Over the last few years, the housing market in Raleigh has really been booming. With all of the new people moving to the area, we’ve seen huge growth in the amount of new construction. However, with all of the blessings of economic growth come some unavoidable problems. With an increase in construction and construction jobs, we also see an increase of job site accidents and work injuries.
From all of us at Oxner + Permar, please remember to stay safe on the job. While finishing a project may seem all-important at the time, don’t use a deadline as an excuse to cut corners when it comes to following safety regulation and using the proper safety equipment. The best way to avoid dealing with worker’s compensation is to not need it in the first place!
Of course, even when following proper procedures, accidents can happen. We’ve seen all kinds of injuries including orthopedic injuries caused by falls from ladders, roofs, and scaffolds. What you might not know is that even if you are working for a subcontractor who does not provide workman’s comp, you may still fall under the worker’s comp policy for the general contractor.
If you work in construction and find yourself injured at on the job, be sure to contact an attorney for a free 30 minute consultation. Make sure you are taking the steps to ensure that your rights are being protected.
After you sustain a work injury, there are many things to consider. One of which may be, “Do I want to continue working for my employer or is it better for me to seek employment elsewhere?”
Many people choose to continue working for their employer. This is a perfectly valid option as many people are still on good terms with their employer following a work injury or don’t want to deal with the hassle of finding new employment. However, it’s important to make sure that your employer is abiding by your work restrictions.
If your injury is being worsened or continuing to cause you pain, you may not have to continue working under those circumstances. South Carolina and North Carolina law lay out exactly how this kind of situation needs to be handled, and Oxner + Permar has experience dealing with both.
In the event that your employer is not adhering to your work restrictions, it is important that you confront them about it. Be sure to bring a copy of your doctor’s note, which affirms your restrictions. It’s possible that since returning to work, your injury has been causing you pain in ways that you or your doctor did not anticipate. As soon as you notice this is the case, request a return appointment with your doctor. You can address any new or worsened symptoms and adjust your restrictions as needed.
If you have not yet returned to work, be sure to ask your employer for a description of your job requirements to confirm that your work is within your restrictions. If you have any problems with your employer or concerns about the work you are tasked with after returning from a work injury, be sure to speak with an attorney. Oxner + Permar specializes in workers’ compensation and personal injury; we have the experience to ensure that your rights are being protected.
If you’re hurt on the job, make sure that your employer is putting your health and safety first and is following the work restrictions laid out by your doctor.
Claims against big hospitals can be intimidating. As a hospital employee, you may feel like you’re David going up against Goliath. But at Oxner + Permar, we have the experience and resources to ensure that this is a fair fight. We’ve worked with nurses, hospital support, CNAS, respiratory therapists, ultrasound technicians, and many other medical professionals. We know how to work within the medical field to get the benefits that injured workers deserve.
In our experience, medical professionals are great at helping others in need, but often don’t recognize when they themselves need help. On top of that, medical professionals are faced with the challenge of having to seek treatment outside of the hospital or medical facility where they work. We understand that it is critical to keep your medical condition and treatment confidential.
As attorneys with extensive experience dealing with worker’s comp cases in the medical field, we are huge advocates of medical professionals. We’re passionate about making sure that those who care for others are taken care of themselves. With $275 million in awards and settlements, the team at Oxner + Permar has the experience to make sure that you’re getting the care you deserve.
Don’t be intimidated by your hospital, if you’ve been injured in the medical field. Be sure you are protecting your rights and that someone is on your side, fighting for you.
Summertime means it’s also time for tourists to flock to the Coast, seeking sun, sand, and a bit of relaxation. With the influx of tourists comes an increased need for workers. In Wilmington, the workforce almost doubles in the summertime. Workers’ compensation might not be your first thought when it comes to summer, but the reality is, with as many additional workers as there are, the risk of workplace injury also increases, especially in restaurants and the service industry.
As attorneys who specialize in workmans’ comp, we often see an increase in work injuries over the summer. For instance, we recently helped a Wilmington native who was injured while servicing a pool rental. As a result of his work injury, he required a full knee replacement. Fortunately, we were able to help him get the medical assistance that he needed, and the settlement he deserved.
From all of us at Oxner + Permar, enjoy your summer and the increased wages it brings, but be safe! And if you or someone you know is injured on the job, please be sure to contact an attorney for free advice.
Often we hear clients ask questions such as, “I’ve always had problems with my shoulder, but my existing problems have been made worse by my work injury. Can I get workman’s comp to cover my worsened condition?”
The answer is: Yes you can! The fact of the matter is, we all live real lives, and very few of us will go through life without incurring some kind of injury. Whether it be a back injury, shoulder injury, or knee injury, if you are hurt on the job and your existing condition is made worse by your work injury, then you should still be covered by workers’ comp.
Don’t allow someone to convince you that just because you have an existing problem, you should be denied workers’ comp. Cases relating to workers’ comp are clear on the issue. When a workplace injury makes a pre-existing but non-disabling condition become a disabling condition, you are eligible for workers’ comp benefits.
Be aware that it’s not uncommon to experience resistance from your insurance company. They’re not going to want to cover a condition that they view as potentially pre-existing. But you are entitled to your rights. If you have a pre-existing injury that has been made worse by a workplace injury, don’t hesitate to call an attorney.
Existing injuries that have been aggravated by a work injury may be covered by workers’ comp. Be sure to speak to an attorney to make sure you’re getting the benefits you deserve.
