Workplace Injuries
Fortunately, workplace injuries are uncommon in most occupations. However, despite the best efforts of employees and employers, accidents and injuries do occur on the job. Workplace injuries may cause significant financial hardship and require expensive medical treatment. Injured workers often find that the financial and emotional burdens caused by a work injury are overwhelming, leaving them unable to navigate the complicated workers’ compensation system.
The Law Office of John A. Hedrick, PLLC, has the experience and expertise to protect injured workers’ rights to compensation and medical treatment in Raleigh and throughout North Carolina.
Common workplace injuries include:
- Back and neck injuries
- Elbow injuries
- Shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff and labral tears
- Knee injuries, involving torn cartilage, ruptured tendons, fractured or dislocated patella
- Hand injuries
- Foot and ankle injuries
- Brain injuries/traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of hearing
- Amputations
- Hernias
If you have a workplace injury, you should take certain steps to help protect your rights.
- Immediately inform your employer that you were injured on the job. Report your injury in writing and keep a copy of the report. The report should be made no later than 30 days after your injury.
- Ask your employer for medical treatment. If your employer does not provide you with medical treatment, go to the doctor on your own.
- When you see the doctor, tell the doctor that you were injured at work and explain exactly how you were injured. Tell the doctor’s office that your treatment should be covered by workers’ compensation insurance.
- Provide your employer with copies of all work notes and keep copies for yourself.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions.
- File an Industrial Commission Form 18 within 2 years of the date of your injury.
At the First sign of Trouble
If your employer or its insurance company refuse to report your claim, provide you with medical treatment, pay you compensation while you are out of work or just don’t return your telephone calls, you should consider a free consultation with an attorney. Usually, it is best to consult an attorney at the first sign of trouble. Having the assistance of a lawyer may improve the outcome of your claim.
Mr. Hedrick is a Board Certified Specialist in North Carolina workers’ compensation law. He can explain your rights, answer your questions and explain what you may expect regarding your claim. Based in Raleigh, the Law Office of John A. Hedrick, PLLC counsels and represents injured employees throughout North Carolina. Mr. Hedrick has represented clients in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Fayetteville, Lumberton, Dunn, Greensboro, Burlington, Henderson, Louisburg, Pittsboro, Goldsboro, Kinston, Wilmington, Jacksonville and Nashville. However, he has represented clients everywhere between Murphy and Manteo.
For a free claim evaluation, please contact the Law Office of John A. Hedrick, PLLC in Raleigh. You may contact us by telephone at 919-977-0804, email us at john@johnhedricklaw.com or complete our Free Claim Evaluation form.
