Most workers compensation cases involve people who suffer a physical injury at work. Maybe they hurt their knee while working under an oil truck. Or you could have suffered serious burns while working on an oil rig. Most people who go on workers compensation are back on their feet after a few weeks or months. They collect their weekly benefits and then, when they’re ready, they go back to work full-time.
For people who are diagnosed with cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, or another work-related illness, they may never be able to return to work. Their Wilmington workers comp lawyer has to sue for permanent damages. If you’re in a similar situation, it’s time to call and speak with one of our expert attorneys.
Most Work-Related Injuries Are the Result of an Accident
Most of the people Wilmington workers comp lawyers meet with suffered a physical injury at work. They were involved in an accident and hurt their back, neck, or some other body part. Some of the more common work injuries are:
- Broken finger or wrist
- Torn ACL or another knee injury
- Sprained back
- Whiplash
- Contusions and lacerations
- Burns
Any of these can be extremely painful. You may need weeks or months of medical treatment until you’re better. However, for some people, their workers comp case isn’t based on any physical injury. Instead, it’s based on an illness.
You May Become Diagnosed with Mesothelioma
One of the most devastating work-related illnesses is mesothelioma. It is one of the most aggressive cancers there is. People who work near asbestos and other toxic materials end up sick because they constantly breathed in the toxins. In fact, 8 out of every 10 people diagnosed with this type of cancer contracted the illness from exposure to asbestos.
While it’s now illegal to use asbestos in construction, for years it was one of the most common materials in buildings. It was used on pipes, cement, concrete, and bricks. There are even some older pieces of dental equipment that contained asbestos. If you or your loved one contracted mesothelioma through your job, you should call and talk to a skilled Wilmington workers comp lawyer.
Many Workers Require Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Another common illness that is contracted on the job is carpal tunnel syndrome. This is caused when you perform the same wrist action repetitively. This is a very common issue with casino dealers. The only way to address this problem is with surgery. Even after the surgery heals, you may not be able to work again.
Clearly, you won’t be able to return to the same kind of work. In this case, your Wilmington workers comp lawyer will have to sue your employer for permanent disability. The amount you receive will depend on your salary, age, and severity of your injury.
Your Workers Compensation Benefits Will Include Medical Treatment
Thankfully, in addition to receiving replacement weekly wages, you’ll also be entitled to medical coverage. Your employer’s workers comp insurance must cover any medical expenses as long as they’re related to your workplace injury or illness.
When it comes time to settle your case, your Wilmington workers comp lawyer will have to demand a certain amount of money to cover future medical care. Once you settle your claim, you won’t be able to pursue your employer for more money down the road.
Your Wilmington Workers Comp Lawyer May Push for a Lump Sum Settlement
People who suffer a serious illness as a result of their job may not be able to return to work. Even if you work a white-collar job, you may still have to go on disability after your workers compensation claim is resolved. For example, some people end up with cancer due to exposure to dangerous and toxic chemicals. Depending on how serious it is, you may not be able to return to work.
If that’s the case, your Wilmington workers comp lawyer will demand that you be compensated. Clearly, you can’t collect replacement wages forever. In North Carolina, you can only receive workers comp benefits for 500 weeks. This comes out to be just under ten (10) years. At some point, you need to close out your file.
One way to do this is by having your Wilmington workers comp lawyer negotiate a settlement. In order to find out how to best proceed with your claim, call and talk to one of our seasoned Wilmington workers comp lawyers. The initial consultation is free, and you don’t pay anything until your case is settled.
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