Workers’ Comp: It’s so confusing!

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.

Why choose Shankle Law Firm to represent you?

Shankle Law Firm is located in Charlotte, North Carolina.  We help people who want to be treated like more than a number!

We know your name, and you’ll know your attorney, not just some answering service. Owner/Attorney, Maggie Shankle, is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist.

Facts and Myths about Workers’ Compensation!

Workers’ Compensation law was initiated by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck in the year 1884. – Fact
The first statewide Workers’ Compensation law was passed In Maryland in the year 1902. – Fact
Workers’ Compensation is a “no-fault” system, so cases can be compensable even if the Employee-Plaintiff is at fault.

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at work can be fun… But are you covered by Workers’ Comp if something goes wrong?

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone! Maybe your company is celebrating St. Patty’s day with an outing, or maybe you were injured walking to an off-premises social event with coworkers or playing a sport at a company function. There are many situations like this that we are often asked about when an injury didn’t happen at work, but has some type of connection to a person’s job.

Did you have a work injury and you think your employer has your back? Think again…

So, you’ve been with your employer for 10 years. You’re sure they have your best interest at heart and are looking out for you.

Unfortunately, the moment someone endures an injury at work, we often see a change of behavior in the employer.  One of our most memorable instances occurred when one of our clients fell from a second story platform onto concrete, and they were knocked unconscious.

What can I do if my workers’ comp case was denied and my medical bills are piling up?

The thought of your workers’ comp case being denied can lead to a feeling of dismay.  Though there may be no immediate recourse, there are options available for you depending upon the details of your claim. Your attorney may be able to argue the denial and file a request for hearing on your behalf.

If you think you’re being watched, you probably are!

If you have a work injury and file a workers’ compensation claim, expect that a private investigator may be watching you at any time. Insurance adjusters quite possibly fantasize about catching you snow skiing when you have an ankle injury or lifting your child when you have a back injury.

I’m receiving weekly checks in my workers’ comp case, so do I really need an attorney?

Unless you just enjoy being provided the basic minimum you may be entitled to, then “yes” you still need an attorney! In a compensable workers’ compensation case, the insurance company is obligated to meet certain basic requirements like paying your checks and medical bills and it is not doing you a personal favor.

Be Careful! You Could Be Messing Up Your Workers’ Comp Case

Tips to Avoid Costly Mistakes and Protect Your Benefits

We get it, your weekly workers’ comp checks are coming in, your medical care is being covered, and your employer seems...decent enough. It might feel like you’ve got everything under control.

5 Things to remember when making a workers’ compensation claim

There are many reasons why insurance companies deny workers’ compensation claims. The most common ones are the injury does not fit the specific definition of a covered “injury by accident”, it did not occur while on the job, the claimant had a preexisting condition that wasn’t related to work, or the worker failed to file the claim on time without a valid excuse.