Hickory Workers Compensation Lawyer

Workers Compensation Attorney in Hickory, NC

Workplace injuries can negatively affect your income, health, and future. Injured workers often face piles of medical bills and employment issues. Employers and insurance carriers don’t always make the process easy for those hurt on the job. At Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, a Hickory workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand your rights and help you get the benefits you deserve under North Carolina law.

Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

When you hire a workers’ compensation lawyer, you hire someone who can stand up for your rights. Your attorney can gather evidence, procure medical testimony, and advocate for deadlines to be met. Hiring a lawyer after a workplace injury can give you the peace of mind you need to focus on recovering from your injuries.

At Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, we have spent over a decade protecting the rights of individuals and families across North Carolina. When life puts you in a tough legal situation, you need a Hickory workers’ compensation attorney who will treat you with compassion and respect. You also want someone who can advocate diligently on your behalf.

Our legal team frequently handles cases in the vicinity of the Catawba County Courthouse, found at 100 Government Dr, Newton, NC 28658. We understand how local procedures affect the outcome of your workers’ compensation case. If you’re dealing with a workplace injury, immigration concerns, or any other legal hurdle, our team is prepared to advocate for you.

North Carolina Workers Compensation Laws

In North Carolina, most employers with three or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. North Carolina General Statute § 97-2 defines workplace injuries and occupational diseases that are covered under state workers’ comp laws.

When employees are hurt on the job due to working in their normal work environment, they should be covered by their employer’s insurance policy. Coverage typically includes payment for medical treatment as well as a portion of lost wages due to injury.

North Carolina General Statute § 97-29 covers disability benefits for workers who are unable to return to work after suffering an injury. If you cannot work for a period, either temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to partial wage replacement from workers’ comp.

Just because you qualify for workers’ comp benefits under North Carolina law doesn’t mean your claim will be approved. Insurance companies often contest the cause of injury, the severity of the condition, or even whether the worker properly reported the accident.

Common Types of Workplace Injuries in Hickory

Hickory is home to many employees in manufacturing, shipping/logistics, healthcare, and construction. Jobs in these industries may require heavy lifting, physical labor, and repetitive tasks. All these work environments can create a risk for employee injury. Some common types of injuries seen in these fields, and others, include:

• Falls in warehouses or at work locations
• Back injuries and neck injuries from lifting heavy objects
• Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome
• Machinery accidents in factories and workplaces
• Struck by objects, such as falling items or equipment
• Occupational diseases from exposure to dangerous materials

If you are injured at work, there is likely a workers’ comp law that covers your injury. Some workplace injuries require specific reporting procedures, so contact an attorney as soon as possible.

What To Do After Suffering a Workplace Injury

Private companies reported 64,200 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in North Carolina in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2024, North Carolina’s injury and illness rate per 100 full-time workers was 1.9, lower than the 2.3 national average.

The steps you take after suffering an injury on the job can help or hurt your case. The sooner you report the accident to your employer and seek medical treatment, the better. A serious error would be to postpone reporting the incident.

Documentation is key to a successful workers’ compensation claim. It’s also a good idea to jot down how the accident occurred and who witnessed it, if anyone. If you have been injured, you will want to do the following:

• Report your injury to your employer.
• Immediately seek medical treatment.
• Document the accident and how your injuries occurred
• Keep a file with doctor’s visits, prescriptions, and payment
• Consult with a workers’ comp attorney if your claim is denied

FAQs

How Does Workers’ Compensation Work in NC?

Workers’ compensation in North Carolina allows employees who suffer injuries or illnesses related to their job to receive benefits from their employer. In North Carolina, most employers are required to carry compensation coverage if they have three or more employees. Workers’ comp can pay for medical treatment for your injury, part of your lost wages while out of work, and disability benefits.

What Is Not Covered Under Workers’ Comp?

Workers’ compensation does not cover work injuries that occur if an employee is not performing their work duties. For example, if you injure yourself while intoxicated, horseplaying, or traveling to and from work, your injury will likely not be covered by workers’ compensation. Injuries suffered by independent contractors will also not be covered. If you only suffered an emotional injury, you will likely not be able to recover workers’ compensation benefits.

Can You Be Terminated While on Workers’ Comp in NC?

Technically, you can be terminated while on workers’ comp in NC. North Carolina is an at-will employment state. Employers can fire workers for a variety of lawful reasons, even if an employee is receiving compensation benefits. Terminating an employee for filing a workers’ comp claim is prohibited, potentially violating the North Carolina Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act (REDA).

What Is the WC Law in NC?

North Carolina’s workers’ compensation law can be found in the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act. Like most states, North Carolina requires most employers with three or more employees to carry workers’ compensation. Employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance to cover injuries that employees may suffer while on the job.

Contact Our Hickory Workers Compensation Lawyer

If you were injured while on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. An attorney at Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC can help. Contact us today to find out how we can put our knowledge and experience to work for you.

Hickory, NC Workers Compensation Resources

• Can Psychological Stress be Compensable Under Workers’ Comp?
• Can You Choose Your Own Doctor in a Workers’ Comp Case?