This post focuses on manufacturing injures and NC Workers' Compensation. The Bishop Law Firm represents injured manufacturing workers in NC and we do not get paid unless you win. Call us today for a free case review, (919) 615-3095.
Manufacturing Injuries
The manufacturing industry is the third largest employment area in North Carolina and an important part of our state’s economy which employs 460,000 workers. NC manufacturing ranks 5th in the nation and we lead the Southeast.
Manufacturing workers make lots of different products, from chemicals, to machined parts, to plastics, to the cars we drive, and the computers we use. Given the wide impact these employees have, they are also exposed to a wide range of workplace hazards, including puncture wounds, crush injuries, repetitive motion injuries, exposure to harmful chemicals, back injuries, violence, stress, and even fatal injury.
Exposure to chemicals that are toxic, or corrosive, can cause debilitating diseases. A growing concern in NC is the rise of manufactured stone and the exposure to silica when cut. In addition, manufacturing workers frequently use heavy machinery to complete their daily duties. Defective equipment can be dangerous, to say the least. If a machine malfunctions, it can cause serious harm to factory workers. In addition, human error is always a factor.
OSHA and the N.C. Department of Labor have workplace safety guidelines in place to protect workers. But, even under the safest conditions, a worker can still be injured.
In addition to "injury by accident", NC Workers's Compensation can cover "occupational diseases" like musculoskeletal disorders or carpal tunnel syndrome. Manufacturing workers often do the same thing day-in and day-out and that repetitive motion puts them at risk for repetitive strain injury.
NC Workers' Compensation for Injured Workers
In North Carolina, state law provides medical compensation and wage (indemnity) loss benefits for non-fatal injuries and death benefits for fatal injuries. Medical compensation includes medical treatment and mileage reimbursement for treatment of your workplace injury. Lost Wage benefits provide monetary compensation due to your inability to earn wages because of your accident. This benefit provides compensation based on the physical impairment of the injured body part as well.
In addition, NC Workers' Compensation is no fault. Which means, it does not matter (with a few exceptions, like intoxication ) who is at fault for your injury.
Please note that no matter what your employer tells you, you are entitled to file a claim for NC Workers' Compensation benefits if you have suffered a serious workplace injury. Often employers will volunteer to pay for medical treatment or even compensate you when you are out of work when you are initially injured. Unfortunately, many workers find that these promises go unfulfilled.
After you inform your employer about your injury, your employer's workers' compensation insurance will accept or deny your claim for workers' comp benefits. Read Weekly NC WC Benefits or NC Denied Workers' Comp claim for the next steps.
The Bishop Law Firm represents clients with manufacturing injuries and NC Workers’ Compensation cases in Raleigh, Cary, Fayetteville, Durham, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Smithfield, Louisburg, Chapel Hill, Roanoke Rapids, and surrounding areas in North Carolina. We do not get paid unless we win, and we offer free case evaluations. Call us today, (919) 615-3095.
