When Should I Call a Workers’ Comp Attorney in North Carolina?

If you’ve been injured, you may be able to claim workers’ compensation for your injuries. However, many legal issues can arise during a workers’ compensation claim which can lead to suspension or cancellation of workers’ compensation benefits. Fixing these issues and getting you the compensation you need may mean hiring a workers’ comp lawyer to help with your claim. But when should you call a workers’ comp lawyer? How early is too early? The Charlotte workman’s comp attorneys at the Ramsay Law Firm explain.

When Do I Need a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in North Carolina?

The process of filing for workers’ comp can be complex – but don’t let it discourage you. Workers’ compensation is essentially an insurance program provided by your employer to help you get your medical costs and wages covered while you’re too injured to return to work. If you are seriously injured, you should always go to the emergency room and get treatment. After that, talk to your employer; tell them you’ve been injured and need workers’ comp coverage. They will often provide you with a list of doctors to see, so you should make an appointment with one of those doctors to ensure you receive your medical benefits. Tell the physician the appointment is for a workers’ comp injury and get in to see the doctor as soon as you can.

When you walk out of that doctor’s office, you may be ready to bring an attorney into your case. Once you see your treating physician, they should be able to provide you with a diagnosis for your injuries or condition, along with a treatment plan. Sometimes, the diagnosis is simple – e.g. “broken arm.” In other cases, the condition is much more complex, such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) due to a crush injury. In other cases, you may have serious pain and discomfort, but the doctor refuses to diagnose you with any condition and tells you you should get back to work.

At this point, a workers’ compensation attorney may be able to help with your case. If the diagnosis the doctor gave you is acceptable, you may be able to continue claiming workers’ compensation. An attorney can help guide you through what benefits you are entitled to and help you maximize your coverage and benefits. If the diagnosis was unacceptable, your attorney can help you find second opinions or file to see a doctor of your choice. Since workers’ comp insurance companies usually have a list of acceptable doctors to choose from, you may be able to get a second opinion on your diagnosis. If you would prefer to see your own doctor, your attorney may be able to appeal your case so that you can use your doctor of choice instead of your employer’s doctors. If you are outright denied workers’ comp, your attorney can appeal your case.

Why Would I Hire a Lawyer for Workers’ Compensation Claims in NC?

Many workers’ compensation claims become far more complex than originally anticipated. When this happens, you may be left with the feeling that no one is on your side, and you may be pressured to stop taking the benefits and return to work. If your injuries are too severe, a lawyer may be able to stand up for you and ensure you get the full coverage you are entitled to.

Workers comp lawyers can help with a number of areas of workers’ comp claims and stand up to protect your right to compensation. Some main areas we may be able to help with include:

Getting Treatment Approved

If your employer’s doctor of choice refuses to diagnose you, you may be entitled to see another doctor. Our lawyers can help fight for a second opinion or fight to get you the chance to see a doctor of your choice. This can help you get a diagnosis, which your employer needs to see before they will pay for treatment.

Fighting Suspensions and Denials

If you can’t work, workers’ comp may be your only source of income. Moreover, workers’ comp will be covering your medical bills, and you may become wholly reliant on your workers’ comp payments coming through. If your employer cuts off your funds, you may need an attorney to fight your case and get you back on track. If the workers’ comp denial or suspension was unjustified, our lawyers can help you fight to get your benefits back.

Settlement Decisions

When you receive workers’ compensation payments, you may be given the option to receive a lump-sum settlement. This is an alternative to ongoing medical care and weekly benefits, paid all at once. A lawyer can help you understand what your case is worth and whether a lump sum settlement is appropriate in your case.

Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Serving Charlotte, NC Can Help

The Charlotte workers comp lawyer of the Ramsay Law Firm represents injured workers and their families to help them get compensation for their workplace injuries and work-related conditions in North Carolina. If you need help with your workers’ compensation claim, or you feel pressured and need advice on your case, contact our law firm today for a free consultation. Our number is (704) 376-1616.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way.