Fayetteville Workers Compensation Attorneys |
Work Injury
Corporate America Is A Legal Goliath. You Can’t Afford To Fight Alone.
Were you injured on the job and now face lost wages or mounting medical bills? If so, you deserve workers’ compensation. However, in some cases, workers' compensation insurance companies and businesses refuse to pay the money you rightfully earned. If this describes your situation, you don’t have to try to settle the case on your own.
Supporting injured workers throughout Dunn, Fayetteville, Harnett County, Cumberland County, Johnston County, Sampson County, Sampson County, and surrounding North Carolina communities.
Injured at Work? Here's What You Should Do First
If you were injured on the job in North Carolina:
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Report the injury immediately.
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Seek authorized medical treatment.
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Follow your physician's restrictions.
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Document every appointment.
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Speak with an experienced workers' compensation attorney before accepting a denial or settlement.
Find A Workers' Comp Partner To Protect Your Rights
Workers’ compensation law has many complicated rules. On your own, you may not be able to stand up to corporate attorneys who train to make those rules work for them.
Parker & Frey’s goal is to give working people like you the same legal resources as the big insurance companies. Our workers’ comp attorneys in Fayetteville, North Carolina, help you level the playing field, giving you a fair shot at the compensation you need to pay medical bills and support your family.
Use Our Workers' Compensation Expertise To Win A Case
At Parker & Frey PLLC, we have a specialist who is board-certified in workers’ compensation law. Together, you and our lawyers will review your case and develop a strategy to help you receive compensation. We will review pertinent facts that bolster your case and help you avoid any legal errors.
Over the last 25 years, we have helped clients like you win the following types of cases:
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Act of God denials
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Bad faith
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Change in the treating doctor
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Chronic conditions
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Claims filed late
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Compensation for injuries
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Coverage disputes
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Denied claims
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Denial of surgery
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Lifetime income benefits
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Partially denied claims
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Self-insured employers
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Temporary income benefits
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Third-party claims
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Weekly wage or supplemental income benefits
Parker and Frey PLLC serves people from all walks of life.
For instance, we have represented people in the construction industry, people who work at Smithfield Packing, civilian contractors working at Fort Bragg, police officers, and others in law enforcement, and truck drivers. Whatever your job, we are prepared to create a strong case on your behalf.
Receive Workers' Comp Legal Services Targeted To Your Needs
We will try to resolve your case through negotiation and out of the spotlight. We keep you informed of your options every step of the way and recommend actions that are in your best interest.
If negotiations don’t work, we will continue to fight to get your compensation, even if it means going to trial.
PRACTICE AREAS
Elder Law
>>Conservatorships & Guardianships
>>Powers of Attorneys & Living Wills
>>Wills & Trust
Personal Injury
>>Automobile Accidents
>>>>Injured By An Uninsured Driver
>>>>What Should You Do
>>Brain Injury
>>Closed Head Injury
>>Construction Site Injuries
>>Truck Accidents
>>Wrongful Death
>>Short- And Long-Term Disability
>>Social Security Appeals Process
>>Social Security Disability Insurance
>>Supplemental Security Income
>>Board-Certified Specialists in Workers' Compensation
>>Construction Workers
>>Denied Claims
>>Law Enforcement Agents
>>Meat Packers
>>The Basics of Workers' Compensation
>>Workers' Compensation Benefits
>>>>Medical Benefits
>>>>Wage Loss Benefits
>>Workplace Accidents
>>>>Auto Accidents on the Job
Why Choose Parker & Frey for Workers' Compensation Claims?
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Established in 1986
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Board Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist Robert Frey
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Personal service
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Local representation
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Appeals before the North Carolina Industrial Commission
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Workers throughout North Carolina
Workers' Compensation Benefits Available in North Carolina
Medical Benefits Under North Carolina Workers' Compensation
One of the most valuable benefits available through North Carolina workers' compensation is coverage for reasonable and necessary medical care related to your workplace injury. The goal is to help you recover, return to work when appropriate, and improve your long term health after an accident or occupational illness.
Depending on your injury, workers' compensation may cover a variety of medical services, including:
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Emergency room treatment
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Physician visits
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Surgeries
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Prescription medications
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Physical therapy and occupational therapy
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Diagnostic testing, including X rays, MRIs, CT scans, and nerve conduction studies
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Durable medical equipment, such as braces, crutches, or wheelchairs
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Pain management treatment
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Specialist referrals when medically necessary
In many cases, injured workers are also entitled to reimbursement for mileage traveled to and from authorized medical appointments. Keeping accurate records of your travel can help ensure you receive every benefit available under North Carolina law.
