I Was Injured In An Accident Do I Need Mediation Or Court Hearing?

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative dispute resolution is a fancy way to say – let’s just sit down and see if we can work it out.  In many types of different cases including automobile accidents and workers’ compensation cases, the opposing parties are often sitting down and participating in a mediated settlement conference, or mediation for short.  A mediator “runs” the mediation and is not a judge, jury, or otherwise interested party.  Typically, a mediator will come into the case without knowing the facts of the case on purpose, and is a true neutral party that does not decide the case, but is paid by the parties to try and find an amount that both parties can live with to resolve the case.  Mediators in the automobile accident and workers’ compensation venues are usually attorneys, and often retired judges, or deputy commissioners.  Mediation is an incredibly successful and cost effective way to try to resolve a disputed case before it goes on to the next step, which is typically a hearing, or trial.  Mediation gives the parties control over resolving the case, and keeps it out of the hands of a jury, or hearing commissioner.  Some folks are afraid to file a claim because they are terrified about going to court and testifying.  Mediation is an avenue to avoid court, and still get compensated for your claim. 

So, if you have an automobile accident case, or workers’ compensation claim that is denied, or contested, don’t be afraid to try and get someone to help you.  Tippens & Zurosky represents people injured on the job and in automobile accidents in North Carolina and South Carolina.  Call us toll-free at 877-372-3580, or at 704-343-0018, for a free consultation.  Let us help you!

What Happens If You Are Injured By a Third-party At Work?

Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims

If you are injured on the job, and your claim is accepted by your self-insured company, or your company’s workers’ compensation carrier, your employer is responsible for paying your medicals bills, time out of work, and possibly compensation for a permanent injury.  Of course, they are not doing all of these things because of your years of long service, or out of the goodness of their corporate heart.  The law requires them to take care of injured employees as described above.  But, what happens if you are injured by a third-party, while you are working for your employer?

A common example of this is an automobile accident on the job where the negligent vehicle that hits and injures someone is operated by an independent third-party.  The simple answer to this is that the injured worker has not one, but two claims!  In this situation, the injured worker’s workers’ compensation insurance must pay medical bills, time out of work, and compensation for a permanent injury.  And, the injured worker then has a liability claim against the liability carrier for the motor vehicle that caused the injury.  The workers’ compensation insurance company also has a right to try and get paid back for what they paid out on the injured worker’s behalf from the liability insurance company.         

These cases can be quite complicated with many different parties all looking out for their own interests!  You need someone to look out for you, so call Tippens & Zurosky, so we can be your voice, answer all of your questions, and file your claim!  Tippens & Zurosky has knowledgeable, experienced attorneys certified in North Carolina and South Carolina, who can fight for your rights during this often long and difficult workers' compensation process.  Call us toll-free at 877-872-3580, or at 704-343-0018, for a free consultation.  Let us help you!