Reforms to Workers’ Compensation Laws Limit Benefits

In the past several years, many states, including North Carolina, have passed new laws changing and cutting back benefits employees can received under the workers’ compensation laws.   Since 2003, new laws have been passed in 33 states that reduce benefits or make it more difficult for those with certain injuries to qualify for benefits.   Cuts have been so deep in some states that judges and even defense attorneys have found them inhumane.   In North Carolina, significant laws went into effect in 2011 that made significant changes to North Carolina workers’ compensation laws; most of which were bad for injured workers.  The first major change was to place an arbitrary time limit on the number of weeks an injured worker can be paid for being out of work for total disability.  There are some minor exceptions to the law, but the exceptions are fairly restrictive and going forward it is unclear how the laws will be applied.  There are also major changes which affect the control of medical treatment, medical opinions and communication with physicians that favor the insurance companies.

See the following link for more information about injured workers suffering from workers’ compensation reforms in this and other states:

Benefit Reforms

If you have been injured on the job, you should contact an experienced attorney to help.

Should You Hire An Attorney?

Whether You Should Hire an Attorney to Handle Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you’ve been injured on the job, you’re probably wondering whether you need to hire an attorney, or handle the claim yourself.  If you’ve been injured and have made a workers’ compensation claim, some employers will accept the claim as compensable and begin paying benefits.  If you have a minor injury, the employer typically pays all your bills until you’re able to return to work.   This scenario is sometimes referred to as a “medical only” claim and you may not need an attorney.  However, for more complex claims, and even with small claims where it appears the employer is not disputing the claim, the proper forms are not always completed or filed by the employee or employer.   An experienced attorney can make sure the proper legal forms are filed in order to protect your interest and ensure you avoid missing filing deadlines. There are certain time limits in which to must take certain action in a workers’ compensation claim.  Further, the type and extent of benefits available can often be hard to understand.  If you decide to settle your case, you will be asked to sign complicated legal documents.  An experienced attorney can ensure you are receiving a fair settlement and that your rights are protected.  Further, most attorneys will provide a consultation at no charge to discuss your case and will let you know whether the attorney can assist with your claim.

For tips on choosing a workers’ compensation attorney please see the following link:

Tips

If you have been injured on the job, you should contact an experienced attorney to help.