Slip-and-Fall Injuries at Work in NC

Slip-and-Fall Injuries at Work in NC

Workplace slip-and-fall accidents severely injure many North Carolina workers every year. Too many injured workers struggle to get the help they need because of difficulties in managing the workers’ compensation claims process. But you do not have to go through it alone.

The North Carolina workers’ comp attorneys at Kornbluth Ginsberg Law Group, P.A., know how painful a workplace fall can be, and we want to help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.

Contact our office today or call us 24/7 at 919-980-9895 for a free consultation so we can discuss your case. Our Durham office is conveniently located at 3400 Croasdaile Drive, Suite 300. We are here to help you.

What to Do If You Slipped and Fell at Work

Quick action is vital after a trip-and-fall or slip-and-fall accident at work. There are some steps you should take to preserve your rights and give yourself the best chance of recovering fair compensation.

These include:

  • Hire our North Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys. Our experienced attorneys can handle every aspect of your claim while you focus on recovering from the accident. Let us submit your workers’ compensation paperwork, deal with the insurance companies, and explore the possibility of a third-party personal injury claim against someone other than your employer or co-workers whose negligence caused the accident.
  • Seek medical attention, even if you think you feel fine at first. You might have hidden injuries that are not yet obvious. Some injuries do not show immediate symptoms but could become life-threatening if left undiagnosed and untreated. A thorough medical record is also vital for a workers’ compensation or personal injury claim. Tell your doctor about all your injuries and symptoms, and be sure the doctor knows you fell at work.
  • Notify your employer of your injury as soon as you can. If possible, submit your notice in writing so there is a definite record. You could lose your workers’ comp benefits if you do not notify your employer within 30 days.
  • Document the scene, if possible. Take pictures of where you fell, any hazards in the area, and any visible injuries. If anyone saw you fall, ask them for their contact information.
  • Save your medical records, financial documents, and other receipts and records related to the accident. You can use these records to prove your injuries and what the accident has cost you financially.
  • Do not talk to any insurance adjusters. They will likely pressure you to accept a quick settlement that will not cover all your losses. Get help from Kornbluth Ginsberg instead.

What Are North Carolina’s Laws on Workplace Slip-and-Fall Accidents?

Workplace slip-and-fall accidents can fall under multiple areas of North Carolina law. The first is the state’s workers’ compensation system. If your injury happened at work or an off-site location related to your job, you likely qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.

You usually cannot sue your employer in these cases, but your employer’s insurance carrier should cover your medical treatment and replace a portion of your lost wages if you must miss work due to your injuries. You might also qualify for permanent disability benefits in some cases. You do not have to prove that your employer did anything wrong to recover workers’ compensation benefits.

Independent contractors typically do not qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. However, many workers labeled “independent contractors” are, in fact, employees for workers’ compensation purposes. The law looks at the actual employment relationship when determining eligibility, not the title.

Slip-and-fall accidents also fall under North Carolina’s premises liability and personal injury laws. All property owners must take steps to keep their property reasonably free from potential dangers and ensure visitors are aware of hazards that could cause a fall. If you fell because a property owner other than your employer did not address a hazard on the premises, you could have cause for a third-party personal injury lawsuit.

Several vital deadlines must be met in workplace slip-and-fall accident cases. First, you must submit your claim for workers’ compensation benefits within two years of the accident. Second, you must file a personal injury lawsuit against a property owner or other third party within three years of the accident.

Hiring our attorneys to handle your legal case is your best option to protect your rights and ensure you meet the required deadlines.

What Workers’ Comp Benefits Am I Entitled to After a Slip-and-Fall Accident?

Your workers’ comp benefits after a slip-and-fall at work could include:

  • Medical benefits – Your employer must cover all reasonable medical expenses for a valid work-related injury. You do not owe anything, including any co-pays or deductibles.
  • Temporary total disability (TTD) – TTD benefits cover two-thirds of your average pre-injury wages, up to state-mandated limits. TTD benefits last until you fully heal or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), meaning further treatment will not substantially improve your condition. You may then qualify for permanent disability benefits.
  • Temporary partial disability (TPD) – If you must work a part-time or lower-paying job after a workplace slip-and-fall accident, TPD benefits can make up a portion of the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury income.
  • Permanent disability benefits – Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits provide supplemental income if your injuries permanently affect your ability to do the work you did before the accident. The benefit amount depends on the severity of your injury and your affected body part. Some people with injuries that completely prevent them from working again can receive permanent total disability (PTD) benefits, but these are less common and have strict eligibility requirements.

North Carolina Slip-and-Fall Statistics

State-level data on slip-and-fall injuries at work are lacking. However, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that in one recent year, 805 workers nationwide who slipped and fell at work died from their injuries. Another 211,640 workers suffered severe injuries in similar incidents that same year.

Common Causes of Slip-and Trip-and-Fall Accidents at Work and Types of Related Injuries

Common reasons why workers slip or trip and fall at their job include:

  • Wet or slippery floors from spills, leaks, or recent cleaning
  • Uneven flooring, loose tiles, or torn carpeting
  • Poor lighting
  • Cluttered walkways with tools, boxes, or equipment left in high-traffic areas
  • Damaged or missing handrails on stairs or ramps
  • Outdoor hazards like ice, snow, or wet leaves near entryways
  • Improperly stored cords or cables stretched across walkways

A hard fall at work can cause severe, life-altering injuries, such as:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Joint damage
  • Sprains and other soft-tissue injuries
  • Deep bruises
  • Cuts and abrasions

How Kornbluth Ginsberg Can Help You After a Workplace Fall

If you slipped and fell at work, Kornbluth Ginsberg wants to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. Our experienced team can help you pursue workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical bills and lost wages, ensuring your claim is filed correctly and on time. If your claim is denied or undervalued, we are prepared to fight for you on appeal.

We can also evaluate your slip-and-fall case to determine whether you can seek additional compensation for your workplace injuries through a third-party claim, which can offer compensation for losses that workers’ comp does not cover, like pain and suffering. Let us handle the paperwork, gather evidence, and negotiate on your behalf so you can focus on recovering.

With our experience in both personal injury and workers’ compensation law, you can trust us to help you through this crisis and work for the best possible outcome. Call now at 919-980-9895 or complete our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney at our law firm.