Trying to recover from a workplace injury can be stressful for injured workers. If you face pushback about your workers’ compensation claim or are denied benefits, it’s important to know how to find the best workers’ compensation lawyer in Catawba County, NC. They could advocate on your behalf for the benefits you deserve.
Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer With Years of Experience
Born and raised in Hickory, Attorney Helton of Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, has spent the last 23 years helping his neighbors and community members during their most difficult times in life.
He understands the real impact his work has on his state and doesn’t take that responsibility lightly. His goal is to give his clients the legal knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their case.
Seven Reasons to Seek Legal Counsel After a Workplace Injury
In 2024, 35,700 workplace injuries and illnesses throughout North Carolina’s private industries required the victim to take time off work, transfer jobs, or work with restrictions. The industries with the highest incident rates included local government jobs, education and health services, trade, transportation, and utilities, and natural resources and mining.
No matter the industry you work in, there is always a risk of injury. Injured employees don’t have to prove who was at fault for the incident to receive benefits. Even though you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, there may be situations where you need to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer after a workplace injury, such as:
- Your workers’ compensation claim is being denied.
- Your injury or disability status is being downplayed, resulting in lower disability payments.
- Your employer is trying to pressure you to return to work before you’re ready.
- A third party is responsible for the workplace incident.
- You face retaliation after the workplace injury or after filing your workers’ compensation claim.
- Your workers’ compensation benefits are delayed or incorrect.
- You are being offered a settlement by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company.
How to Find the Right Workers’ Comp Attorney for Your Case
Trying to research lawyers while recovering from your physical injuries can be emotionally taxing. However, putting in the time for initial research can save you the headache of meeting with multiple lawyers to find the right one for your needs. When conducting research, be sure to:
- Read Google and Yelp reviews about the law firm. Reading how the lawyer has helped past clients can give you confidence in your legal case. Reading reviews on these third-party websites is key, as reviews on the law firm’s website are likely to only be positive.
- Make sure the law firm has practice area pages related to your legal case. If the lawyer only has experience in personal injury law or employment discrimination law, this won’t be beneficial for your workers’ compensation case needs.
After you find a lawyer who seems like a good fit, you’ll want to schedule an initial consultation to discuss the full details of your situation. During your consultation with the lawyer, you’ll want to:
- See how the lawyer talks to you. If they act condescendingly or are dismissive of your thoughts, feelings, and pain, it may not be a good fit. If you have a hard time understanding the things they’re talking about, even if they’re complex legal terms, it could be a red flag for your case. You want to find a lawyer who won’t talk down to you, but will still straightforwardly explain the law.
- Notice how they discuss care expectations. If they offer firm outcome expectations, this may not be a good thing. Every case is unique, and no lawyer can fully predict how a case will resolve. If they try to say that they will 100% win your case, this could be a red flag.
- Make sure they explain their pricing options in a clear way. If the lawyer is vague about the cost of their legal services, this can be a red flag. Be sure you understand how payment will work before you agree to work with them.
FAQs
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Am I Entitled to Receive as a North Carolina Employee?
In North Carolina, injured employees are eligible for medical treatment, rehabilitation services, and a part of their wages, approximately 67% of the average wages they were paid weekly, and are paid to you weekly until you can go back to work at your full capacity. In 2023, $25,479,171 was spent in North Carolina for injured workers’ medical costs. That same year, $1,540,205 was spent on wages for those injured workers.
Will My Workers’ Comp Attorney Represent Me During a Personal Injury Case Against a Third Party?
Your workers’ comp attorney can represent you during a personal injury case against a third party. They can help explain if you can pursue a legal case, help you file, collect relevant evidence, and argue on your behalf during legal proceedings. Filing occurs at the Catawba County Justice Center, located at 100 Government Drive in Newton. Victims typically have one year from the date of the incident to file their claim.
How Can a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Help Me During Settlement Meetings?
A workers’ comp lawyer can help you during settlement meetings by advocating on your behalf. Settlements are typically offered when an injured worker has reached the end of their medical treatment and is unlikely to improve with further care. The employer’s insurance company will get in touch to discuss a settlement to help pay for future medical care, thus closing the workers’ comp case. Your lawyer can help make sure your settlement offer is fair.
Can an Employment Lawyer Help Me if My Workers’ Compensation Claim Gets Denied?
An employment lawyer can help you if your workers’ compensation claim gets denied. Denials often happen if the insurance company believes the injuries weren’t caused by work, or if there were clerical errors when filing your claim. Injured workers have the right to request an appeal. Your attorney can help gather evidence and represent you during your court hearing.
Work With a Skilled Lawyer for Your Workers’ Comp Case
Get in touch with Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, today to learn how Attorney Helton can support you during your unique workers’ compensation case. During your confidential consultation, you’ll be able to describe your situation in full detail. From there, Attorney Helton can offer straightforward legal advice so you can take back control of your life. We represent clients throughout Catawba County, Burke County, and Caldwell County.
