Agricultural work is statistically one of the most dangerous industries based on the number of work-related injuries reported each year. It’s possible for an agricultural work injury to happen in many ways, and if you or a family member suffers such an injury, you need to speak with a Charlotte agricultural work injury lawyer to determine your most viable recovery options. The right attorney can help you file your claim with confidence and maximize your benefits.
Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler has decades of professional experience representing injured workers in Charlotte and surrounding areas in their workers’ compensation cases. If you or a family member is struggling with the effects of an agricultural work injury, our team will assist you in recovering compensation through your employer’s insurance policy. We can also provide guidance if you have additional avenues of legal recourse available.
It can be confusing to navigate the workers’ compensation claim filing process on your own. While this process may appear straightforward at first, the reality is that many injured workers throughout North Carolina encounter all types of complications with their cases that they do not know how to resolve. It is also possible for an employer and/or their insurance carrier to complicate a work injury case in several ways.
With our team’s assistance, you can feel more confident about your recovery options. We can help you file your workers’ compensation claim, resolve any issues you encounter with the insurance carrier, and do everything we can to maximize your benefits. If you are eligible to file a third-party personal injury suit, we can assist you with this as well and will do everything we can to enhance your case award as much as state law allows.
It is important to report your injury as soon as it happens; otherwise, you may be disqualified from filing your claim. As part of the claim filing process, you will likely be required to undergo a medical examination from a workers’ compensation doctor in the area. They will perform a functional capacity evaluation to determine the severity of your injury, and this rating will determine how much you can receive in benefits.
It’s possible for an injured worker to receive full coverage for all of the medical expenses related to their injury along with ongoing disability benefits if they are unable to work while they recover. It is also possible to qualify for partial disability benefits if you can still work at reduced earning capacity during your recovery, and these benefits can help offset your lost income. If a third party caused your injury, you may also be eligible to file a personal injury suit.
The attorneys at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler have helped many injured workers in the agricultural industry navigate the workers’ compensation claim filing process and helped them file third-party personal injury suits. We can help you understand the process and approach your case with peace of mind. As soon as you are able to do so, reach out to our firm for a consultation and learn how we can assist with all the stages of your recovery.
A: A few examples of the most commonly reported agricultural work injuries in Charlotte include injuries from slips and falls, repetitive stress injuries, injuries caused by heavy equipment and agricultural tools, and injuries from vehicle accidents. Tractors are commonly cited as responsible for many of these injuries. Workers can suffer severe injuries if a tractor tips over or if they become caught in connecting parts with towed equipment.
A: In North Carolina, most regular workers are eligible for workers’ compensation. However, the agricultural industry does include some exceptions. While most employers with more than three employees are required to cover those employees with workers’ compensation insurance, agricultural employers with fewer than 10 employees are exempt from this requirement. Make sure you understand the eligibility criteria and your employment status with your employer.
A: In Charlotte, you have 30 days in which to report your injury to your employer in order to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. If you do not report your injury within this time limit, your employer could deny responsibility for your injury. Generally, it is always advisable to report any work-related illness or injury immediately to ensure you meet the reporting requirement so you can start the claim filing process right away.
A: The amount you can receive in workers’ compensation benefits will largely depend on the overall severity of your injury and your remaining functional capacity to work following the injury. In most cases, medical expenses related to a work injury will be fully covered. However, disability benefits are awarded based on the claimant’s usual earnings and the overall severity of their condition. Disability benefits can continue until they are able to return to work.
A: You should hire a Charlotte agricultural work injury lawyer to have the greatest possible chance of success with all of the recovery efforts you attempt after your accident at work. A seasoned attorney can help you complete the claim filing process more easily, and you will be better prepared to address any unexpected complications that arise. Additionally, your attorney can also help file a third-party personal injury suit if you are eligible to do so.
The attorneys at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler can provide comprehensive legal representation for all aspects of your work injury case in Charlotte. If you believe you are eligible to file a claim, we can guide you through the process and help you secure the compensation you need to recover. Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation with a Charlotte agricultural work injury lawyer you trust with your case.