Morganton Manufacturing Work Injury Lawyer

Morganton Manufacturing Work Injury Attorney

Those employed in the manufacturing sector of Morganton are at a higher risk of injury than those in other jobs. Major manufacturers in Burke County include Leviton Manufacturing, Case Farms, and Continental Automotive Systems, Inc. Workers often work with heavy machinery, making workplace injury imminent. A Morganton manufacturing work injury lawyer can help explain what legal options are available to injured workers.

Experienced Personal Injury Law Firm in Morganton, North Carolina

Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, is proud to serve Burke County, Catawba County, Caldwell County, and the surrounding areas. Our team has a niche focus on helping injured North Carolinians seek the maximum compensation available.

Attorney Helton has over 23 years of experience as a pillar in the North Carolina legal community. Because of his past experience working in insurance defense, he brings a unique perspective to personal injury cases. He has helped Morganton clients face judges at the Burke County Courthouse with the support they need.

The Severity of Workplace Injuries

In 2023, there were a reported 68,600 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in North Carolina in private industries. That number is considerably high, with these injuries and illnesses often being easily preventable.

Oftentimes, prevention failure lies with the company’s management staff. It’s common for companies to cut corners to save money, and that can include safety procedures. It’s also common for management to be short-staffed, resulting in easily avoidable mistakes.

In North Carolina in 2023, a reported 2.4 injuries or illnesses occurred per 100 workers employed in the manufacturing industry. This number ranks high in the industry list, behind mining, trade and transportation, education and health services, and local government.

Each industry comes with its own risks, but these risks need to be taken seriously, and changes must be put into place to ensure future worker safety.

Common types of injuries sustained in the manufacturing workplace can include:

• Stress injuries. These injuries happen because of prolonged standing, repetitive tasks, overexertion, and physically demanding tasks, like lifting heavy objects.
• Falling objects. Because of the speedy nature of manufacturing jobs, often requiring tight daily work quotas, overhead objects may not be secured properly. Wearing proper personal protective gear is key to keeping yourself safe.
• Exposure to harmful chemicals. Manufacturing facilities often work with substances that are damaging to the human body. Improper protection and long-term exposure can lead to severe illness.
• Machine and crush injuries. These types of injuries are brutal and can lead to death quickly. When a machine isn’t turned off properly or a worker’s clothes or body becomes stuck, the metal can crush their body. The “lockout/tagout” method is necessary to ensure workplace safety.

North Carolina Manufacturing Injury Laws

When an injury happens, it’s normal to want to blame your place of work for what happened. It can be helpful to hire a manufacturing work injury lawyer in Morganton to help you understand what laws apply to your unique situation.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina was created to protect workers and promote safe working conditions. Under this law, employers must:

• Provide a workplace that is free from serious hazards that could cause injury, illness, or death
• Follow safety and health standards
• Allow inspections of the workplace
• Provide information and help during inspections. Employers can participate in creating safety standards by giving comments, attending hearings, or requesting new standards.

Workers’ Compensation Laws in North Carolina

If you are injured on the job, there are two main legal options for injured workers in North Carolina:

• Workers’ compensation. This provides benefits for work-related injuries regardless of whether your employer was at fault for the incident. It covers medical bills and lost wages for temporary or permanent disabilities. However, workers’ compensation prevents employees from opening a case against their employers for workplace injuries.
• Personal injury claims, or third-party claims. This may be pursued if a non-employer is responsible for a work injury. For example, if a faulty machine led to your injury, you may be able to open a case against the machine’s manufacturer.

Employers in the state must provide workers’ compensation coverage for most employees, even if they are independent contractors. When a worker is injured, they must report the injury to their employer as soon as possible, both orally and in writing, within 30 days.

FAQs About Morganton, NC Manufacturing Work Injury Laws

How Does Medical Treatment Work When Using Workers’ Compensation?

When using workers’ compensation benefits, the employer’s insurance company generally provides medical treatment and pays for it. In North Carolina, injured workers may get 20 chiropractic visits if needed. They can also be reimbursed for travel over 20 miles, lodging, meals, or tolls for medical care. In emergencies, employees can seek treatment on their own, but they must notify their employer promptly.

Will I Get Paid for My Lost Wages While Recovering From My Injury?

Workers’ compensation benefits include payment for lost wages due to missing work from the injury. These begin after seven days of missed work, unless the disability lasts more than 21 days. Payments are usually weekly, at two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage. These benefits continue until the employee can return to work.

What Happens if My Workers’ Compensation Claim Gets Denied?

If an employer denies a workers’ compensation claim, the employee will be notified and may request a hearing to appeal this decision. During this time, workers may still seek medical treatment. Medical providers can only bill the employee once the claim is finalized as non-compensable. If your claim gets denied, it’s important to contact a lawyer to represent you.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a service in North Carolina typically used to settle disputes related to workers’ compensation, including a claim being denied. Mediators are neutral professionals who help both parties work out their legal issues. They don’t make any legal decisions, but let both parties come to an agreement. It’s recommended to have your lawyer present during this time. In North Carolina, settlement rates during mediation are usually above 70%.

Hire a Manufacturing Injury Lawyer Today

When you work with the legal team at Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, you’re working with longtime North Carolina residents. Contact our office today to schedule your first appointment to see how we can help you.

Our clients are our neighbors, teachers, government workers, and families. It’s our duty as legal advocates to make sure their rights are never violated. We don’t take that responsibility lightly.