Charlotte Work Accident Lawyer

Charlotte Work Accident Attorney

An on-the-job injury can change your life in an instant. If you’ve been hurt in a one-time accident or have developed a chronic condition from repetitive work, you have rights. At Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, our experienced Charlotte work accident lawyers help injured employees across North Carolina pursue the full benefits and compensation they deserve.

Understanding Work Accidents in North Carolina

Workplace accidents happen in various places of employment, including construction sites, manufacturing plants, medical facilities, and office spaces. Despite safety standards and regulations, injuries are still too common. The North Carolina Department of Labor receives numerous reports each year of work-related injuries or illnesses.

North Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation Act is intended to deliver medical treatment, wage replacement, and other benefits to employees who are injured on the job. However, the system doesn’t always work as smoothly as it should. Insurance companies can and will attempt to delay, deny, or underpay legitimate claims. Our team of personal injury lawyer help clients with a wide range of job-related injuries and accidents, including:

• Falls from heights
• Vehicle collisions during work duties
• Machinery or equipment accidents
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Workplace violence or assault
• Exposure to harmful or toxic chemicals
• Slip-and-falls

Transportation incidents were the most common type of fatal event in North Carolina, making up 35 percent of the state’s fatal work injuries. The national share was 37 percent. North Carolina workplace deaths were partly caused by falls, slips, and trips, which made up 21 percent of the fatalities.

Common Causes of Workplace Injuries

No job is 100 percent safe. Workers can be injured even when they’re doing everything right and following all the rules. However, some conditions are more likely to lead to workplace accidents, including:

• Unsafe equipment. Machines without proper safety guards or maintenance are a common source of serious injury.
• Improper training. When workers are unprepared or haven’t been properly trained for a task, they’re at a greater risk of injury.
• Dangerous floors. One of the most common causes of workplace injuries, particularly in retail, healthcare, and food service, is slippery or cluttered floors.
• Overexertion. Strain from lifting heavy objects or repetitive motions can lead to muscle injury or joint damage.
• Fatigue. Long shifts, lack of breaks, and too much overtime work can increase the risk of accidents due to decreased alertness and concentration.
• Not following OSHA standards. When employers or companies don’t follow safety protocols and regulations, it can create a hazardous work environment.

If any of these conditions were a factor in your injury, you could have a strong case for workers’ compensation, and you might even be able to file a third-party liability claim.

Filing a Claim for a Work Accident

North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system covers the majority of injured employees. In most cases, the system bars you from suing your employer in the event of a workplace injury. In exchange for that protection, there are certain guaranteed benefits. Workers’ comp is a no-fault system, so you can qualify for these benefits regardless of who is at fault for the accident. The benefits include medical treatment and partial replacement of lost wages.

The tradeoff is that you can’t recover as much money as you might be entitled to in a typical personal injury case. For instance, you cannot recover damages for pain and suffering through workers’ comp; however, there are exceptions to that rule.

You can generally file a claim against a third party in any situation where someone besides your employer contributed to your injuries. Some common scenarios where this is possible include cases where an outside contractor, delivery driver, property owner, or equipment manufacturer caused the accident or made it worse.

About Us

At Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, we stand up for the rights of injured workers, and we treat you with respect, dignity, and care. Our Charlotte and Spartanburg clients have depended on our services to heal from severe injuries and regain their dignity for more than ten years. We can bring you to a judge at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, and you can trust us to fight for you with the focus and zeal that you and your case deserve.

FAQs

Q: How Much Do Workers’ Compensation Claims in NC Pay Out?

A: The amount that workers’ compensation claims in North Carolina pay out depends on the injury’s severity, average weekly earnings, and anticipated work absence duration. Benefits cover medical expenses and part of your lost income, but generally not pain and suffering. Each claim is unique, and insurance companies often attempt to limit payouts, so legal representation is important.

Q: How Much Can You File a Claim for an Injury at Work?

A: For an injury at work, you can generally file a claim for your economic damages with workers’ compensation. You typically can’t file a legal claim against your employer, but you can still collect compensation from the workers’ compensation system. If the injury was the fault of a third party, such as a contractor or manufacturer, you may be able to file a claim against them for the full extent of your damages, including pain and suffering.

Q: How Much Is Pain and Suffering Worth in NC?

A: How much pain and suffering is worth in NC depends on the specific circumstances of your situation, such as the extent of the injury and its impact on your quality of life. There is no set formula; however, with proper documentation and an attorney on your side, you can get the maximum compensation when a third party has acted negligently.

Q: What Won’t Workers’ Comp Lawyers Tell You?

A: Some workers’ comp attorneys won’t stress that workers’ comp benefits don’t cover all losses, such as pain and suffering or long-term emotional consequences. They might also underplay the importance of pursuing possible third-party claims. A skilled lawyer can explain every compensation option, including those outside workers’ comp, to make sure you preserve all potential rights and benefits.

Hire a Work Accident Lawyer in Charlotte

If you were injured in a work accident, hire a work accident lawyer from Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC to help you understand your compensation options. We understand work accident claims and have handled many work accident cases. Contact one of our Charlotte work accident attorneys today.