How Some Companies Avoid Having Their Employees Have Workers’ Compensation Cases – Gaming the System

With the dark clouds of an economic downturn seemingly on the horizon, companies are looking for ways to save money, and develop a cushion in case things really do get worse for them.  One of the most expensive parts of any company’s overhead is paying for workers’ compensation insurance.  The more workers’ compensation claims a company has in a given year, the higher their workers’ compensation premiums will be in the next year.  So, this year particularly, companies are very wary of incurring additional workers’ compensation expenses, which leads them to act in very creative ways to avoid having the claim show up on their books.

Instead of opening up a workers’ compensation claim for their employee who just got injured on the job, many employers will encourage their injured worker to use their company health insurance to pay for all medical bills related to their injury.  Some companies even go so far as to help their injured employee get on short-term disability, so that the injured worker has some money coming in while they are out of work.  In this scenario, the injury is never reported as workers’ compensation, thus never counts against the company for the purposes of assessing workers’ compensation premiums for the next year.  We have heard injured workers tell us that their companies have told them that they “don’t do” workers’ compensation claims, or the company “takes care of everything,” and they have nothing to worry about because their bills are being paid, and they are getting a short, or long-term disability check.


But, the reality is that the injured worker has plenty to worry about.  If the injured worker was in an automobile accident on the job, many hospitals will not even file health insurance, instead claiming a lien against the liability insurance company for the driver that caused the accident.  The injured worker then has to worry about getting stuck with an expensive hospital bill that is not paid in full!  Short-term disability policies may also not cover the injured worker for the time he, or she, is out of work because of their work-related injury.  There might not be a long-term disability policy available to the injured worker, or if there is, the transition between the policies is not seamless.  Thus, the injured worker may not be getting a weekly check for being hurt on the job like they would if they were on workers’ compensation.  For an accepted workers’ compensation claim, the company, or workers’ compensation insurance company, is obligated to pay the injured workers medical bills in full, 2/3 of their average weekly wage while they are written out of work, and a settlement for a permanent injury.  So, the only one that benefits from a legitimate workers’ compensation case from being handled this way is – the company!  If you are injured on the job, make sure you do what is best for you, and not what is best for your company!  Your interests and the company’s interest are not remotely the same, and don’t let them convince you otherwise.


If you have been injured on the job, don’t get an opinion on what you should do from your supervisor, manager, or the human resources department. You need to protect yourself, and the first step in that is calling us! Tippens & Zurosky has knowledgeable, experienced attorneys certified in North Carolina and South Carolina, who focus on workers' compensation and automobile accidents.  Call us toll-free at 877-872-3580, or at 704-343-0018, for a free consultation.  Let us help you!

Back To School Driving Safety Tips For North Carolina and South Carolina

School is Back in Session!!!


Unfortunately, the summer is now over, so gone are those wistful days at the pool, beach, or lake, although some parents are probably doing a little dance that their kids now have something to do – go back to school.  So, here we are again at the end of August where most of North Carolina and South Carolina gears up for another year of PTA meetings, sports events, and practices, concerts, and teacher conferences.  Some would say that being a parent is like having another full-time job.  Parents now have to skip that second cup of coffee, or worst yet their coffee altogether, and get ready for a new school routine.  Typically, someone in the household is starting at a new school, doing a new activity, or maybe even going to school for the very first time.  Parents have to transport their children to school, get to work on time, and then sprint out of the door to begin a totally new after school routine.   Drivers who don’t have children may also be learning new routines as they could have switched jobs, or moved to a different part of town.  Every single driver on the roads and highways of North Carolina and South Carolina will be dealing with new commuting routes, new traffic patterns, but the same hustle and bustle!

If at all leave your home, or apartment, much earlier than normal to avoid driving negligently and thus end up as the person responsible for an automobile accident.  When you are running late, it is easy to give in to the temptation to speed, try to beat a red light, or worse email or text someone while driving.  Also, be aware of the school buses on the road as both North Carolina and South Carolina law allots significant points to your drivers’ license if you make a bad decision and pass a stopped school bus with its signal lights flashing and caution arm engaged.  A great way to decrease the chance of this ever happening is to know where the school bus stops are in your neighborhood, on your way to work, and anywhere else you are traveling as part of your new routine.  Drive responsibly and slowly when you are passing schools, bus stops, and stopped school buses, because we all want the kids to get on their bus safely, walk home safely, and you, of course, want to get where you need to on a daily basis without getting an unwanted ticket, or by driving negligently causing a tragedy.

