Strictly speaking, there is no legal requirement to hire a lawyer to represent you for a workers’ compensation claim. In most cases, however, retaining a North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer can greatly benefit you. It’s not just whether you win or lose — it’s how much you receive even if you do win. A lawyer can also help you resolve your claim much more quickly and with much greater ease.
Filing Your Claim
Gathering Evidence
Negotiations
Representing You at a Hearing
Claiming Against Third Parties
Filing Your Claim
Maximizing your chances of winning the largest possible workers’ compensation award requires more than just filling out a form. A North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer can assist you in the following ways:
- Locating the right doctor to examine you. This is very important.
- Collecting just the right details of the accident or incident that injured you, including witness testimony.
- Issuing written notice to your employer, with all the appropriate information included.
- Responding to requests for more information.
Gathering Evidence
When it comes to a legal dispute, nothing is true unless you can prove it with admissible evidence — even in settlement negotiations. It can be difficult for an injured worker to determine which evidence is relevant, which evidence is admissible, which evidence is most useful, and which evidence is useless. It is also critical that you organize your evidence in a manner that will best support your claim.
Negotiations
It is more likely than not that your claim will be resolved through negotiations rather than through an adjudication at a hearing. Workers’ compensation insurance companies operate like businesses, meaning that they face budget pressure and will resist your claim. Even if you win, you might end up with less than you deserve. Having A skilled negotiator on your side can make a big difference.
Representing You at a Hearing
There is a good chance that you will settle your case with no need for a hearing. If you do need a hearing, however, the assistance of a North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer can be critical. You might need a telephone hearing and after that, perhaps a full formal hearing. You are entitled to bring a lawyer with you to this hearing.
Claiming Against Third Parties
In some cases a third party , rather than your employer, turns out to be responsible for your injuries (the manufacturer of a defective product, for example). In this case you will need to exit the workers’ compensation system and file a personal injury lawsuit. It is critical that you seek the assistance of an attorney in this instance.
We Stand Ready to Fight for You
John A. Hedrick is no ordinary North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer. He enjoys over two decades of experience in workers’ compensation, and he is Board Certified in workers’ compensation law by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization.
Contact us by phone at 919-626-3895 or complete our online claim evaluation form to set up a consultation. We handle cases not only in Raleigh, but also throughout North Carolina.
