Employees in the state of North Carolina can depend on workers’ compensation benefits to cover their medical expenses and lost wages when they miss work due to an injury or illness. However, navigating the system to apply for benefits can be challenging, and appealing denials can be even harder. Trust a Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyer from Bridgman Gantt Law Offices to help guide you through the process and pursue the benefits you deserve.

Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated system that provides benefits to workers who are injured or exposed to toxins while on the job. The state is unique in its approach to workers’ compensation claims, as these cases are heard through a centralized body known as the North Carolina Industrial Commission. While most other states allow private insurance companies and general civil courts to handle these matters, the NCIC exists to expedite the process.
In 2023, North Carolina recorded 68,600 nonfatal injuries in the workplace. This speaks to the value of this program as well as the NCIC, as tens of thousands of workers and their families may come to rely on its benefits every year.
A Charlotte workers compensation lawyer provides support at every stage of your claim:
Workers compensation lawyers in Charlotte handle a variety of workplace injuries, including:
Workers’ compensation benefits have some strict eligibility requirements, and eligibility for benefits does not guarantee that your injury qualifies for them. To qualify for workers’ comp, you must meet the following requirements:
If you’re unsure whether your employer is required to provide workers’ compensation or if your case qualifies for benefits, speak with a local attorney to understand your options following a workplace injury.
The state’s workers’ compensation laws allow you to file appeals with the NCIC should your claim get denied. Note that 15% of claims are initially denied by one of the parties. Upon an initial denial, you have the right to file an appeal, which typically sends the case to mediation. If that fails, you can request a hearing with the Deputy Commissioner, who should review your case and hand down their own ruling.
Should the Deputy Commissioner deny your claim, you can file an appeal to have the full commission review your workers’ compensation case. This isn’t your final option, as a denial here can be appealed to the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
With over 60 years of combined experience, Bridgman Gantt Law Offices can be your trusted ally throughout the workers’ compensation application process. We can help you collect evidence of your injuries, consult your doctors regarding your maximum medical improvement, assist you in filling out the necessary forms, represent you in hearings, and advocate for you in appeals.
While you aren’t required to enlist the services of an attorney, it’s certainly a wise decision to do so. If you’ve been injured at work, you should be focused on your recovery, not taking on insurance companies or filing claims with the NCIC. Let us do that for you. We’ve managed countless workers’ compensation cases, and we know what it takes to win.
Several types of employees may not be covered by workers’ compensation. Employers with fewer than three workers are not required to carry this insurance, nor are those who hire domestic workers like nannies or maids. Independent contractors also are not covered by workers’ compensation. In some industries, the required minimum number of workers before insurance is necessary rises to ten.
How long you can be on workers’ compensation depends on the severity and duration of your injury. Temporary total disability caps out at 500 weeks, while permanent partial disability pays out for a certain number of weeks depending on the type of disability. In rare cases, a worker can qualify for lifetime benefits if their injury causes a permanent total disability.
Workers’ compensation is calculated by taking your average weekly salary and multiplying it by two-thirds. The North Carolina Industrial Commission has a weekly cap of $1,380. Note that this does not include the compensation you can receive for the cost of your initial medical care or ongoing care to treat your injuries.
No, your job cannot fire you for getting workers’ compensation in Charlotte. The law protects you from retaliation for filing for or receiving workers’ comp benefits. However, as an at-will employment state, your employer can still fire you for poor performance before your injury or misconduct, even if you’re on leave to treat your condition. If you are fired and suspect it’s linked to your workers’ compensation claim, speak with an attorney.
The last thing you want to worry about after you’ve suffered a serious injury or illness at work is navigating the complicated workers’ compensation system. Hire a workers’ compensation attorney so that you can focus on getting better while they handle the legal details. Your lawyer can work with your doctors to collect evidence of your injury and its impact on your life, help you file all the necessary paperwork, and represent you in hearings and appeals.
Don’t go through this difficult time on your own. Contact Bridgman Gantt Law Offices today to schedule your free initial consultation. We can discuss your injury case and help you understand what benefits you may be eligible for. You aren’t just another case to us. We know how important these benefits are for you, and we’re dedicated to advocating for you every step of the way.
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“What an amazing and professional group of people!! Mr. Gantt was super informative and treated us with respect and kindness. He explained everything from start to finish. His team was always available and were also kind and professional. When it came time to go to court he called a few days before and went through the process step by step. Making us feel comfortable. The day of court he called again and asked if we had questions or concerns. Ensured us that everything was going to be okay and just relax and he would be there every step of the hearing. Once the hearing was done he called us again and explained what he felt the result was going to be, and he was right! Would 100% recommend him to anyone. Thank you Mr. Gantt!” – Polly Clark
★★★★★
“All I can say is that this firm took care of EVERYTHING! I never felt out of the loop and was quite happy with the results. Also, Mr. Gantt and the staff made it extremely easy to discuss matters, even those that are personal! Thanks!” – Ken Soltys
★★★★★
“Mr. Bridgman was professional and on point he kept me fully aware of the process and what was always going on a true blessing to me and others.” – Tameron Gaines
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