Sharing the highways and byways of your town or city are inexperienced drivers that just got their licenses, or permits, drivers who have relocated to your town, or city, and even drivers whose new commute brings them into a new area that they are unfamiliar with.  Driving cautiously and defensively will help you be aware of drivers who may be speeding because they are running late, changing lanes improperly because they don’t know where they are, or simply not paying attention to the road in front of them.  It is easier to let someone merge on your terms, rather than have the person try to “force” their way in!  Driving courteously and calmly will always be the safest way for you to travel, even if the others on the road with you are not behaving in the same way.  The beginning of the new school year is always symbolic of new experiences, and driving responsibly will make it that much better for all of us!  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 over 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.

I Hurt My Back on the Job – Is that Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ Compensation and Back Injuries

Hurting your back on the job if you work in a warehouse, factory, construction site, shipping and receiving, logistics, or retail is a very real possibility as most of the jobs in these places of employment involve heavy lifting.  The part of the body that people are most vulnerable to injuring on the job in these places of employment, are their backs.  But, what is considered a compensable back injury for workers’ compensation purposes?

A compensable back injury must be the result of what is called a specific traumatic incident.  A specific traumatic incident can be defined as an injury that happened at a specific time – for example: lifting a heavy box on the job and feeling pain in your back.  If your back is simply sore from lifting boxes over time, and you cannot pinpoint any specific time where you lifted a box and felt pain in your back that is not considered a compensable workers’ compensation case.  Pain on its own does not meet the definition of a specific traumatic incident.  It is perfectly fine to not know the exact time, or date, you suffered a specific traumatic incident.  If you know you lifted a box, and felt pain in your back, but you are not sure if you did it at midnight, or at two o’clock in the morning, that is still a compensable workers’ compensation back injury. 

It is important to remember that major self-injured corporations, and workers’ compensation insurance companies dread back injuries.  Back injuries generally are viewed as costing them the most money, and result in the most lost time for their employees.  We have seen circumstances where injured workers have been purposely told incorrect information regarding the compensability of their workers’ compensation back injury, and told to file it under their private health insurance.  We have also had injured workers told by their bosses to tell the hospital the back injury happened at home and not at work.  The bosses then promise to take care of everything, but ultimately the workers’ claims are denied.

It is absolutely crucial that if you hurt your back lifting something on the job, you report it immediately, have an accident report done, and insist they send you for medical care.  Do not try to tough it out, or wait until the next day to see how it feels.  When you see the medical provider, make sure to state that your lifting injury to your back happened on the job.  Do not let yourself be a casualty of a cost-savings maneuver by your company.  Your company is going to do what is best for it – you need to protect yourself and consult an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.

Tippens & Zurosky is here to serve your auto accident and workers’ compensation needs, and has skilled and compassionate attorneys available to answer any and all questions that you might have about your case.  Tippens & Zurosky has represented people involved in auto accidents, or hurt on the job in North Carolina and South Carolina for nearly twenty years.  Let us answer any of your questions regarding any automobile accident, or work-related injury.  Call us toll free at (877) 372-3580, or 704-343-0018 to schedule a consultation so that we may assist you. 

Am I an Employee, or an Independent Contractor?

Workers’ compensation covers an injured worker if they get injured in the scope of their employment.  But, what if you are not sure if you are actually an employee of the business you were working for when you got hurt on the job?  The law looks at several factors to determine if you were an employee, or you were an independent contractor.  The difference means getting covered for workers’ compensation as an employee, and being denied workers’ compensation benefits as an independent contractor.

Generally, the elements that delineate if you are an independent contractor are:  if you are running an independent business, or occupation, that specializes in doing the kind of work you were doing when you got hurt, you have the independent use of your knowledge, skills, and training to do the work, you are doing the work at a fixed price, or for a lump sum, or upon a quantitative basis, you are not subject to firing for doing the work one way versus another, you are not in regular employ of the other contracting party, you are free to use such assistants as you see proper to use, you have full control over such assistants, and you control the hours that you work. 

Every case is different, but the more control you have over a job and its details, the more likely the courts using the factors above will lean to you being considered an independent contractor.  Other common examples of independent contractors are paper boys, taxi drivers, and certain agricultural harvest workers.  Sometimes the differences in this area of law are very subtle, and thus if your workers’ compensation case is denied because you are in deemed an independent contractor, you should call us for assistance.

