Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys help injured employees claim Jacksonville workers’ compensation back injury settlements. We take difficult cases. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact us to get help from an experienced Jacksonville workers’ compensation lawyer.
Understanding Settlements for Jacksonville Workers’ Compensation Back Injuries
- You may resolve a Jacksonville workers’ compensation back injury claim with a settlement.
- Each settlement reflects the severity of the injury and disability, so there is no typical or average amount.
- It’s important to understand what’s included in the proposed settlement. Some back injury settlements end the right to future medical care. Be sure to understand the offer.
- You don’t have to resolve your back injury compensation claim by settlement. You can take your case to a hearing.
- A lawyer can represent you to claim the Jacksonville workers’ compensation back injury settlement you deserve.
Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys handles workers’ compensation claims involving back injuries. To learn more and get legal representation today, contact us.
Workers’ Compensation for Back Injuries in Jacksonville, NC
You may make a workers’ compensation claim for a back injury in Jacksonville, NC. The rules for workers’ compensation apply statewide in North Carolina.
You may receive:
- Medical care at no cost to you
- Replacement income if you’re unable to work
- Disability compensation
How much can you receive for back injury at work compensation in NC?
Back injury workers’ compensation includes medical care and lost wages. Disability compensation for loss of the use of the back is paid at 66 2/3% of the person’s average weekly wage. If the loss of the use of the back is total, or 75% or more, the person is compensated for 300 weeks.
If the loss of use of the back is only partial, the person is compensated in proportion to the extent of the loss.
Disputing the loss of the back
It’s not surprising that the wording of the law creates disputes about the extent of injury.
While you may know that you have fully lost use of the back, the doctor treating you, chosen by the insurance company, might say you have only a slight disability.
Our lawyers for back injury workers’ comp in Jacksonville can help you dispute the decision. We fight for the disability compensation that you deserve.
Common Workplace Accidents Leading to Back Injuries
- Slips and falls, falling from elevation
- Repetitive tasks, heavy lifting
- Electrical accidents, electrocution
- Machinery malfunction, stuck in or stuck between accidents
- Car accidents, motor vehicle collisions
- Inadequate rest between tasks
- Lack of personal protective equipment
- Excessive sitting with poor posture
The workers’ compensation system does not require you to prove fault for the accident.
What Factors Determine the Value of a Back Injury Settlement?
- Income before the injury occurred
- Whether future medical care is included in the settlement
- Extent of disability of the back
- If the person has additional injuries that are part of the claim
- Whether liability to pay compensation is disputed
Our attorneys can evaluate the specifics of the case and explain what it may be worth.
We can also identify things that you can do to maximize your payment amount.
How Long Does It Take To Settle a Workers’ Comp Claim for a Back Injury?
Some back injury cases are settled in several weeks, while others take a year or more.
It’s important to balance wanting to resolve the case with settling at the right time. With a back injury, the prognosis may not be immediately known. There may be personal circumstances where it’s better to continue medical care or to reach a settlement that resolves future medical care.
The extent of disputed issues like average weekly wage or extent of disability can also influence the settlement timeline.
At your consultation, ask our lawyers how long your case might take.
Can You Get a Lump Sum Settlement for a Back Injury?
Yes, you can get a lump sum settlement for a back injury in Jacksonville, NC. Be sure to work with a lawyer to fully understand what your lump sum award includes.
Common Challenges in Back Injury Workers’ Comp Settlements
- Pre-existing conditions—Insurers often claim that back injuries are the result of pre-existing conditions rather than work-related. There may be a situation where an existing back injury is made worse by work. The insurance company may dispute the extent of the injury that is covered.
- Soft tissue injury—Back injuries may not always be visible in an x-ray. The insurance company may question the existence or severity of the injury.
- Not work-related—A dispute may arise over whether the back condition is degenerative or whether it occurred outside of work.
- Acute or repetitive injuries—Repetitive strain at work can cause a back injury, but it can be more challenging to prove a case based on repetitive tasks. A lawyer can help you build the evidence of ongoing trauma.
- Needed medical care—The care provider may say that physical therapy won’t help, or they may not provide enough therapy or deny surgery. You may need to contest medical benefits.
- Extent of disability—Because compensation depends on a disability rating, the percentage assigned is often disputed.
What To Do If Your Workers’ Comp Claim for a Back Injury Is Denied
If your workers’ comp for a back injury is denied, you can appeal. Review the paperwork to determine the reason for the denial. It may be something that you can remedy with more paperwork or an explanation. It may be necessary to take your case to a hearing.
Don’t wait to contact an attorney.
The Role of a Jacksonville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Back Injury Cases
A lawyer helps you:
- Complete the paperwork
- Avoid mistakes
- Understand benefits
- Get healthcare
- Negotiate a settlement
- Prepare evidence
- Create a strategy
- Present your case at a hearing
At Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys, our Jacksonville workers’ compensation lawyers handle the entire process.
Consultations Available—Talk to a Lawyer
Are you suffering from a back injury on the job? Get a consultation with a Jacksonville workers’ compensation lawyer. Learn about back injury settlements and how an attorney can assist you. Call or message Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys.