Because employers and insurance carriers generally have the right to direct medical treatment, understanding your rights regarding authorized physicians and referrals is important. An experienced workers' compensation attorney can help if treatment is delayed, denied, or prematurely discontinued.
Temporary Total Disability Benefits
If your treating physician determines that your work injury prevents you from performing any job duties, you may qualify for Temporary Total Disability, commonly referred to as TTD benefits. These wage replacement benefits are designed to provide financial support while you are unable to work during your recovery.
In most cases, Temporary Total Disability benefits equal approximately two thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to the annual maximum established by North Carolina law.
Benefits generally begin after you have missed more than seven days of work because of your injury. If your disability extends beyond 21 days, compensation may also be paid for the initial waiting period.
Your eligibility for Temporary Total Disability benefits depends largely on your physician's work restrictions. As your medical condition improves, your doctor may continue you out of work or determine that you are able to return with restrictions. Because medical opinions play a significant role in determining benefits, it is important to follow your treatment plan and attend all scheduled appointments.
Temporary Partial Disability Benefits
Not every injured worker is completely unable to work after an accident. Many employees are able to return to work with medical restrictions while continuing to recover. If your employer offers suitable light duty work that pays less than your previous position, you may qualify for Temporary Partial Disability benefits.
Temporary Partial Disability helps replace a portion of the difference between your pre injury wages and your reduced earnings while you recover. These benefits are intended to lessen the financial impact of returning to work before you have fully healed.
Examples of work restrictions may include:
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No lifting above a certain weight
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Limited standing or walking
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Reduced work hours
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No repetitive motions
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Sedentary or desk duty only
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If your employer cannot accommodate your physician's restrictions, you may still qualify for workers' compensation wage benefits. Every situation is unique, and understanding your rights before accepting modified duty can help protect your claim.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
After you reach Maximum Medical Improvement, your physician may determine that you have sustained a permanent loss of function in an injured body part. At that point, your doctor may assign a Permanent Partial Disability rating.
A disability rating represents the percentage of permanent impairment caused by your workplace injury. North Carolina workers' compensation laws establish specific compensation schedules for various body parts, including the back, shoulder, hand, knee, foot, and other areas of the body.
Depending on your circumstances, you may have options regarding how permanent disability benefits are calculated. Choosing the best option can have a significant impact on the total compensation you receive.
Because disability ratings can directly affect the value of your claim, many injured workers benefit from speaking with an experienced workers' compensation lawyer before accepting a settlement or final award.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits
Some workplace accidents result in catastrophic injuries that permanently prevent an employee from returning to gainful employment. In these situations, an injured worker may qualify for Permanent Total Disability benefits.
Permanent Total Disability may apply in cases involving severe or life changing injuries such as:
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Traumatic brain injuries
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Spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis
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Multiple amputations
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Severe burns
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Permanent loss of vision
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Other catastrophic injuries recognized under North Carolina workers' compensation law
These cases often involve complex medical evidence and long term financial planning because benefits may continue for an extended period depending on the circumstances of the injury.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic workplace injury, it is important to understand all available benefits, including medical care, disability compensation, vocational assistance, and potential claims beyond traditional workers' compensation benefits.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Recovering from a workplace injury does not always mean returning to the same job. When an injury prevents an employee from performing previous job duties, vocational rehabilitation services may help prepare them for suitable employment that accommodates their physical limitations.
Vocational rehabilitation may include:
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Career counseling
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Job placement assistance
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Resume development
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Interview preparation
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Skills assessments
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Educational opportunities
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Job retraining programs
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Assistance identifying work within your medical restrictions
The purpose of vocational rehabilitation is to help injured workers return to meaningful employment whenever possible while considering their education, work experience, physical abilities, and long term earning potential.
Navigating vocational rehabilitation requirements can sometimes be challenging, particularly if disagreements arise regarding suitable employment or your ability to work. An experienced workers' compensation attorney can help protect your rights throughout the rehabilitation process while ensuring you continue receiving the benefits you deserve.
No Recovery, No Fee | Free Consultation
In most of the cases we handle, we agree to work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe no attorney fees until a recovery is made. Then we are paid a percentage of the recovery as our fee. Schedule a free initial consultation by calling us at 910-892-9175 or by contacting us online.