What to Expect With Your Workmans’ Compensation Case
May 5 , 2019The purpose of workers’ compensation is to cover the “economic costs” of an injury or illness developed as a result of work. There are three things that this encompasses: current medical treatment, time out of work, and permanent injury costs.
Over 20 Years of Workers’ Comp Experience
While there are certain limitations and common misconceptions about workers’ compensation, at the Ramsay Law Firm, in Charlotte, North Carolina, we are upfront and straightforward with what to expect from workman’s comp. Attorney Martha Ramsay will be an aggressive advocate for you. She has over 25 years of experience in fighting for injured workers in North Carolina. She will clearly explain to you what you can seek compensation for, address your concerns and do everything she can to get a fair recovery.Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Charlotte workers’ compensation attorney. Call from anywhere in North Carolina at (704) 376-1616.
What Workers’ Compensation Really Covers
A person seeking workers’ compensation should not expect a jury trial in court. In North Carolina, workers’ comp disputes are settled by the Industrial Commission, where decisions are resolved administratively.Here are additional points about what workers’ comp does and does not cover:
- Workers’ comp does not cover pain and suffering
- Workers’ comp covers ongoing medical care and current lost wages
- It does not cover future time off work or future medical expenses that may crop up after your case is closed
- Industrial Commission does not have authority to award lump sums
- Only “disputed” cases actually go before the Industrial Commission
- Cannot make a separate personal injury claim against the employer
Even if an employer did something negligent to cause your injury, you cannot sue in a civil court under a personal injury claim. Instead, you would have to have a claim against a third party. The only exception to this is if an employer intentionally injured you. Although workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering, there are other types of claims available. They include dual and wrongful termination claims.The good thing about workers’ compensation, is that your “fault” is not a factor. The only time fault affects recovery is if there was intentional self-infliction of an injury or drug or alcohol use was involved.
Contact Us Today
Call the Ramsay Law Firm in Charlotte today at (704) 376-1616 to discuss your case with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer. You can also contact us by e-mail to schedule an appointment. Your first consultation will be informative and free.
A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way.