Hickory Factory Injury Lawyer

Hickory Factory Injury Attorney

With access to raw materials, a labor pool of highly skilled workers, and a low U.S. corporate tax rate, North Carolina boasts many different industries in our community. Several manufacturing and chemical plants are part of Hickory, and as a result, factory workers can find themselves injured or ill while simply completing their job duties. If you need assistance after an accident, a skilled Hickory factory injury lawyer at Roberts Law Firm, P.A., can help.

Types Of Claims for Hickory Factory Accidents

There are a few different types of injury claims, including:

• North Carolina Workers’ Compensation. File a claim for benefits through your employer’s workers’ compensation benefits coverage. If your claim is denied, a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer can help file an appeal. If this compensation proves insufficient to cover your losses, you may want to speak with an attorney to discuss a personal injury claim.
• Personal Injury. You may be able to file a personal injury case. A skilled personal injury attorney can discuss your potential recovery avenues and the steps to take to maximize your compensation.
• Premises Liability. You may be able to prove negligence by demonstrating that a factory owner/manager knew (or should have known) about a dangerous condition at the factory, and your injuries were due to this negligence.

An experienced workplace injury attorney can discuss your accident and recovery steps.

What Are Some Workplace Injuries Sustained by Hickory Factory Workers?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were 68,600 nonfatal workplace illnesses/injuries in North Carolina in just one year. Of those illness/injury reports, 40,900 were serious enough to require taking time off from work, workplace accommodations, or a job transfer. Of note, manufacturing saw the highest number of incidents, and sprains/cuts were the most reported types of injuries.

Understanding some common causes of factory accidents can help you avoid becoming part of the injury statistics yourself. Like all factory workers throughout the United States, Hickory factory workers face many types of workplace dangers while performing their local factory jobs. There are some commonly occurring workplace injuries, including:

• Crush Injuries/Fractures. Equipment can malfunction, and conveyor belts/forklifts can increase factory dangers. Objects can fall, and workers can be caught in or between machinery.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries. Factory workers may experience shoulder sprains/strains, back injuries, or tendonitis. Employees often have repetitive motions, heavy lifting, or awkward positions as part of their job duties.
• Slips/Trips/Falls. A variety of injuries can happen due to uneven floor surfaces, wet floors, and cluttered employee areas. Injuries become more likely in busy factory areas.
• Burns/Scalds. Workers can get thermal burns from electrical equipment, hot surfaces, and chemicals. Workers in chemical processing factories and food processing plants can experience these injuries. North Carolina’s plastics and metals industries employ over 82,000 workers, which is the largest type of workforce in the state.
• Cuts/Lacerations. When factory workers work with glass, metal, or sharp tools, they can sustain serious cuts and lacerations. Our local factories are hotspots for workplace accidents.
• Hearing Loss. Workers may be exposed to loud equipment without enough ear protection, which can lead to hearing loss. Local metalworking, textile, and automotive factories can often have high noise levels.
• Respiratory Issues. North Carolina is often called the “Furniture Capital of the World,” and has a rich history in the furniture-making industry. Workers can face issues when they’re not provided with appropriate protective gear or sufficient ventilation.

With so many factories in our area, workers can suffer from a wide variety of workplace accidents and illnesses.

What Steps Should I Take If I’ve Been Hurt in a Factory?

If you were a victim of a factory accident, report your accident to your employer in writing right away. Then, file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) with NCIC Form 18. An attorney can help with the filing process and discuss your available legal options. To protect your claim, it’s important to avoid common mistakes during the workers’ compensation process—missteps can delay or reduce your benefits.

FAQs

Who Creates Regulations to Keep Factory Workers Safe?

The federal government, via the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), prepares regulations for protecting factory workers throughout the country. OSHA is responsible for enforcing workplace safety rules in order to maintain safety. If a factory doesn’t follow OSHA rules, companies can face hefty fines, and workers can be victims of workplace accidents.

What Can I Do if My Employer Isn’t Following OSHA Safety Standards?

If you think your employer isn’t following OSHA safety standards, you can file a complaint confidentially by submitting an OSHA complaint online, visiting your North Carolina OSHA office, or calling 1-800-321-OSHA (6742). Your complaint is confidential, and it usually results in an inspection.

Safety standards exist to make sure employers keep their employees safe. If you need assistance, contact a trusted attorney right away.

Do I Pay Taxes on Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

No, in general, workers’ compensation benefits/settlements based on North Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation Act are not taxable by either the federal or state government. There are some exceptions worth discussing with a knowledgeable attorney.

Some workers hesitate to claim workers’ compensation for fear they may have to pay substantial tax penalties. In reality, workers’ comp benefits are typically not taxed, as they are intended to provide financial relief after a factory worker’s injury/illness.

Does My Employer Have Obligations Under NCIC Rules/Regulations?

In North Carolina, the North Carolina Industrial Commission administers the workers’ comp system of benefits. If a factory has at least three workers, it’s required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance, or it can qualify as self-insured. Your employer must report accidents/illnesses resulting from factory duties to the NCIC.

There are some exceptions, and if you want to further discuss employer obligations, speak with an experienced NC attorney.

Contact Skilled Hickory Factory Injury Lawyers – Call Roberts Law Firm, P.A.

Factories can be dangerous in many different ways. The team at Roberts Law Firm, P.A., is dedicated to providing our clients with the legal support they need after factory injuries. With over 40 years of legal experience, we can provide information to help you make an informed decision about the type of claim you may decide to pursue.

Contact our office today for additional information and to schedule your initial consultation.