Tippens & Zurosky is here to serve your auto accident and workers’ compensation needs, and has skilled and compassionate attorneys available to answer any and all questions that you might have about your case.  Tippens & Zurosky has represented people involved in auto accidents, or hurt on the job in North Carolina and South Carolina for nearly twenty years.  Let us answer any of your questions regarding any automobile accident, or work-related injury.  Call us toll free at (877) 372-3580, or 704-343-0018 to schedule a consultation so that we may assist you. 

My loved one died after they got hurt on the job – is that workers’ compensation?

Workers’ Compensation Related Deaths

Workers’ compensation protects an injured worker if they get injured in the scope of their employment.  Likewise, if an injured worker is killed on the job, workers’ compensation is there to provide benefits for the injured worker’s family.  In cases where a worker was killed in a motor vehicle on the job, or involved in a fatal industrial accident, it is usually fairly clear cut that workers’ compensation is responsible.  But, what happens if an injured worker passes away some time after the accident.  Does that death still fall under workers’ compensation?

If an injured worker is hurt on the job, and has surgery because of this injury, and develops complications from the surgery, and dies that would turn into a workers’ compensation death claim.  Likewise, if an injured worker is recovering from a surgery and suffers an aneurysm, and dies that too would be a workers’ compensation death claim.  The caveat to these cases are the medical professionals involved must be able to say that more likely or not the injured worker’s death was related to the surgery, and the aneurysm respectively.  If they can’t or won’t say, then the burden becomes more difficult to meet.  Expert testimony in the form of a medical professional is necessary to prove the relationship of the death to the original workers’ compensation injury.

If an injured worker suffers a job-related injury, and aggravates a preexisting heart condition, which causing their death, that is also considered to be a compensable workers’ compensation death claim.  Also, if an injured worker receives a compensable injury on the job and because of the pain and suffering becomes so depressed, and/or not in his or her right mind, that he or she commits suicide, that is a compensable workers’ compensation death claim.  As with many aspects of workers’ compensation law, the details of each particular case can be subject to interpretation.

Don’t go at it alone, Tippens & Zurosky is here to serve your auto accident and workers’compensation needs, and has skilled and compassionate attorneys available to answer any and all questions that you might have about your case.  Tippens & Zurosky has represented people involved in auto accidents, or hurt on the job in North Carolina and South Carolina for nearly twenty years.  Let us answer any of your questions regarding any automobile accident, or work-related injury.  Call us toll free at (877) 372-3580, or 704-343-0018 to schedule a consultation so that we may assist you. 

Should I Give a Recorded Statement Without Being Represented by a Lawyer?

What is a Recorded Statement?

When you are injured on the job in North Carolina or South Carolina, the insurance adjuster for your company’s workers’ compensation insurance company wants to get a recorded statement from you about exactly what happened.  In cases where you were hurt by a co-worker’s negligence, or the negligence of a third-party, giving a recorded statement will most likely not be fatal to your case being accepted, or denied as to compensability.  If you were hurt as a passenger in a work vehicle that your co-worker smacked into the back of someone else, or a tree, there is not a lot of wiggle room as to the facts.  Likewise, if some other third-party hit you while you were in the company vehicle.

But, even in this circumstance, you should not give a recorded statement without being represented by a lawyer.  Things in your medical history that you think are minor may be a big deal to the workers’ compensation insurance company.  The insurance adjuster may also ask you questions that have nothing to do with the case, or would not be deemed admissible in court, that you unknowingly answer, and cause harm to your case.

With certain workers’ compensation cases, there is a very fine line in what makes your case one they accept responsibility for and one that they do not.  The words you use to describe an accident on the job can make all the difference.  Unfortunately, there are also some adjusters that ask you questions in such a way that your answers lead to your claim being denied.  Of course this is wrong, but insurance companies are in the business of making money for their shareholders, and the fewer claims they pay out, the more profits they will have for those shareholders.

So, if you have been injured in an automobile accident, or hurt on the job, don’t speak with the insurance company, and especially don’t give a recorded statement, until you have had the chance to consult with an attorney.  Tippens & Zurosky has knowledgeable, experienced attorneys who can fight for your rights if you have been injured on the job, or in an automobile accident in North Carolina, or South Carolina.  Call us toll-free at 877-372-3580, or at 704-343-0018, for a free consultation.  Let us help you!

