Belmont Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Belmont Workers’ Compensation Attorney

A serious work injury means pain, medical appointments, and a stopped paycheck. It’s frustrating and overwhelming, and you shouldn’t have to face it alone. A skilled Belmont workers’ compensation lawyer can make sure you get the full range of benefits you need.

At Roberts Law Firm, P.A., our team can guide you through every step of the claims process, from filing paperwork to negotiating benefits, so you can focus on healing.

What Is Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina?

Workers’ compensation is a system designed to protect employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. In 2023, 90% of all reports made to OSHA were workplace injuries, resulting in one worker dying every 99 minutes from a work-related injury. The cost of those work injuries totaled over $176 billion.

In North Carolina, nearly all employers with three or more workers must carry workers’ comp insurance in accordance with the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act. It’s a no-fault system, which means you don’t have to prove negligence to get help. The law provides benefits, no matter who’s at fault. Some available benefits could include:

• Medical treatment, such as surgery, medication, physical therapy, and other care
• Wage replacement, including temporary total disability (TTD) and temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits
• Permanent disability compensation if your injury results in lasting impairment
• Vocational rehabilitation, which offers training or job placement if you can’t return to your previous work
• Death benefits, which can support families who have lost a loved one because of a workplace accident

However, even though the NC worker’s compensation laws are designed to help you, navigating it alone can be difficult. Knowing your rights and having someone to advocate for them on your behalf can be crucial for getting the benefits you’re entitled to.

Common Challenges Injured Workers Face

Many North Carolina workers quickly discover that the workers’ compensation system isn’t always straightforward or fair. Delays, denials, and employer pushback can create serious stress when you’re already dealing with pain and uncertainty. However, understanding the most common challenges can prepare you to respond effectively and avoid costly mistakes. Some of these challenges can include:

• Delayed medical care. Insurers often delay treatment approvals.
• Disputed injuries. Employers might claim that your injury didn’t happen at work.
• Pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies could use old injuries to deny claims.
• Pressure to return too soon. Some employers push injured workers back before they’re medically ready.

These difficulties can leave injured workers feeling powerless and unsure of where to turn. At Roberts Law Firm, P.A., we stand beside injured employees at every stage, helping them push back against tactics that delay or deny their rightful benefits. With steady guidance, you can protect your health, income, and future.

What Happens If Your Claim Is Denied?

A denied workers’ compensation claim can feel like you’ve lost. Luckily, you haven’t. In North Carolina, many valid claims are initially rejected because of paperwork errors, missing medical documentation, or disputes over how the injury happened. While it can be frustrating, a denial simply means the process becomes more complicated, not impossible. At Roberts Law Firm, P.A., we can help you:

• File a request for a hearing with the NCIC by using Form 33.
• Gather medical records and expert testimony to support your claim.
• Represent you at mediation and full evidentiary hearings.
• Pursue appeals if necessary, even all the way to the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

With support from Roberts Law Firm, P.A., you can challenge the decision, present strong evidence, and assert your right to compensation. We can handle every step of the appeal process, so you don’t have to face the system alone.

Why Hiring a Local Belmont Lawyer Matters

When your case is handled by a local attorney, you gain more than convenience; you gain a strategic advantage. A Belmont workers’ compensation lawyer from Roberts Law Firm, P.A., understands the nuances of the local legal system and how your case could resolve in nearby courts.

We understand how:

• Cases move at the Gaston County Courthouse in Gastonia.
• Deputy commissioners at the North Carolina Industrial Commission handle evidentiary hearings.
• Local mediators approach settlement negotiations.

Local insight also means we can anticipate procedural quirks, communicate efficiently with the local physicians and rehabilitation vendors, and tailor your case strategy based on what works in our region.

At Roberts Law Firm, P.A., we’ve spent years navigating claims right here in Gaston County, and that familiarity can work in your favor.

FAQs

Can I File for Unemployment If I’m Receiving Workers’ Compensation?

No, you can’t file for unemployment if you’re receiving workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation provides wage replacement benefits because you’re temporarily unable to work. Unemployment benefits are for those who are actively looking for work. However, once you’re cleared to work with restrictions, you could become eligible for partial unemployment, depending on your circumstances.

What Happens If I Get Injured While Working From Home?

Remote workers are still eligible for workers’ compensation. However, obtaining benefits depends on whether the injury happened during the course of your workday, while on duty. For example, tripping over a work-issued cord during a video call might be covered, but falling while getting a snack might not be. It’s difficult to prove a work injury at home, so evidence, like work logs or emails, can be important.

Can I Get Workers’ Comp for Mental Health Conditions, Like PTSD or Anxiety?

Yes, you can get workers’ comp for mental health conditions, like PTSD or anxiety. However, it’s more complicated, as you’ll need very strong medical evidence. It’s typically easier to prove if the condition is directly related to a traumatic work event, like a robbery, accident, or serious injury. Claims based solely on stress are more difficult to win.

Do I Have to Accept a Light-Duty Job If I’m Still in Pain?

Not necessarily. If your treating physician has cleared you for light duty but you’re still struggling, you can request a second opinion or challenge the assignment. Refusing a job outright can hurt your case, so it’s important to go through the proper legal channels with documentation. We often help clients make the right moves during these kinds of sensitive situations.

You Don’t Have to Fight Alone Talk To Our Worker’s Compensation Lawyer Today

At Roberts Law Firm, P.A., we’ve seen the toll workplace injuries take on families in Belmont, NC. We understand the emotional and financial strain, so we work hard to ease the workers’ comp process for our clients. Whether you’re still waiting for a decision or you’ve been denied altogether, our team can explain your options and fight for the benefits you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.