Charlotte Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Serving Injured Workers in Mecklenburg County & All of North Carolina

If you have been injured in the workplace, the best outcome is that you will recover completely after a few days or a few weeks. Unfortunately, some workplace injuries are far more serious and complicated.

At Jetton & Meredith, our Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyers represent workers who have been injured on the job or suffer from an occupational illness. No matter your situation, we offer an initial consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions about North Carolina’s workers’ compensation program.

Why Pursue a Workers’ Compensation Claim

In theory, workers’ compensation is designed to be a relatively simple system meant to protect both employees and employers from lawsuits or benefit denials following a workplace accident.

Unfortunately, the claims process can be rather complicated. If you have suffered an injury that will result in either work absence or a permanent impairment, it is important to get an attorney’s advice. The workers’ compensation insurance carrier has a financial incentive to deny your claim or send you back to work before you are ready. Without skilled legal representation on your side, you put yourself at a disadvantage and you may be unable to collect the valuable benefits you need and deserve.*

Dedicated Guidance through the Claims Process

Your employer will likely have legal representation to protect their interests, which is why you should have an advocate helping to protect yours. A claim may be denied at any time during the course of this process and you may need to file multiple petitions and make numerous appearances at various hearings. Our attorneys can help minimize delays and help your claim make its way through the system as smoothly as possible.*

Your Questions Answered by Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Charlotte

The following workers’ compensation FAQ is designed to provide you with some general information regarding the system. Of course, each client’s case is different and the following should not take the place of qualified legal advice.

The Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys at Jetton & Meredith can answer any other questions you may have and can help guide you through the process. We represent clients throughout the state of North Carolina.

What should I do if I have been injured at work?

The first step to take if you’re injured on the job is to notify your supervisor or employer, preferably in writing so that you can have a copy for your records. After your employer has been made aware of the accident, you should also file a form 18 with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. This ensures that the state will be made aware of your claim in the event that your employer fails to file the necessary paperwork. Our attorneys can help you fill out the required information for this form.

Can I sue my employer instead of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

The workers’ compensation system is designed to be a faultless system. In other words, you generally cannot sue your employer even if your employer was to blame for the injury. Conversely, your employer cannot prevent you from collecting benefits if you were at least partially to blame for the injury.

It may be possible to file a suit against a third party, such as another driver who caused an accident, or a product manufacturer who created a faulty product or defective piece of machinery. We will thoroughly review the circumstances of your case to fight for all reasonable claims.

Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim?

It is illegal for an employer to fire or demote a worker solely because he or she files a workers’ comp claim. However, such actions do still occur. If you feel that you were fired or have had an adverse action taken against you because of a claim, you may be able to sue your employer for wrongful termination.

What benefits may I be entitled to?

For an on-the-job injury or an occupational illness, you are typically entitled to medical treatments as well as two-thirds of your average weekly wage for the time that you are out of work. If you have suffered a permanent disability to a body part, you are entitled to a lump sum payment determined by a table of different injuries.*

Personalized Representation & Support in Your Time of Need

At Jetton & Meredith, our Charlotte injury lawyers pride themselves on providing the victims of workplace accidents with a great deal of close contact and support. We can help answer your questions and keep you informed about the status of your case at all times. Our team understands that it is difficult to know what steps to take if you’re injured on the job. You can rest assured that we will be here to provide you with the legal support you need while we aggressively protect your interests and work to get you the full settlement that you deserve.*