Injured By a State Employee? What is the Tort Claim Act?

Both North Carolina and South Carolina have Tort Claims Acts, which governs tort, or more simply negligence actions, against the respective States, and every county and governmental entity within them.  For example, the Tort Claim Act of North Carolina would apply if you were injured by the negligence of a North Carolina State Trooper.  Essentially, any governmental function in any county, city, or town is protected by the Tort Claims Act.  The Tort Claims Act of both North Carolina and South Carolina are limited remedies.  The reality of the Tort Claims Acts is that they limit the liability of the States for the negligence of their employees, agents, and entities.

The South Carolina Tort Claims Act has a damage cap of $600,000 for any one single event, no matter how many governmental agents were involved in the action that caused the harm, or how many innocent people were hurt.  Of this $600,000, a cap of $300,000 is set on the recovery for a single individual.  In North Carolina, the Tort Claims Act is capped at $1,000,000.  In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a complaint is generally two years, but can be extended to three years if certain requirements are met.  In North Carolina, the statute of limitation is generally three years, but is two years for a wrongful death action.  Each state has available to it a number of defenses and exceptions, making the filing of Tort Claims actions quite complicated.

If you have been injured by an employee of the State of North Carolina, or the State of South Carolina, please give us a call so that we may assess if you have a claim under the applicable state Tort Claim Act.  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!

I Was Involved in a Car Accident - What Should I Do?

After a long day at work, you find yourself stopped for traffic just minding your own business, when suddenly another car smashes into the back of you.  The negligent driver jumps out of his car, and rushes to tell you he is sorry, but he has good news – the back of your car is “just fine.”  You are feeling stunned, but the at-fault party that hit you is ready to give you his liability insurance information, and he looks ready to leave the scene of the accident.

If you are in a car accident -- what should you do?

• Call the police as soon as possible 
• Call your automobile insurance
• Don’t try to wait out your injuries
• Have your property damage estimated as quickly as you can. 
• Don’t be pressured by the at-fault insurance company to settle. 

An experienced automobile accident injury law firm like Tippens & Zurosky can evaluate your case, protect your rights, and ensure that you receive fair and equitable compensation.  For twenty years, the attorneys at Tippens & Zurosky have represented people injured in automobile accidents in North Carolina and South Carolina, making sure they are treated fairly.  Let us assist you with your automobile accident, and help you get your life back to normal.  Call us toll free at (877) 872-3580, or 704-343-0018 to schedule a free consultation so that we may assist you.

I am a volunteer can I get workers’ compensation?

Workers’ compensation covers an injured worker if they get injured in the scope of their employment.  What is considered in the scope of a worker’s employment is generally treated as very broad by the courts of North Carolina and South Carolina.  But, the courts have also narrowed certain exceptions for when a person is not considered an employee, and thus is not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

A juror serving jury duty is not considered an employee of the state or county for purposes of workers’ compensation.  Likewise, an unpaid volunteer is also not considered an employee of the agency, company, or facility that they are volunteering at for the purposes of workers’ compensation.  A prisoner who gets hurt while incarcerated in the state penitentiary is not an employee for workers’ compensation purposes, but they would be if they got hurt working at a work-release position at which they were earning compensation for their services.  Workers’ compensation can be very fact dependent as when the North Carolina courts held that a man was an employee of a town after being deputized by his local sheriff and was injured while helping to serve a warrant. 

Tippens & Zurosky is here to serve your auto accident and workers’ compensation needs, and has skilled and compassionate attorneys available to answer any and all questions that you might have about your case.  Tippens & Zurosky has represented people involved in auto accidents, or hurt on the job in North Carolina and South Carolina for nearly twenty years.  Let us answer any of your questions regarding any automobile accident, or work-related injury.  Call us toll free at (877) 372-3580, or 704-343-0018 to schedule a consultation so that we may assist you. 

Texting and Driving Can Be Fatal. It Can Wait.

The Loss of Polite Society

In a time long ago, people would walk the streets of their towns and cities, and greet each other with a tip of the hat, or warm greeting wishing each other a good day.  Neighbors would pitch in and help each other with watching children, tending crops, and rally together to combat any emergency situation.  Proper manners were practiced by all members of society, and respect was routinely shown for the generations that came before.  And, shockingly at night, people would have conversations with each other, and their children.

