Ruth Smith Attorney at Law
Toll Free (877) 496-2529
Asheville Workers Compensation Lawyer
Ruth Smith Law Firm
68 North Market Street
Asheville, NC 28801
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Toll Free 877-4WNCLAW
(828) 253-2383
(828) 255-8693 Fax
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Workers Compensation for On the Job Injuries
The people of western North Carolina are hard working, honest people. They take great pride in their work and what they accomplish. Unfortunately, sometimes they are injured in their work, and have medical expenses, time out of work, and other expenses which greatly handicap their ability to earn a living and provide for their families. The North Carolina Worker's Compensation Act was devised to provide a mechanism for swift and certain relief for a worker's injuries. Claims are heard in the North Carolina Industrial Commission, an alternative to civil court. In exchange, workers cannot sue their employers in civil court in most situations. In a sense, Worker's Compensation is like a "no-fault" insurance.
In order to have a successful workers compensation claim you have to have been employed at a company at the time you were injured. The injuries must be a result of the job. Workers compensation is not limited to accidents but can also include injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome which is a result of repetitive motion. If you get an illness from your job such as an illness from hazardous materials, you may also be eligible for workers compensation.
In order to have a successful workers compensation claim you have to have been employed at a company at the time you were injured. The injuries must be a result of the job. Workers compensation is not limited to accidents but can also include injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome which is a result of repetitive motion. If you get an illness from your job such as an illness from hazardous materials, you may also be eligible for workers compensation.
In theory, there should be no need for a worker to have to retain an attorney for benefits under the Act. The system was originally designed not to be a battle between employer and employee, but a way to ensure that claims are resolved quickly. Unfortunately, that is not the case today. Employer's premiums rise based upon the number of claims paid, which gives employers an economic interest in keeping claims down. Further, insurance companies make their money by collecting premiums, not by paying out claims to injured workers. Both the employer and the insurance company have an interest in denying claims, and will often go to great lengths to do so.
Ruth Smith believes strongly in the rights of workers, and can help injured workers navigate the maze of forms and hearings in the Worker's Compensation Act. She is a strong advocate, and will work hard for her clients against the employer and insurance company to ensure that her clients receive the benefits and protection they are entitled to.
Workers compensation FAQs
Workers compensation FAQs