • Children's benefits until age 18
- • Student benefits until age 23
- • Dependent parent benefits
- • Lump sum settlements available
North Carolina Workers Compensation Claims Process
Report Your Injury
Immediately report your workplace injury to your supervisor or employer. You have 30 days to report in North Carolina, but prompt reporting strengthens your claim.
Seek Medical Treatment
Get immediate medical attention for your injuries. Your employer or their insurance company will initially direct your medical care, but you have rights regarding treatment choices.
File Your Claim
Complete Form 18 (Notice of Accident to Employer) and Form 19 (Employee's Claim for Compensation) with the North Carolina Industrial Commission within two years of your injury.
Insurance Investigation
The insurance company will investigate your claim, review medical records, and may conduct surveillance. Having an attorney protects your rights during this process.
Claim Resolution
Your claim may be accepted, denied, or disputed. If denied or insufficient, we can appeal to the Industrial Commission and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Fighting Denied Workers Compensation Claims
Don't accept a denial without a fight. Insurance companies often deny legitimate claims hoping injured workers won't appeal. We've successfully overturned hundreds of wrongful denials in Raleigh and Wake County.
Common Denial Reasons
- • Claiming injury didn't occur at work
- • Alleging pre-existing conditions
- • Disputing medical causation
- • Late reporting of injury
- • Questioning witness statements
- • Independent medical examinations
- • Surveillance evidence misinterpretation
Our Appeal Strategy
- • Comprehensive medical record review
- • Expert medical testimony
- • Witness interviews and statements
- • Workplace safety investigations
- • Detailed legal briefs
- • Aggressive Industrial Commission representation
- • Settlement negotiations when appropriate
Raleigh Workers Compensation Resources
Government Offices
- NC Industrial Commission
4340 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699
Workers compensation hearings and appeals - NC Department of Labor
1101 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699
Workplace safety inspections - Wake County Courthouse
316 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Legal proceedings and filings
Medical Resources
- WakeMed Health System
3000 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27610
Emergency and occupational medicine - Duke Raleigh Hospital
3400 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
Specialized injury treatment - UNC REX Healthcare
4420 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607
Rehabilitation services
Major Raleigh Area Employers We Serve
Government & Education
- • State of North Carolina
- • Wake County
- • City of Raleigh
- • NC State University
- • Wake County Schools
- • Wake Technical College
Healthcare
- • WakeMed Health System
- • Duke University Health
- • UNC REX Healthcare
- • Novant Health
- • Atrium Health
- • Blue Cross Blue Shield NC
Technology & Business
- • IBM
- • Cisco Systems
- • Red Hat
- • MetLife
- • Credit Suisse
- • First Citizens Bank
Third-Party Claims for Additional Compensation
While workers compensation is typically your exclusive remedy against your employer, you may be able to pursue additional compensation through third-party claims against other responsible parties.
Potential Third Parties
- • Equipment manufacturers (defective products)
- • Contractors and subcontractors
- • Property owners
- • Vehicle drivers
- • Product suppliers
- • Maintenance companies
Additional Damages Available
- • Full lost wages (not just 2/3)
- • Pain and suffering compensation
- • Future earning capacity
- • Punitive damages
- • Loss of consortium
- • Quality of life damages
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of injuries are covered by workers compensation in North Carolina?
NC workers compensation covers injuries arising out of and in the course of employment, including repetitive stress injuries, back injuries, burns, cuts, broken bones, occupational diseases, and psychological injuries in certain circumstances.
How long do I have to report a workplace injury in Raleigh?
You must report your workplace injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident or when you knew or should have known the injury was work-related. Failing to report timely can result in denial of benefits.
Can I be fired for filing a workers compensation claim in North Carolina?
No, it's illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for filing legitimate workers compensation claims. If you face retaliation, you may have additional legal remedies beyond workers compensation.
What benefits can I receive through NC workers compensation?
NC workers compensation provides medical benefits, temporary disability payments, permanent disability compensation, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits for families of workers killed on the job.
How is disability rating determined in North Carolina workers compensation?
Disability ratings are based on medical evaluations and the American Medical Association Guidelines. The rating determines the amount and duration of disability benefits you may receive.
Can I choose my own doctor for workers compensation treatment in Raleigh?
In NC, your employer or their insurance carrier initially chooses your treating physician. However, you can request a change of physician under certain circumstances, and you're entitled to a second opinion.
What should I do if my workers compensation claim is denied?
If your claim is denied, you can request a hearing before the NC Industrial Commission. You have limited time to file an appeal, so it's important to act quickly and seek legal representation.
Are independent contractors covered by workers compensation in North Carolina?
True independent contractors are not covered by workers compensation. However, many workers classified as independent contractors are actually employees and may be entitled to coverage.
Can I sue my employer for a workplace injury in Raleigh?
Generally, workers compensation is your exclusive remedy against your employer. However, you may be able to sue if your employer intentionally caused your injury or if a third party was responsible for your accident.
Get the Workers Compensation Benefits You Deserve
Don't let insurance companies deny your legitimate claim. Our experienced workers compensation attorneys fight for injured Raleigh workers every day.
Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC - Raleigh
4426 Louisburg Rd
Raleigh, NC 27616
(919) 533-7000
Free Consultation
raleigh@vasquezlawfirm.com
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