Today we shuffle through life as technology zombies, so reliant on our phones for staying connected that we don’t even notice the people we are passing by, and thus cannot connect with in a human fashion.  We use technology as an excuse, burying our faces in our phones to purposely avoid human contact.  In trying to stay connected to our news feed, social media, and text mates, we have succeeded in staying disconnected from the world.  And, it starts at an early age, as today’s toddlers are pacified with tablets and phones, and thus develop the attention spans of mayflies.

We take our phones with us everywhere even when taking out the garbage, or utilizing the washroom.  But, we are exposing ourselves, and those around us, to major danger when we bring our phones into our automobiles, and fail to disconnect.  How many times have you looked over at someone next to you at a traffic light, and saw they were on their phone?  That is of course assuming you looked over in the first place and weren’t staring at your own phone!  How many times have you had to honk to get the person in front of you to recognize that the light had changed from red to green?  The reality is that if you are looking at your phone, you are not paying attention to the road.   Texting and driving can be an all too fatal way to stay connected with your social contacts.  Trying to finish and send an email while driving might even be worse.  Texting and email drivers are distracted drivers.  It only takes a second to cross over the yellow line, catch the edge of the road, or fail to see that traffic has stopped in front of you.  Put down your phone while driving, because your life literally may depend on it! 

So, if all things tend to run in cycles, then perhaps we will go back to a time when people actually talked to one another.  Can you imagine your life without social media, texting, and streaming?  What would that even be like?  Oh, yeah, it would be like the good old days, and maybe then people would treat each other like people, and that can never be a bad thing!      

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!

Resolve to Have a Better Year

The practice of making New Year’s resolutions began about 4000 years ago with the Babylonians, who did theirs in March, not in January as we do today.  They were making promises to the gods, while we most often today make promises to ourselves.  The Babylonians were looking for their gods to help them make things right.  Most people today resolve to do things on New Year’s Eve that they think will help them do things the right way, or become a better person.  Generally, folks are not successful with their New Year’s resolutions, which explain why the gyms and health clubs return to their normal level of business mere weeks after the New Year.  No one ever said trying to be better was easy!

Perhaps, the key to a successful resolution is to make one that you can actually keep.  If you have never liked to read books, resolving to read two or three a week is probably not going to happen.  So, maybe it is a matter of not trying to do more, and not trying to do so at a faster pace than ever before.  Resolve to do what you do well even better by working not longer, but smarter, and more efficiently.  Focus on adding value, not adding activities, or time.  If you do, these are the kind of New Year’s resolutions that you will actually keep!      

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!

I Got Hurt During My Company’s Vegas Trip – Is that Workers’ Compensation?

Many companies have a yearly outing to Las Vegas, or another similar destination where alcohol is flowing freely, and judgment is often compromised by a “party” atmosphere.  So, what happens if you get injured during the good times?  Is your injury covered under workers’ compensation?  If you slip and break your collarbone because you slipped on the casino’s marble steps, there are factors which dictate whether this is workers’ compensation or not.  The workers’ compensation laws of North Carolina and South Carolina construe what is in the course of your employment very broadly.

Factors that come into play for an injury that occurred at a company outing include: 

• Whether the outing was sponsored, and paid for by your employer.
• Whether you were paid wages for attending.
• Whether the outing was considered a fringe benefit of employment.
• Whether attendance was mandatory, and whether there would be a penalty for not attending.

And, whether the purpose of the outing was to benefit the employer, such as improving employer/employee relations.

So, if you have been hurt on the job during a company outing, pick up the phone and call Tippens & Zurosky, so we can be your voice, answer all of your questions, and file your claim!  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!

Driving Tips To Stay Safe In The Carolina's This Holiday Season

Darkness Falls Across the Land…

We are rapidly approaching that time of year when Daylight Savings Time forces us to go to work when it is dark out, and return home from work, and school activities after the sun has set.  It seems that we don’t even get a chance to experience any sunlight, unless it is from the windows of our schools, or workplaces.  The madness of rush hour gets even crazier, no matter where you live, and even though our schedule has stayed the same it seems we have less time on our hands to get where we need to be.  So, when your daily routine has you driving around in the dark, don’t fall prey to the temptation to go a little bit faster, and get to your home, or job – a little less carefully.

