Kannapolis Workplace Accidents Lawyers

Each year, around 2.6 million people in the United States suffer serious injuries while at work; approximately 67,000 of these involve North Carolina workplace accidents. Kannapolis workers, in particular, experience a high rate of injury, especially those in the healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and food processing industries. At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our knowledgeable team of Kannapolis workers’ compensation lawyers has decades of combined experience successfully navigating the workers’ compensation process on behalf of our clients. Regardless of what stage your claim is in the process, our skilled attorneys can help connect you with the benefits you need to get back on your feet and on with your life.

The truth is a workplace accident can happen anywhere, at any time, while working just about any job. However, some industries are more dangerous than others. For example, the largest industries in Kannapolis include:

• Life Sciences & Healthcare,
• Logistics & Distribution,
• Advanced Manufacturing,
• Motorsports, and
• Food Technologies.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most dangerous industries include the following:

• Healthcare,
• Foodservice and processing,
• Retail,
• Transportation and warehousing
• Manufacturing, and
• Construction.

As you can see, there is a significant overlap between the most dangerous industries and the largest industries in Kannapolis. Thus, it is no surprise that Kannapolis workplace accidents are so common.

Filing a workers' compensation claim is an essential process for employees who have suffered work-related injuries or illnesses in Kannapolis, North Carolina. Understanding when and how to file these claims can significantly impact the success of your case and help you secure the benefits you're entitled to.

The first step in pursuing workers’ compensation benefits is determining whether you are eligible. In general, you can file for workers' compensation if you suffer from an injury or illness that occurred as a result of your work duties or environment. This includes injuries sustained on the job, repetitive strain injuries, or illnesses resulting from exposure to harmful substances at your workplace. Notably, because the North Carolina workers’ compensation program is a “no-fault” system, you do not need to prove that anyone else was responsible for causing your injuries. In fact, you may still obtain benefits even if you were at fault.

Once you've established that your injury or illness is work-related, timing is crucial. In North Carolina, it's important to report your injury to your employer in writing within 30 days of the incident or discovery of the illness. Though you technically have two years from the date of injury to file the claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (“NCIC”), filing a claim as soon as possible strengthens your case.

The process for filing a claim in Kannapolis is very bureaucratic and requires careful documentation. To file a workers' compensation claim, you need to complete Form 18, which is available on the NCIC's website. This form serves as your official notice of the accident to the NCIC and your employer.

Form 18 asks for details such as your personal information, the nature of your injury or illness, when and where the incident occurred, and whether you've missed work due to the injury. It is essential that you are thorough and accurate with these details, as they will be used to evaluate your claim.

After you've filed, your employer's insurance company will investigate your claim. They may accept or deny it, or you might be asked for further information or clarification. If your claim is denied, you have the right to request a hearing with the NCIC.

If you were recently injured in an on-the-job accident, it is important that you understand your rights and what you can do to pursue them. At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our dedicated team of Kannapolis personal injury attorneys command an impressive understanding of the complex laws and regulations governing our clients’ cases and diligently prepare applications to put our clients in the best position possible. We also handle administrative hearings following a workers’ compensation denial, as well as workers’ compensation appeals. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with a Kannapolis workers’ compensation lawyer, give us a call at 704-405-2580. You can also reach our Cabarrus County work injury attorneys at 704-918-4747. We represent clients in Kannapolis and Concord, as well as in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Iredell, Rowan, and Union Counties.