Recorded Statements: Do I Have to Comply?

It is common for an adjuster to ask to take your recorded statement in Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury claims. This sounds harmless, right? WRONG. You should ALWAYS speak with an attorney prior to providing a recorded statement, as this statement can and will be used against you later if possible!

What is a recorded statement? A recorded statement is a series of questions that an adjuster asks you about the circumstances and events surrounding an injury claim (or any claim for that matter). Your responses are then transcribed and ultimately become an official part of your file surrounding the claim.

Do I owe taxes on my Workers’ Compensation (WC) or Personal Injury (PI) Settlement?

It’s almost tax time! Have you received a Workers’ Compensation settlement or a Personal Injury settlement and wondering if these settlements are taxable income? Some of the answers are straightforward while others are not. Keep in mind, we are not tax lawyers or certified public accountants, so you should always run tax questions by the most qualified individuals, like your accountant.

I am working illegally. Can I file for Workers’ Compensation? Can I get fired?

Were you injured at work, but concerned because you are an undocumented worker? There must be so many questions and concerns going through your mind, and we are fully equipped to handle your concerns and our staff all fully bilingual.

*Can I file for Workers’ Compensation? – Yes.

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.