Lincolnton Manufacturing Work Injury Lawyer

Lincolnton Manufacturing Work Injury Attorney

All employees in North Carolina have a legal right to work in a safe environment. Unfortunately, despite the extensive laws that encompass workplace safety, the risk of injury is still common. A Lincolnton manufacturing work injury lawyer can help investigate your situation if you’ve been injured to see if your rights have been violated.

Experienced Workplace Injury Law Firm in Lincolnton, North Carolina

At Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, Attorney Helton is proud to be a pillar in North Carolina’s legal community. Being born and raised in Hickory, Attorney Helton loves his state and is passionate about protecting his neighbors during their most difficult moments. He has over 23 years of experience helping his injured community members get the compensation they deserve.

Because of his past as an insurance defense lawyer, he has been able to use inside knowledge to fight any pushback from insurance companies. Attorney Helton helps serve residents of Burke County, Catawba County, Caldwell County, and the surrounding areas.

He helps empower his clients, giving them the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their futures.

Legal Options for Injured North Carolina Workers

In North Carolina in 2023, there were 0.7 cases per 100 manufacturing workers in which injured employees had to spend time away from work while they recovered. Compared to the rate of 2.4 injuries per 100 manufacturing workers, this number means injury severity is likely.

In North Carolina, workers’ compensation insurance provides injured workers with benefits such as:

• Medical treatment. Medical treatment is generally arranged by the employer or its insurer, but workers can request a change in providers with approval.
• Wage replacement. Injured workers may receive wage replacement benefits at two-thirds of their average weekly wage. This starts after seven days of disability. Benefits can continue until the worker can return to work. Permanent partial disability payments may be available if the injury causes lasting impairment.
• Rehabilitation services

Third Party Claims

A claim may be opened against a third party if it caused your injury. For example, if a faulty machine caused your injury, you may be able to open a case against the machine’s manufacturer.

It’s important to seek counsel and hire a manufacturing work injury lawyer to help you understand if this is an option you can pursue.

The Reality of Workplace Injuries in Lincolnton

In 2023, there were 85,700 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in North Carolina. These workplace injuries happen for a variety of reasons.

Faulty machines, untrained workers who don’t pay attention during training or take it seriously, and improper safety equipment are all contributing factors to workplace accidents. Many companies refuse to hire the appropriate number of staff needed, which can lead to employees cutting corners to save time and money. Employees face injuries such as:

• Repetitive stress injuries. These occur from performing the same motions over time. Wrists and hands are the most vulnerable to these types of injuries. While it may not seem serious, it can lead to permanent injuries like tendonitis or carpal tunnel.
• Falling objects
• Machine accidents. These accidents may cause amputations, fractures, or burns if the machines aren’t operated safely.
• Exposure to harmful substances. Major companies in Lincoln County include Cataler, Blum Bosch, and American Woodmark. These companies all utilize powerful chemicals and substances in their product creation, which can be dangerous to the employees who make them.
• Burns
• Slip-and-fall accidents. These incidents happen from slipping on wet or oily floors. They can also happen when an employee is facing overexertion from lifting heavy loads or working in hot environments.

The Importance of the Lockout/Tagout Procedure

In Lincoln County, the manufacturing industry makes up 17.9% of all jobs. Many workers in these facilities face risks from hazardous energy daily. When hazardous energy from machines is released during maintenance or repair, it can cause severe injuries to workers.

To prevent accidents, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires the use of lockout/tagout procedures. These procedures involve disabling equipment so it cannot start up or release stored energy while work is being done. Employers must ensure workers understand how to safely apply, use, and remove lockout/tagout devices.

FAQs About Lincolnton, NC Manufacturing Work Injury Laws

Can I Be at Fault for the Injury and Still Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

If you were injured at your workplace and it was entirely your fault, you can still get workers’ compensation benefits. In normal personal injury cases, your percentage of fault can affect the entire outcome of your case. However, because workplace injuries are a specific type of injury, you’ll get benefits no matter what. This also means that you can’t open a case against your employer for the incident.

What Injuries Are Covered Under Workers’ Compensation Insurance in North Carolina?

Most injuries are covered under workers’ compensation insurance, as long as your workplace has three or more employees. In North Carolina, workers’ compensation covers any injuries that happen due to a workplace incident. This also includes occupational diseases, such as asbestosis. It can also include carpal tunnel, which develops from repetitive stress movements over a long period of time.

What Do I Do After Experiencing a Workplace Injury?

If you experienced a workplace injury in North Carolina, you’ll need to report the injury to your employer verbally and in writing, within 30 days. Seek medical treatment right away. Tell your doctor that the injury is work-related so your medical records support your claim. Keep detailed records. This includes copies of your medical records, medical bills, doctor visits, and prescriptions. If your claim gets denied, seek out a lawyer to help you fight it.

Can My Employer Fire Me for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Your employer can’t fire you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. North Carolina, like most states, is an “at-will” state, meaning that employers don’t need a reason to fire someone. However, firing someone for filing a workers’ compensation claim would be illegal under the Retaliatory Employment Discharge Act.

If you get fired soon after filing a workers’ compensation claim, it may count as wrongful termination. Seek out a skilled workplace injury lawyer to help you understand your legal rights.

Hire a Manufacturing Work Injury Lawyer Today

Clients who work with Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, get to work with an attorney whose passion lies in advocacy. Contact our team today to learn how we can help you. Attorney Helton refuses to take shortcuts when helping his clients. Let us guide you through your case so you can focus on rest and recovery.