Since your daylight is literally shorter, start your day just a little bit earlier, so you can get yourself, and your loved ones where they need to be that day.  It is also wise to focus on your surroundings, and if you are passing a school, recreational park, or playground be extra cautious of children that may be playing, or practicing sports for their school, church, or club. The reality is that if you can’t see as well in the darkness that applies to the other drivers on the road too, except those drivers may not be as careful as they should be, and they may cause an accident.

If you find yourself as the victim of a careless driver, and get in an auto accident, or are injured on the job in North Carolina, or South Carolina, Tippens & Zurosky has time for you, and your questions.  Tippens & Zurosky has represented people involved in auto accidents, or hurt on the job in North Carolina and South Carolina for nearly twenty years.  Let us answer any of your questions regarding any automobile accident, or work-related injury.  Call us toll free at (877) 372-3580, or 704-343-0018 to schedule a consultation so that we may assist you. 

If You Get Hurt On The Job Do You Need An Attorney?

Perception is Reality

How an employee is perceived by management, and the company in general, sometimes plays a role in how the employee will be treated in his or her workers’ compensation case.  Right or wrong, the perception of the injured worker, and the level of dedication, or lack thereof, they bring to the job can affect whether the case is accepted or denied, how quickly medical treatment is authorized, and whether the employee will ultimately return to the job, or be terminated.  The employee that shows up every day, works hard at what he or she does, and does not cause any morale, or discipline problems will often be treated better by the workers’ compensation carrier which is getting its’ information from the employer.

Of course, the one absolute is that there are no absolutes.  We also hear from twenty year employees of businesses that are fired the same day after getting hurt on the job.  Some companies make it an unfortunate part of their business practice to deny workers’ compensation claims that they should have accepted.  So, the same perception is reality rule also applies to this situation.  If you work at a company where everyone that gets hurt on the job gets fired, and their case get denied, it stands to reason that will happen to you if you get hurt on the job no matter how good of a worker you are, and how long you have been there!  In this case, the reality is that you are going to need an attorney.

Tippens & Zurosky has knowledgeable, experienced attorneys certified in North Carolina and South Carolina, who focus on workers' compensation and automobile accidents.  Call us toll-free at 877-872-3580, or at 704-343-0018, for a free consultation.  Let us help you!

Tips To Keep Your Summer Fun & Accident Free

Summer Fun – But Then Things Happened So Fast!

Summer is a hustle and bustle of many fun activities as individuals, couples, and families head off to vacations, and participate in leisure activities.  There is no doubt that folks are more active in the summer which can unfortunately lead to unforeseen injuries due to the negligence of others that either aren’t being careful, or are having a little too much fun at what turns out to be your expense.

One of the types of accidents that increase in the summer are motorcycle accidents as more riders are on the highways and byways of North Carolina, and South Carolina to take advantage of the beautiful weather.  So, if you are a motorcycle rider, be aware that there are a whole bunch of distracted drivers out there who may not see you because they are distracted by their children, texting while driving, or their GPS.  If you are driving a full carload of family members to the beach and the mountains please be extra aware of the motorcyclists who are trying to enjoy the beauties of the road just like you and your family.

If you are swimming and boating, please remember that these activities mix rather poorly with alcohol consumption, and the heat of the sun.  Much like you would do for your car, have a designated driver for your boat.  Make sure to stay hydrated, and put on sunscreen to avoid being overcome by the heat.  Things happen all too fast on the water, and distraction alone, let alone distraction paired with alcohol, can have tragic consequences.  If you are at an amusement park, or water park, take the time to make sure the establishment you are patronizing has the reputation for hiring experienced personnel, so that you and your family can enjoy your day safely, and securely.  

We wish you and your families a happy and fun filled summer, but if an accident occurs that you have questions about, pick up the phone and call Tippens & Zurosky, so we can be your voice, answer all of your questions, and advocate for you and your family!  Tippens & Zurosky has knowledgeable, experienced attorneys who can fight for your rights in North Carolina, or South Carolina.  Call us toll-free at 877-372-3580, or at 704-343-0018, for a free consultation.  Let us help you!

How Long Should You Wait To File a Workers' Comp Claim?

Good for the Company is Not Good for You

A common scenario we see on a regular basis is when someone calls in with a workers’ compensation claim that is being denied because it wasn’t reported, or was reported after a significant period of time.  Many companies post in conspicuous spots in their warehouses, or other workspace the amount of time it has been since an on the job injury occurred.  Sometimes, there is an unspoken pressure on an injured worker to not report a claim so that they “don’t mess it up for everybody else.”  Likewise, witnesses to a workers’ compensation case involving one of their co-workers often feel pressured to do witness statements that present the facts in the light most favorable to the company, or that simply state that they “witnessed nothing at all.”

