Given the amount of time most people spend at work, it's no surprise that workplace accidents are one of the leading sources of both fatal and nonfatal injuries. For example, according to the most recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in a typical year, 2.7 million employees are injured on the job.
At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, we proudly help injured workers obtain workers' compensation benefits. Our injury lawyers are skilled at navigating the complex workers' compensation system. With our help, you can ensure that your claim is accurately submitted and processed in a timely manner.
Workplace accidents can disrupt every part of your life, from medical expenses to the stress of handling insurance claims. Our team at The Olsinski Law Firm fights to protect your legal rights after an on-the-job injury. We gather and organize the evidence needed to prove your case, and we deal directly with the insurance carrier so you can focus on healing. Whether you face a basic claim or a contested denial, we stand ready to advocate for the benefits you deserve.
Some claims are simple, while others involve deep disputes over the cause or extent of your injury. We investigate each point in dispute, from reviewing safety records to collaborating with medical experts. We believe injured workers should not face financial hardship when they are hurt through no fault of their own. Our approach brings personalized attention to every claim, no matter how complex.
While almost every job presents a risk of injury, certain jobs are more dangerous than others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupations with the highest rate of injury resulting in at least one missed day of work are:
Regardless of your occupation, if you were hurt on the job, you may be entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits. Employers need to carry workers' compensation insurance, and we can make sure you receive everything to which you are entitled.
Workers' compensation is a no-fault system designed to allow injured employees to recover limited compensation for their injuries after an on-the-job accident. To qualify for benefits, workers must establish that their claim is compensable. This generally means illustrating that your injuries were related to your work. While this may sound straightforward—and in certain cases it is—that isn't always the case.
For example, a factory worker who gets their hand crushed in a machine probably won't have a difficult time proving their injury was work-related. However, a warehouse worker who develops degenerative disc disease after years of loading and unloading heavy packages will likely face an uphill battle, proving their condition was a result of their job. This is because insurance companies want to avoid paying injured workers benefits whenever they can.
Even if an insurance company cannot challenge the work-relatedness of an injury, it may contest the seriousness of the workers' injuries or claim that their injuries were preexisting.
Other pitfalls injured workers may face when filing a workers' compensation claim include:
If you are facing any of these issues, then you need to contact an experienced board-certified workers' compensation attorney at the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC. We represent and tirelessly advocate for injured workers all across the greater Charlotte area. Our goal is to help you receive all of the compensation you deserve after suffering serious injuries in a workplace accident.
Injuries at work can range from minor sprains to life-altering harm. Some of the most frequent forms of harm we encounter include:
Each of these injuries can interrupt your career, daily habits, and financial stability. By seeking timely medical care and accurate legal help, you boost your chances of a smoother recovery.
Taking the right actions after getting hurt on the job can greatly influence your workers’ comp outcome. By following each step carefully, you help protect your health and your legal rights. Some of the most important steps to follow include:
These steps create a good foundation for a successful claim. Failing to follow this process can leave you vulnerable to overlooked benefits or needless complications.
The length of time an injured worker receives workers' compensation benefits depends on the nature of their injury, their level of disability, and whether their employer has light-duty work available. Generally, injured workers receive temporary benefits until they are either able to return to work or reach their “Maximum Medical Improvement.”
Maximum Medical Improvement is the point at which no further treatment would benefit an injured worker. Once a worker reaches their Maximum Medical Improvement, they may become eligible for permanent total disability benefits or permanent partial disability benefits.
However, the availability of long-term benefits depends on your ability to work in the wake of an accident. Often, an employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier will claim that an injured worker can return to work sooner than their doctor says is safe.
Workers’ comp provides help with medical bills, lost wages, and other related costs when you get hurt in the workplace. Under this insurance model, you do not have to prove your employer was at fault, which streamlines the claim process. However, you must demonstrate that your injury or illness is job-related. This can include physical harm like broken bones or repetitive stress injuries, as well as occupational diseases brought on by exposure to toxins.
Some workers also qualify for ongoing disability benefits, such as temporary total disability or permanent partial disability, depending on the severity of their condition. The extent of coverage often hinges on medical evaluations and your ability to perform work tasks after the incident.
Sometimes, disagreements arise about what treatments are necessary or how long you should receive payments. Having legal guidance helps you argue for the full scope of coverage that addresses your actual recovery needs.
In a personal injury lawsuit, you typically must show the other party’s negligence caused your harm. By contrast, workers’ comp operates under a no-fault system, which means you do not need to prove your employer's fault to receive benefits. Instead, you establish that your accident or illness happened in the course of work, and the law provides specific categories of compensation. This approach speeds up payment for medical bills and lost wages but limits the kind of damages you can receive.
Another key difference is that personal injury suits can include noneconomic damages like pain and suffering, which are not part of standard workers’ comp. Plus, lawsuits may allow for broader discovery to prove fault and recover punitive damages if an employer’s conduct was extremely reckless. Workers’ comp rules generally prevent employees from suing their employer for additional compensation. If someone else’s negligence, such as a third-party vendor, caused your injuries, you might explore a separate lawsuit against that party.
Even straightforward claims sometimes face pushback from insurance adjusters or employers. We bring our experience to each case, aiming for a complete and timely settlement that covers your needs. Some of the top benefits of partnering with our team include:
Whether you have a clear case or a complex dispute, our focus remains on protecting your well-being and securing proper benefits. Teaming up with a lawyer from the start can smooth out potential hurdles and help you avoid common pitfalls.
You should inform your employer as soon as possible, ideally within 30 days. Failing to do so can make it harder to prove your injury is job-related and compromise your claim.
Yes. North Carolina’s no-fault system generally covers you even if your actions contributed to the accident unless you intentionally caused harm or acted extremely recklessly.
Benefits typically replace a portion of your lost wages, not the entire amount. The specific rate depends on state guidelines and your average weekly earnings.
In most cases, you must visit a provider approved by the insurance company. However, you might request a second opinion or switch doctors if you disagree with the initial findings.
Employers cannot legally fire you just for filing a valid claim. Retaliation is against the law, though proving wrongful termination may require legal action.
If you have been injured on the job in NC, see a doctor for medical treatment as soon as possible. Then, reach out to us to review your case. With experience handling both personal injury cases and workers' compensation claims, The Olsinski Law Firm is ready to help. Our experienced workers' compensation lawyer is prepared to explore all possible options on your behalf. Whether you are looking for temporary partial disability benefits or permanent assistance, our workers' comp attorney can guide the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
