Can I be fired because I file a Workers’ Compensation claim or because I hire an attorney for my case?

The short answer is NO, not legally. Your employer cannot legally terminate you because you had a work injury or because you hired an attorney. You are entitled to know your legal rights and to file a legitimate claim for a work injury.

However, do not let the above facts confuse you into thinking that your job is protected because you got hurt at work, because that is not the case.

Why do my wages matter in a workers’ compensation claim?

A common mistaken belief is that the severity of your injury is the sole determining factor in how much your workers’ compensation claim may be worth monetarily. While more serious injuries are typically valued higher than less serious injuries, a significant factor in case value is how much you earn in wages in the job in which you were injured.

Workers’ Compensation Quiz: True or False?

Workers’ Compensation claims can be very overwhelming. See these commonly asked True/False questions below, and call our office for more details on your potential case.

You must pay taxes on your workers’ compensation benefits.
FALSE. Workers’ Compensation benefits are not taxed.

*Top 5 Questions from Clients Who Have Been Hurt at Work:

Number 1: Will I be fired?

In North Carolina, you cannot legally be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim. This is due to North Carolina’s Retaliatory Discharge Act (REDA), which protects employees from certain situations such as being fired after a workplace injury.

Is My Injury Covered by Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation laws can be tricky to understand. They vary by state, they’re complicated, and at first glance, they can seem overwhelming. Workers’ compensations laws are put into place to help you get the help that you need when you’ve suffered from a workplace injury, regardless of if it was your fault or your employer’s.

However, not every work injury is covered under workers’ compensation.

Heat exhaustion at work? You may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation!

The summer months bring with them clear blue skies, fun family barbeques, and refreshing swims in the pool. However, the North Carolina heat and humidity follow close behind, bringing the possibility of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and - more seriously - heat stroke.

Do You Know Who You Work For?

When you have been injured on the job and call Shankle Law Firm office for your completely free initial consultation, one of the most crucial questions you will be asked outside of the nature of your injury is, “who is your employer?” Why? Because to file a workers’ compensation claim, we must be able to identify your employer.

Workers’ Comp Can Give You A Headache!

Workers’ Comp can often seem like a foreign language! It has its own court system, forms and acronyms that can make it virtually impossible to navigate if you are unfamiliar with the process. The North Carolina Industrial Commission’s website can be very helpful in guiding you through the workers’ comp system if you are trying to handle your case on your own.

What Should You Do If You Were Electrocuted At Work?

Whether you are an electrician, cable installer, construction worker, or have another profession that involves wiring, you may be at a higher risk for an electrical injury. There are multiple ways that one can be electrocuted at work. A few examples of contributing factors include:

*Overloaded or damaged circuits
*Frayed electrical cords
*Damaged power lines
*Wet conditions
*Electrical wiring issues

Regardless of how your injury at work occurred, if you were electrocuted, it is imperative that you seek legal counsel.

To Trust Or Not To Trust Your Employer When You Are Hurt At Work…

Imagine this… You were injured at work. Your employer is telling you they will personally pay for your medical treatment. Sounds good, right? WRONG. Some employers may try to personally pay for your treatment as a way to avoid filing your claim on their insurance.