Charlotte Business Professional Workers’ Compensation Claims Attorney
Legal help for office workers and white-collar professionals injured on the job in NC
Not all work-related accidents happen in inherently busy and dangerous places, like a construction site, or an injury suffered by a firefighter in the line of duty. In many situations, the average office has its own dangers and risks that can cause or lead to an employee’s injury. When this happens, business professionals have the right to file for workers’ compensation benefits to help make ends meet while they recover.
At Price, Petho & Associates, our Charlotte attorneys proudly stand by business professionals and office workers who need assistance filing or upholding their workers’ compensation claims. Companies, corporations, and insurance providers are notorious for trying to deny the claims of business professionals, as they believe office work environments are completely safe. Our legal representation and guidance allow you to stand up for your rights and secure the benefits to which you are entitled.
What would you like to know?
What is workers’ compensation in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act is legislation meant to provide benefits to employees unable to work due to injuries sustained on the job. Workers’ compensation is a tradeoff between an employer and an employee. When a worker has an accident and suffers injury during the scope of his or her employment, workers’ compensation provides medical coverage and wage reimbursement, and in return, the worker agrees not to file a lawsuit against the employer for negligence.
Workers’ compensation should cover your injury expenses as long as the accident occurred during the course of your employment and happened as a result of your employment. For example, if you were hurt in a car accident running an errand after work, workers’ compensation wouldn’t apply. However, if you were hurt in a car accident while on your way to a business conference, it likely would.
What types of injuries do business professionals commonly sustain?
In a workers’ compensation claim, employees do not have to prove their injury was caused by an employer’s negligence. This means you can still get workers’ compensation if it was your own mistake that caused your injury. What is more important is whether or not the injury occurred while you were conducting a work-related duty. For a business professional or office worker, your duties might include working on a computer, filing paperwork, delivering a report, driving to and from the office to get supplies or attend off-site meetings, and much more.
Business professional and white-collar jobs often involve a lot of computer and desk work, which heighten the risk for certain injuries, like:
- Back and neck disorders, from sustained sedentary work. Angling your head and neck to read a computer screen all day can cause stiffness, cramping, discomfort, and lead to chronic pain that affects you both in and outside of the workplace.
- Hand and wrist injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. These repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) come from performing the same motions continuously over prolonged periods, like typing or data entry. RSIs can affect motion and dexterity in the fingers, wrists, and hands.
- Vision problems, caused by staring at screens, tablets, and computers without proper breaks. This can lead to needing interventions like prescription glasses or even eye surgery.
- Migraines and headaches, which can result from too much screen time, but also from work environment, like overhead lighting, allergens, or other issues.
All employees are also at risk of accidents like slip and falls (whether over debris like ice and snow or loose carpeting), head injuries (from objects falling from overhead), car accidents (during job-related travel), or any other type of injury – as long as it happens during the scope of your job.
The attorneys at Price, Petho & Associates are here to help when you have questions or problems with your white-collar workers’ compensation claim.
What should I do after a Charlotte workplace injury?
To get your claim off to the strongest possible start, after an on-the-job injury, take the following steps:
- Notify your employer immediately. Report your accident and injury to your employer, both verbally and in writing. If you are unable to do so because of the severity of your injury, have a family member or your medical provider do it for you. You have 30 days, but the sooner the better.
- Seek medical attention. You may be required to see an employer-designated healthcare provider about your injuries. You may see your own doctor in addition to your employer’s physician. If your doctor is over 20 miles away round trip, you are entitled to mileage reimbursement.
- Follow all doctor’s orders. It’s crucial you follow through with all physician instructions, aftercare, and any medications or physical therapy. Failure to do so could put your claim in jeopardy, as the insurance company could claim you are not working to restore your health.
- Ensure you file your claim correctly. File your claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission, Form 18, “Notice of Accident.” You will receive additional forms and requests for documentation as your claim progresses. Complete these in full and on time to keep your claim moving smoothly.
- Make copies of everything. Documentation is key to a strong workers’ compensation claim. Make a copy of every medical report, bill, receipt, letter from the insurance company, and every form you fill out. When you speak to representatives on the phone, ask for their names and phone numbers. In the event there is a dispute or denial with your claim, you’ll need this evidence for your appeal.
If your Charlotte workers’ compensation claim is denied, our attorneys can help.
Google Reviews
"My experience with Price, Petho & Anderson was fantastic. Mr. Anderson was responsive to my needs throughout the entire process. He worked on my workers' compensation case. He did an excellent job representing my needs with my former employer. Additionally, he was instrumental in getting me a generous settlement from the commercial trucking company responsible for the automobile wreck."
- Elaine Carter
HARD WORK AND DEDICATION
Thank You to Margret Ford And Price Petho and associates for all your hard work and dedication. They made the process so easy with No hassels or worries. Thank you again for such prompt service!!
- Carolyn Black
What should I do if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?
Even valid claims are often denied by the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). Some of the reasons cited for denied claims include:
- Missed filing deadlines
- Incorrect or missing information
- Injury was not the result of a workplace accident
- Whether the worker is an employee or contractor
Our Charlotte attorneys can help you appeal your workers’ compensation claim denial. Your employer’s insurance company must inform you of the reason of the denial, and you can then complete NCIC Form 33, which is a request for a hearing. If your appeal is unsuccessful, you can file another appeal with the North Carolina Court of Appeals and, finally, the North Carolina Supreme Court. The vast majority of cases will never need to make it that far, but our legal team does what’s necessary to secure you the benefits to which you are entitled.
Is there a business professional injury attorney near me?
Price, Petho & Associates has an office at 1420 Elizabeth Ave in Charlotte, NC. We also maintain offices in Rockingham and Rutherfordton for your convenience. If you are unable to come to us, we can make arrangements to visit you at home or in the hospital.
Trusted Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys serving office workers and professionals
At Price, Petho & Associates, we offer a team of highly experienced and compassionate business professional injury attorneys. We have a highly-regarded reputation as legal champions by injured workers throughout Charlotte and the surrounding areas. To schedule a consultation with an experienced member of our team, call 704-372-2160 or fill out our contact form today. We serve clients in Charlotte, Rockingham, Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Google Reviews
"My experience with Price, Petho & Anderson was fantastic. Mr. Anderson was responsive to my needs throughout the entire process. He worked on my workers' compensation case. He did an excellent job representing my needs with my former employer. Additionally, he was instrumental in getting me a generous settlement from the commercial trucking company responsible for the automobile wreck."
- Elaine Carter
HARD WORK AND DEDICATION
Thank You to Margret Ford And Price Petho and associates for all your hard work and dedication. They made the process so easy with No hassels or worries. Thank you again for such prompt service!!
- Carolyn Black