Winston-Salem Workers Compensation Lawyer

Winston-Salem Workers Compensation Attorney

Experiencing a workplace accident and sustaining an injury can be one of the most terrifying experiences an individual can face in their lifetime. One moment you are simply stocking the shelves or doing your daily duties on an assembly line, and the next thing you know, you are dealing with debilitating pain, medical bills, and lost wages from being unable to return to work immediately. In these instances, a Winston-Salem workers’ compensation lawyer can help.

At The Sumwalt Group, our team of dedicated attorneys has been assisting clients in a wide range of injury cases for a combined total of 50 years. We understand how the workers’ compensation system works in North Carolina and are ready to put that knowledge to good use and secure you the benefits and compensation you deserve after suffering an on-the-job injury or illness. Don’t let the insurance companies bully you: trust us to get the job done right.

The unfortunate reality is that many employers’ insurance companies don’t want to give you the benefits you are owed, even when you have a completely legitimate and legal case for workers’ compensation. At The Sumwalt Group, we are here to ensure you get these benefits so that you can take the time necessary to rest and heal from the harm you have sustained. Now is the time to call our offices. The clock is ticking, and there isn’t a moment to lose.

Most Common Workplace Accidents in Winston-Salem

In 2023, the state of North Carolina saw 68,600 nonfatal workplace injury and illness cases, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are several reasons why these injuries and illnesses occur, the most common of which include the following.

• Slips, trips, and falls: These accidents can arise when an individual slips, trips, or falls due to various workplace hazards. These hazards can include slippery or wet floors, uneven surfaces, crumbling pavement or staircases, cluttered walkways, poor lighting, missing or inadequate guardrails, handrails, or safety rails, worn or torn carpeting, and any loose or exposed cords or wires.
• Overexertion: These injuries can occur when an individual’s job tasks require them to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects. These actions are common in many modes of employment in Winston-Salem, but are most frequently seen in warehouses, factories, industrial work sites, and construction sites.
• Vehicle accidents: Individuals who are required to drive for work, such as delivery drivers, mail truck drivers, or other commercial vehicle drivers, have a heightened risk of being involved in traffic accidents along the busy streets of Winston-Salem. These accidents are typically caused by other distracted or reckless drivers, but they can also be the fault of defective vehicle parts or poor road maintenance.
• Machinery accidents: For workers who deal with machinery, such as in a factory, warehouse, construction site, industrial site, or assembly line, there is always an increased risk of injuries from machinery. These accidents can include getting caught in or crushed, pinned, or struck by heavy machinery or equipment.
• Falling objects: When a worker is struck by falling tools, materials, or equipment, they can suffer devastating injuries, such as injuries to their spinal cord or damage to their brain. These are particularly common in construction and industrial work settings.
• Toxin or chemical exposure: Some modes of employment may have individuals working closely with toxins or other chemicals. Those in the healthcare industry might find themselves exposed to toxins, bloodborne pathogens, and infections. All of these exposures can lead to injuries, illnesses, and even death. The most common substances involved in these scenarios include mold, asbestos, or hazardous waste.

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Jobs With a Higher Risk for Accidents and Injuries

Certain jobs in Winston-Salem come with a higher chance of facing an injury or illness at some point during your employment. Some of these injuries and illnesses can even become fatal. In fact, in 2023, 177 of the total workers’ compensation claims that were filed were for individuals who had died due to their work-related injury or illness. The most common kinds of employment that come with the highest risk of work-related accidents and injuries include the following.

• Healthcare workers: This can include nursing assistants, nurses, doctors, physician’s assistants, and those who work in nursing homes or other care facilities. These individuals are more prone to injuries from moving or lifting patients, being attacked by patients, slip and fall accidents, or being exposed to hazardous waste, bloodborne pathogens, or other infections.
• Construction workers: Due to the demanding nature of construction work, these employees are more likely to become injured by the heavy machinery they work with, slips and falls from great heights, falling objects, burns, or electrical shock. They may also be exposed to certain hazardous toxins and chemicals.
• Transportation workers: For individuals who drive trucks, mail carriers, or delivery personnel, being involved in a car accident or vehicle collision is a risk they take every day. These accidents can result in horrific injuries, such as broken bones, tissue and nerve damage, and even death. Other transportation workers might suffer as a result of sitting for long periods of time or from unloading and loading cargo.
• Agricultural workers: Folks who work on farms or in other related settings in the agricultural industry can face a wide range of risks. These risks can come from operating heavy machinery, being exposed to chemicals and pesticides, or being exposed to the sun and heat for long periods of time without breaks.
• Factory or manufacturing workers: For those who work in factories or in the manufacturing sector, there is an increased risk of work-related injuries. Individuals may come into contact with dangerous or defective equipment and heavy machinery or be exposed to hazardous materials. The most common injuries in these settings are amputations, repetitive stress injuries, or crush injuries.

Benefits Available for Winston-Salem Workers

Under North Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws, there are several benefits you might be entitled to, depending on the nature and severity of your injury. These benefits can include the following.

• Medical bills: All of the medical expenses related to your work injury or illness can be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. This can include bills for hospital stays, surgeries, emergency room visits, doctor visits, medications, medical devices, diagnostic tests, and rehabilitation.
• Disability benefits or lost wages: If you have to miss work due to your injury or illness, you may be able to recover your wages through disability benefits. These benefits can cover partial disability that keeps you out of work for a certain amount of time, complete total disability that keeps you from ever being able to return to work, or a disability that allows you to work but only in a certain kind of job.
• Job retraining: If you are unable to return to your previous mode of work due to an injury, you may be able to seek benefits so that you can be trained in a new area of employment and continue working when your injury or illness allows.
• Death benefits: If you lose a loved one because of a work-related accident or injury, you may be able to seek death benefits to help cover any related medical bills or any funeral or burial expenses.

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Speak With a Dedicated Workers’ Compensation from Winston-Salem Today

If you or a loved one is injured at work in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, it’s time to reach out to the attorneys at The Sumwalt Group. Schedule your consultation today and learn more about how we can be of service to you!