Longview Workers Compensation Lawyer

Longview Workers Compensation Attorney

Burke County’s top employers include the Department of Health and Human Services, Burke County Public School System, and Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge. These companies employ thousands of North Carolina residents, making the risk of workplace injury or illness high. For those injured and facing uncertainty, contacting a Longview workers’ compensation lawyer can help ease your worries.

Experienced Workers’ Compensation Law Firm in North Carolina

Attorney Helton of Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, has over 23 years of experience in law. With his past work as an insurance defense lawyer, he understands the typical tactics used by companies to bar employees from the benefits they deserve.

As a native of North Carolina, Attorney Helton feels strongly about protecting his neighbors during difficult times in their lives. Our firm offers services to Burke County, Catawba County, Caldwell County, and the surrounding areas.

Legal Options for Injured North Carolina Workers

In 2023, there were 85,700 reported cases of nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in North Carolina. Despite employers needing to legally ensure safe working environments, this number continues to climb each year. When workers are injured or become ill because of work, they must report it to their employer within 30 days, both verbally and in writing. They’ll then get workers’ compensation benefits.

Workers’ compensation benefits offer the following:

• Medical treatment. Treatment is generally chosen by the insurer. In cases of emergency, employees can select their own provider, but they must inform their employer as soon as possible.
• Wage replacement. Injured workers may receive wage replacement benefits at two-thirds of their average weekly wage. Payments continue until the worker can return to work.

How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help You: Third-Party Claims

In 2023 in North Carolina, there were 49,100 cases of workplace injury or illness that required time away from work. This means that over half of the reported incidents were severe enough to warrant recovery periods for affected employees.

These employees often face pushback on their workers’ compensation claims in Longview, from claim denial to confusing miscommunication about their medical care. Hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to help fight back and ensure a more peaceful recovery time.

A legal claim may be opened against a third party if they led to your injury. For example, if a faulty machine caused your injury, you may be able to open a case against the machine’s manufacturer. Attorney Helton of Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, can look over your situation and see if this option is applicable to you.

How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help You: Wrongful Termination

Under North Carolina law, your employer can’t fire you for filing a workers’ compensation claim and using those benefits during recovery. Even though North Carolina is an “at-will” state, meaning they don’t need a reason to fire someone, terminating someone’s employment for getting injured or ill is illegal.

The Retaliatory Employment Discharge Act outlines this law. If you get fired soon after filing a workers’ compensation claim, it may count as wrongful termination. It’s worth seeking legal guidance in these situations to ensure your rights are protected.

Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Stay Protected

The experienced team at Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, understands the difficulties that come with a workplace injury or illness. It’s hard enough to go through the recovery process without having to deal with the stress of insurance and workers’ compensation. Contact our office today to set up your first appointment. Let us help take care of the legalities for you.