If you are hurt on the job, do you need to go to the hospital?

The Doctor is In..Dispensable!

If you have a denied workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina, or South Carolina, where your employer is claiming not only that you never reported the injury, but also that it never even happened, you may find yourself in front of a hearing Commissioner telling your side of the story.  Invariably, after you relate to the hearing commissioner, just when and how you got hurt, your employer will march up the stand a whole host of witnesses, saying you did not tell them a thing about being hurt!  What is the one thing that usually breaks the standoff?  Medical evidence.

If you are hurt on the job, go to the hospital, or your doctor as soon as possible!  Tell the hospital, or doctor that you got hurt at work.  What often breaks the tie in the hearing commissioner’s eyes, is what a person told the medical providers right after the accident.  So, if they see you saw the doctor, literally right after you testified you got hurt, and told the doctor what you just testified to, it gives you credibility, and establishes when and how you got hurt.  Often, the doctor’s notes can be the workers’ compensation claimant’s biggest ally in winning their case.

Injured workers are usually in total disbelief that their employer would try and deny their claim.  But, many employers are concerned about the “high cost” of workers’ compensation insurance premiums, and are going to do their best to have no claims filed, even to their employees’ detriment.  Also, many managers’ compensation structure is based on the amount of lost time accidents that occur on their watch.  An employee getting hurt in this case literally takes money out of their pocket.  Tippens & Zurosky has knowledgeable, experienced attorneys who can fight for your rights during this often long and difficult workers' compensation process.  Call us toll-free at 877-372-3580, or at 704-343-0018, for a free consultation.  Let us help you!

Tips To Avoid Back To School Auto Accidents

Back to School Time is Just Around the Corner

After what probably seemed like a way too short summer of enjoying vacation time, relaxing, and the delightful combination of the water and sun, at the end of August most of North Carolina and South Carolina returns back to school.  For those folks with children, instead of maybe taking time in the morning to have a little more coffee, it is off to drop the kids at school, rush to work, and then rush out for the after school routine.   Drivers without children may also be learning new routines as they could have moved their residence, or job over the summer.  So, the long and short of it – every driver will be dealing with new traffic patterns, but old frustrations!

The best thing to do is get out of the house earlier than normal to avoid rushing carelessly and be on the bad side of a wrong driving decision that results in you being responsible for an automobile accident.  Also, be aware of school buses as both North Carolina and South Carolina law puts heavy points on your drivers’ license if you pass a stopped school bus with its signal lights flashing and caution arm engaged.  Be aware of any school bus stops in your neighborhood, and on your way to work, and remind yourself each morning to proceed with great care when passing them to make sure the kids get on their bus safely, and you get where you are going without an unwanted ticket, or tragedy.

On the road with you on your commute to work, or school will be new drivers that just got their licenses, drivers who have moved from other states, towns, or even countries, and even drivers travelling in a new part of town.  Make sure you drive with caution and stay alert to drivers who may make sudden starts, or stops due to their not knowing their route of travel.  It is always nice to let somebody in who is trying to merge!  So go ahead, and let in that drive because at some point you will need someone to repay that favor to you.  It is an exciting time of year filled with lots of new experiences, and driving safely and being courtesy will make it that much more enjoyable!

The attorneys of Tippens & Zurosky wish you the best for a happy and prosperous new school year. 

Tippens & Zurosky has represented people involved in auto accidents in North Carolina and South Carolina for nearly twenty years.  Let us answer any of your questions regarding any automobile accident.  Call us toll free at (877) 372-3580, or 704-343-0018 to schedule a consultation so that we may assist you.