A Step-by-Step Legal and Recovery Roadmap in North Carolina
A serious workplace injury turns life upside down in seconds. One moment you’re lifting a box, operating machinery, or heading to a service call. The next, you’re on the ground, in pain, confused, and facing a flood of questions.
You Got Hurt at Work. Now What?
It’s not just the physical toll. It’s the mental load of not knowing what to expect.
- Will I be able to work again?
- How will I pay the bills if I’m out for weeks… or months?
- Do I have to go to the doctor they picked for me?
- What if my boss says I wasn’t following the rules?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Many injured workers in North Carolina don’t know their rights, and often don’t realize how early decisions in the process can affect their benefits, their care, and their long-term recovery.
That’s where we come in.
At Shankle Law Firm, we walk injured workers through every step of the workers’ comp process with clarity, empathy, and experienced legal guidance. Whether you’ve just left the ER or you’re weeks into treatment and still fighting to be heard, we’re here to help you understand what happens next, and how to protect what matters most.
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately, and Tell the Provider It Happened at Work
Your health comes first. If the injury is serious, go to the ER or urgent care right away.
Important: Tell the doctor or nurse this was a work-related injury.
This affects how the visit is documented and who gets billed. Even if workers’ comp usually requires authorized medical providers, an emergency visit is generally covered, and it starts a critical paper trail.
Step 2: Report the Injury to Your Employer (Within 30 Days)
Under North Carolina law, you must notify your employer of your injury within 30 days, preferably in writing.
How to report it:
- Complete an injury report form (if available)
- Send an email or text with the date, time, and brief description of what happened
- Keep a copy or screenshot for your records
Don’t assume your employer will file for you. Ask if they’ve started the workers’ comp process, and confirm it.
Step 3: File a Formal Workers’ Compensation Claim
Reporting the injury isn’t enough. You must file a Form 18 with the North Carolina Industrial Commission to protect your legal rights.
Filing deadline: Ideally ASAP, but legally you have up to two years. You will still need to prove your employer had written notice within the 30 days discussed above.
- This form formally opens your claim and starts the timeline for benefits
- Your employer should also file a Form 19, but don’t rely on that alone.
Need help with the paperwork? That’s what we’re here for.
Step 4: Follow Up with Medical Treatment, and Document Everything
Once you’re assigned an authorized medical provider, it’s important to stick to your treatment plan and go to every appointment.
Keep records of:
- Doctor’s notes
- Work restrictions
- Prescriptions and test results
- Missed appointments (and why)
These records form the backbone of your case. Every appointment is part of your legal recovery, not just your physical one.
Step 5: Track Missed Work and Wage Loss
If your injury prevents you from working, you may qualify for Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits, which pay two-thirds of your average weekly wage (up to a cap).
What to track:
- Missed workdays
- Reduced hours due to restrictions
- Doctor’s instructions limiting your duties
These details help calculate the correct amount, and protect against being underpaid.
Step 6: Watch for Red Flags, and Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Unfortunately, the workers’ comp system doesn’t always run smoothly. Watch for signs that your case might need legal support.
Warning signs:
- Your claim is denied or delayed
- Medical bills aren’t being paid or your employer is paying the bills and not the insurance company
- Your employer pressures you to return too soon
- Your doctor doesn’t take your concerns seriously
- You’re feeling lost or overwhelmed
If something feels off, it probably is. A workers’ comp attorney can step in before small issues become big problems.
How a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Helps You Through the Process
The workers’ comp process in North Carolina can feel like a maze, full of paperwork, deadlines, and insurance adjusters who seem to care more about saving money than helping you heal. That’s exactly why having the right legal support matters.
A workers’ compensation attorney doesn’t just file paperwork — they protect your physical, financial, and legal recovery every step of the way.
At Shankle Law Firm, we help you:
- Make sure your injury is fully and fairly documented.
From the first ER visit to follow-up specialist appointments, we help ensure your medical care reflects the full scope of your injury, and that the records support your claim. - Request a new doctor or second opinion when needed.
If the insurance-selected provider is downplaying your symptoms or rushing your recovery, we can help you formally request a provider change or an independent evaluation. - Calculate your wage loss benefits accurately.
Many injured workers are underpaid simply because their weekly wage calculation was incorrect. We fight to make sure you receive every dollar you're entitled to. - Respond to delays, denials, or bad-faith tactics.
If your claim is denied, bills are going unpaid, or your employer is pressuring you to return before you're ready, we act quickly to protect your rights. - Prepare and represent you at hearings or mediation.
If your case needs to go before the North Carolina Industrial Commission, we handle everything, from evidence preparation to representation, so you're not facing the system alone. - Negotiate a settlement, when and if it’s in your best interest.
Some cases are best resolved through settlement, but only after your medical needs and long-term outlook are fully understood. We ensure no one pushes you into a premature or unfair deal.
Most importantly: we give you the space to focus on your recovery, not legal paperwork, insurance disputes, or wondering what to do next.
If you’re unsure whether you need a lawyer, ask yourself:
Do I feel like the system is working for me… or against me?
If it’s the latter, we’re ready to help.
Bonus: What About Returning to Work or Long-Term Disability?
As you recover, questions shift to what’s next. Your doctor or employer may propose:
- Light duty work or modified schedules
- A Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) rating
- Vocational rehabilitation if you can’t return to your old job
These are complex areas where a lawyer’s advice is crucial. We help ensure you aren’t pressured into work that risks re-injury, or settlements that undervalue your future.
You Focus on Healing, Let Us Handle the Legal Stress
If you’ve been seriously hurt at work in North Carolina, you deserve more than just benefits. You deserve clarity, care, and strong legal protection.
At Shankle Law Firm, we’ve guided thousands of workers through the aftermath of life-changing injuries, with compassion and fierce advocacy.
Call us for a free consultation today.
We’ll help you understand what’s next, and walk with you every step of the way.
*Please Note - The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this site, using information from it, or communicating with Shankle Law Firm, PA through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice tailored to your situation, please contact us directly at (704) 370-1212.