Suffering an injury at work can often be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Between dealing with pain, medical appointments, and concerns about missing work, the last thing you want is to navigate the workers’ compensation process on your own.
One of the most common questions we hear is, “When should I talk to a workers’ compensation lawyer?” The answer is usually simple: the sooner, the better. Here’s why.
Understanding Your Rights from the Start
After a workplace injury, it’s critical to understand your rights under North Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws. Unfortunately, employers or insurance companies frequently may not provide clear guidance—or they may prioritize their bottom line over your recovery. Speaking with an experienced workers’ comp attorney early on ensures you get accurate information about your rights and responsibilities.
This includes:
- Your eligibility for benefits.
- The steps you must take to report your injury.
- The types of compensation available, such as medical coverage, lost wages, or permanent disability benefits.
- Our team at Kornbluth Ginsberg will explain everything in plain language, so you’re not left guessing or relying on others who may not have your best interests in mind.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Workers’ compensation claims involve strict deadlines and rules. For example, in North Carolina, you generally must report your injury to your employer within 30 days and file a claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission within no later two years. Missing these deadlines could jeopardize your right to benefits.
Additionally, insurance companies may try to minimize their payout by questioning the severity of your injury or suggesting it wasn’t work-related. Without proper legal guidance, you could unknowingly say or do something that hurts your case. By contacting our skilled workers’ comp attorneys early in your claim, we can help you avoid these common pitfalls and protect your claim.
Signs You Definitely Need a Lawyer
While it’s always a good idea to consult with an attorney after a workplace injury, certain situations make legal help even more critical.
These include:
- Your benefits are denied or delayed.
- Your employer or the insurance company disputes your injury or its connection to your job.
- You’re worried about being pressured to return to work before you’re fully healed.
- You’re concerned about being offered a settlement that doesn’t seem fair.
- You are concerned about ability to perform the same job as you’ve done before.
- Your injury has long-term or permanent effects, impacting your ability to work.
- If any of these apply to you, don’t wait. The sooner you involve an experienced attorney, the stronger your case will be.
Kornbluth Ginsberg: Here to Help
At Kornbluth Ginsberg Law Group, we know how life-changing a workplace injury can be. That’s why our compassionate workers’ compensation team is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. With decades of experience handling workers’ comp cases in North Carolina, we’ve seen it all—and we know how to fight for the benefits you deserve.
We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and handle the legal complexities so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery. Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact Kornbluth Ginsberg Law Group today for a free consultation and let us guide you toward the resolution you deserve.
Your rights matter, and we’re here to protect them.
