While King Law Offices hopes you have not suffered an accident that has caused major medical bills or lost wages, we know that accidents do happen all too often. Typically, most medical bills will be paid for by your own insurance company or out of your own pocket. However, what if your accident happens while at your job or during a work-related activity? Let us say that you are at work sitting at your desk when suddenly, the building’s roof caves in, causing extreme damage to your shoulder and neck, and not to mention because of your many surgeries and doctors’ appointments, you miss a whole month of work. So now, not only have you lost money because you are unable to work, but you also have to pay thousands of dollars in medical bills. Obviously, this accident was no fault of your own as you were at your required and designated spot for the workday. You, the hardworking and diligent employee, have done nothing to cause this horrible accident. While the roof caving in is an extreme and unlikely event, accidents at work or as a result of the typical workday happen every day all across the country. When an accident occurs during work or during a work-related activity, you deserve compensation.
In North Carolina, there have been over 2,2500 claims for worker’s compensation resulting in over $94 million. While in South Carolina, there have been over 14,000 claims resulting in over 1 billion dollars. The total compensation and medical bills paid on behalf of employees would not have been possible without workers compensation employees filing and fighting for employees’ rights. Here at King Law Offices, we have almost 20 years of experience in worker’s compensation. We believe that if you are injured as a result of your employer, you deserve to be compensated for your medical bills and any lost wages.
North Carolina
For accidents in North Carolina, the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act requires that all businesses that employ more than three individuals must obtain workers’ compensation insurance. This means that, by law, your employer can and is required to compensate you for your injuries that are a result of a work-related accident. Employers are obligated to pay for their employees’ medical treatment, wage replacement if they become disabled, and payment for permanent impairments and disabilities.
There is no requirement that the employee pay a co-pay, deductible, or miss work to receive worker’s compensation. However, to have a workers compensation claim, you must prove that you have an injury by accident during the course and scope of employment with the employer covered by the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act. If you have a worker’s compensation claim and suffer wage loss, you are also entitled to disability payments based on your average weekly wage. Depending upon the severity of the injuries and place of employment, this payment can be temporary, permanent, partial, or total.
However, if you go two years without any medical treatment or other benefits paid by the employer there is a possibility that the employee could lose their right to be treated for their injuries.
South Carolina
While in South Carolina, the Workers’ Compensation Act of South Carolina states that an accident that injures an employee arises out of and during employment that employee is entitled to medical expense, total compensation for lost time, and compensation for permanent injury. Like in North Carolina, if the employer cannot work because of their accident, they may be entitled to partial or even totally disability benefits. In South Carolina, you have to file the claim within 2 years after the accident, or you will not be obligated to receive compensation.
Surprisingly, the employer has the right to select the physician that will treat you. It is unlikely that you will receive compensation if you choose a physician without your employer’s permission. As you can imagine, this creates controversy, because the workers’ compensation insurance is working with the doctors. King Law has the experience and knowledge to make sure that you get the treatment you need and deserve, despite the difficulty from the insurance company.
Regardless, if your accident has happened in North Carolina or South Carolina, King Law is well versed in worker’s compensation claims. King Law attorneys understand the importance of filing your claim promptly to ensure that you have an opportunity at a fair trial to receive just compensation for your accident.
Our worker’s compensation attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we do not ask for any type of payment upfront. We understand that not working and having to pay medical bills is an extreme financial burden, we do not want our clients to worry about attorney’s fees.
Our clients rest easy knowing we are experienced and dedicated to fighting for their rights to compensation while recovering from their injures. Call us at 888-748-KING (5464) or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation with an attorney.