WORKERS' COMPENSATION
If you are suffering due to a job-related injury, there are ways to help alleviate the financial burden resulting from increased medical bills and involuntary absenses from work. At Ralston Benton Byerley & Moore, we can help ensure you receive the maximum benefits available to you. Our attorneys have insider knowledge, having worked with and for insurance companies in the past. It is through this unique perspective that we are able to better-assist clients through the claims process.
If you or your loved one has experienced a work-related injury or accident, schedule a free consultation by calling (704) 878-0787 or by filling out our online intake form.
INJURED ON THE JOB?
If you are injured on the job, there are certain steps you need to take to ensure your claim is properly reported to the North Carolina Industrial Commission, which governs work injuries.
1. Report the injury to your supervisor or to human resources as soon as possible but no later than 30 days after the injury or incident. While you are only required to give verbal notice, written notice is preferred.
2. Ask your employer where you should go to get medical treatment. In North Carolina, the employer and/or insurance company gets to tell you when and where to seek treatment.
3. Make sure a claim is set up with your employer's insurance company. Most of the time your employer will report the accident for you; however, you should also report the injury. This can be done by filing a Form 18 and submitting it to the North Carolina Industrial Commission. A copy of the form can be found on the Commission's website, or by clicking here.
4. Once the claim is opened with your employer's workers' compensation carrier, an adjuster should reach out to you regarding your claim.
5. The adjuster generally has 90 days to investigate your claim and determine whether your claim is compensable, meaning whether you are eligible for benefits or not.
6. Once your claim has been accepted, the insurance company will direct and pay for your medical treatment.
7. If your claim is denied, you can file an appeal by filling out a Form 33 and submitting it to the North Carolina Industrial Commission, which can also be found on the commission's website or by clicking here.