If you are injured on the job, report it immediately, and don’t be afraid about the repercussions to your fellow employees.  What is good for the company in this case, is not good for your health, and that of your family.  Your company has the legal obligation in an accepted workers’ compensation case to pay your medical bills in full, pay you compensation at 2/3 of your average weekly wage if you are written out of work, and compensate you for a permanent injury.  Ironically, we see people that did not report their on the job injury “for the good of the  company” get terminated because they can no longer work due to their injury.

Workers’ compensation cases can be confusing, especially when your company is just doing what is best for it!  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!

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!

If I've Been In a Car Accident In North Carolina Should I See a Doctor?

Hurt in a Car Accident – See a Doctor!

If you are in an automobile accident in North Carolina, or South Carolina, it is important that you seek the medical care you need as soon as possible.  We have seen folks with serious injuries decline going to the hospital in an ambulance after the automobile accident out of concern for other family members, or what will happen with their automobile.  A late night trip to the emergency room can be the end result of this decision.  So again, seek medical treatment as soon as you can, or you may come to regret your choice!

Just as important as getting checked out for your injuries by a medical professional after an automobile accident, is making sure to seek follow up care if needed.  If the hospital recommends that you see your family practitioner, or another medical specialist, it is imperative that you do so.  We have seen circumstances where people were literally walking around with undiagnosed broken bones, and other serious injuries.  The longer you delay seeking medical care just doesn’t have implications on your health.  Insurance companies use large gaps in treatment against you when evaluating your claim, under the guise that if you truly needed the treatment you would have gotten it.  This tactic basically punishes those who cannot afford medical care, can’t miss time from work, or simply are trying to tough through what turns out to be a serious injury.

   

So, if you are in an automobile accident in North Carolina, or South Carolina, call Tippens & Zurosky.  We have knowledgeable, experienced attorneys who can fight for your rights during this often long and difficult automobile accident process.  Call us toll-free at 877-372-3580, or at 704-343-0018, for a free consultation.  Let us help you!

Awareness On The Road & Job Can Save Your Live

Awareness – It Could Save Your Life

With the advent of winter weather, it is important to make sure you are aware of the vehicles, pedestrians, and especially the commercial vehicles that you are going to encounter as you travel the highways and byways of North Carolina and South Carolina.  Awareness is also important on job sites, warehouses, parking lots, and other workplace common areas.  Winter weather often brings in water, ice, and snow that make areas such as bathrooms, hallways, and parking lots hazardous to your footing.  Make sure you take extra caution in navigating areas at your workplace that now may have hidden dangers to them that you are not normally used to having to worry about.

It is not enough to just be aware on the road, and at the workplace as today’s world news headlines are filled with reports of violence occurring in malls, airports, and schools.  So wherever your travels may take you, get in the habit of being aware of who is around you, what exits are available to you, and have a family plan so you don’t become a news headline.  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!

Happy Holidays From Tippens & Zurosky

Avoid the Holiday Rush!

The holidays are some of the most joyous times of the year, filled with family time, fun activities, and for the kids – time off from school!  It is a time of year that many people look forward to every year as they prepare to host holiday gatherings, and attend work social events.  The holidays can also be one of the most stressful times of year as people rush to buy gifts, hurry to finish up work projects before vacations, or worry about hosting relatives and family members at their house.

Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the season, send you in a downward spiral into irritation, anger, or depression.  Be thankful for who and what you have in your life, instead of dwelling on what you feel is missing from your life.  If you think things are not going well, and you are dreading the upcoming holidays, rest assured that there are so many folks that are probably worst off than you.  So revel in the noise of the children, tell those in your life how you feel about them, and try to soak in the good moments like the warmth from the holiday fire!  

If you get in an auto accident, or are injured on the job in North Carolina, or South Carolina during this holiday season, Tippens & Zurosky is available to serve your auto accident and workers’ compensation needs.  Tippens & Zurosky has represented people involved in auto accidents, or hurt on the job in North Carolina and South Carolina for nearly twenty years.  Let us answer any of your questions regarding any automobile accident, or work-related injury.  Call us toll free at (877) 372-3580, or 704-343-0018 to schedule a consultation so that we may assist you.