Charlotte Occupational Injury Attorneys
Helping you fight for fair workers’ compensation in North Carolina
Workers in nearly every occupation face significant risks of injury: From the restaurant industry to construction and manufacturing, the possibility of work-related accidents looms large. If you’re one of the many North Carolinians who have sustained an occupational injury, you may worry that you can never work again – and companies can be notoriously slow to provide your entitled benefits.
Thankfully, the Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyers at Price, Petho & Associates have decades of experience fighting for our clients’ rights and ensuring they recover the benefits they need to rest and heal properly. If you or a loved one suffered an occupational injury at work and are having trouble securing the benefits to which you are entitled, contact our experienced team today for a free consultation.
What would you like to know?
How frequent are occupational injuries in North Carolina?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects occupational injury and illness data from private employers throughout the country each year. In 2020, North Carolina reported 64,900 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, which is 2.1 cases per every 100 full-time workers. They also noted two “supersectors” for occupational injuries – the trade, transportation, and utilities industry and the education and health services industry.
It's worth noting that:
Occupational injuries and illnesses collected in the 2020 SOII [Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses] include cases of COVID-19 when a worker was infected as a result of performing his/her work-related duties and met other recordkeeping criteria. COVID-19 is considered a respiratory illness under criteria established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Occupational accidents can encompass a wide range of incidents and result in a wide range of injuries.
What are some common occupational injury claims?
Occupational injuries are as diverse as the industries and companies in which they occur, but the basic definition of an occupational injury is bodily harm or catastrophic injury sustained while performing your job. Although certain industries, like construction, have an inherently higher risk of injury, you still have the right to basic bodily security while you work. Failing that, you are entitled to appropriate compensation from your employer when certain accidents prevent you from earning.
Some of the most common occupational injury claims in North Carolina and across the country include:
- Overexertion. If your job requires you to lift, push, or hold heavy objects, you may face a risk of overexertion injury. The impact on your health can range from muscle strain to full paralysis, and prevent you from obtaining similar work.
- Slipping and falling. Often called “falls on the same level,” slip and fall accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. These account for up to 15% of workplace injuries in the nation, and are usually caused by negligence, such as failing to warn employees of wet, slippery floor surfaces.
- Vehicle accidents. Whether driving a traditional vehicle like a car or industrial equipment like a bulldozer, you are entitled to accident-free travel. Our attorneys can determine the cause of your accident and hold the right party responsible.
- Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs). RSIs occur from overuse of certain muscles and body parts. Examples include rotator cuff injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, back injuries, and knee injuries. Even standing on hard surfaces for too long can result in painful repetitive stress injuries and conditions.
- Asbestosis. Workers in the construction, manufacturing, and mining industries are at heightened risk of exposure to asbestos. If you develop the symptoms of asbestosis due to your job, you could be eligible for workplace compensation benefits.
Our Charlotte personal injury attorneys can consult with you about any occupational injury or condition you experience on the job, and your best avenue for compensation.
Am I eligible for Charlotte workers’ compensation benefits?
Under the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act, all businesses with three or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Even if your employer was not directly responsible for your accident, workers’ compensation can allow you to recover the benefits you need in an efficient manner.
However, not all occupational injuries may qualify you for workers’ compensation claims, and the benefits can change significantly depending on the cause of your work-related accident. There may be multiple parties responsible for your injuries, and in those cases, you may need to pursue legal action to recover the full scope of your losses.
If you are an independent contractor, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, this often depends on whether you meet the legal definition of an “employee” according to the North Carolina General Statutes. Although this definition might seem simple, it becomes quite complicated under the law.
For all these reasons, it’s important to carefully review the details of your workers’ compensation case with an experienced Charlotte attorney, as these cases can get complex quickly.
To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in North Carolina, your case must meet the following conditions:
- Your injuries must have directly resulted from a work-related accident.
- Your injuries must have been sustained in the work environment, during the course of your daily routine.
- You must be considered an employee under North Carolina General Statutes.
Don’t hesitate to contact our knowledgeable attorneys if you have any questions about your eligibility.
Google Reviews
They represented me in my motor vehicle accident.
Great Communication!
- Yazmine Laguerre
BEST ATTORNEYS
Price Petho and Associates are the best Attorneys in Law I’ve ever worked with. I was involved in a car accident last year and since I was injured, they handled my case and did not disappoint, they took care of everything. Also, my wife got rear ended in her car (total loss) about 6 months ago and my insurance company was delaying our claim and payment, we went to Price Petho and Associates again for some advice, Margaret E. Ford welcomed us right away, we explained the situation, she understood and explained to us what options we had. She was extremely knowledgeable about cases like this, she even called our insurance company for us and made them pay us the same day we talked to her. I’m very glad we asked for their help.
- Y. M.
Is there an occupational injury attorney near me?
Price, Petho & Associates has offices at 1420 Elizabeth Ave in Charlotte. We also maintain offices in Rockingham and Rutherfordton for your convenience. If you are too injured to come to us, we can visit you at home or in the hospital.
Charlotte occupational injury lawyers helping you recover your losses
At Price, Petho & Associates, we’ve built a reputation for aggressive representation on the workers’ behalf, securing millions of dollars in settlements for our clients. Regardless of who is ultimately liable for your injuries, you can trust that our experienced Charlotte attorneys have the experience to navigate complex occupational injury claims. Employers can often be reluctant to pay the fair and just amount for medical expenses and lost wages when you’ve been injured. If this happens to you, we want to help. Call us at 704-372-2160 or fill out our contact form today to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve workers in Charlotte, Rockingham, Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Google Reviews
They represented me in my motor vehicle accident.
Great Communication!
- Yazmine Laguerre
BEST ATTORNEYS
Price Petho and Associates are the best Attorneys in Law I’ve ever worked with. I was involved in a car accident last year and since I was injured, they handled my case and did not disappoint, they took care of everything. Also, my wife got rear ended in her car (total loss) about 6 months ago and my insurance company was delaying our claim and payment, we went to Price Petho and Associates again for some advice, Margaret E. Ford welcomed us right away, we explained the situation, she understood and explained to us what options we had. She was extremely knowledgeable about cases like this, she even called our insurance company for us and made them pay us the same day we talked to her. I’m very glad we asked for their help.
- Y. M.