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. 

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!

On The Road In Charlotte? Put Your Phone Down.

We have covered the dangers of texting while driving in this blog before, yet not a day goes by where you can drive on any street in North Carolina, or South Carolina, and see someone texting while driving.  And, if they are not texting while actually driving, their face is pressed firmly into their phone at any available opportunity such as a stoplight, traffic jam, or even waiting for traffic to clear in front of them.  If you are looking at your phone, you are not paying attention to what is happening around you.  How many parents lecture their children on not texting and driving, yet that rule does not seem to apply to them.

While we are on the subject of phones and texting, let’s expand the discussion into sending texts, or posting reviews on the Internet of businesses you patronize.  The general rule should be to not text, or post anything that you wouldn’t say in person to the person you are sending it to, or posting about.  Some folks feel that technology, and cell phones in general are responsible for the breakdown of common courtesy, manners, and basic person to person communication.

The reality is that it is real easy to text, or post something negative.  In fact, some would argue that texting, or posting actually encourages this behavior, even when the thing being posted about isn’t even warranted.  How many people actually talk to the person they have the issue with anymore?  How many people talk to the manager, or owner of the business they perceive to have slighted them?  The sad answer is most folks are content to just hide behind the screen of their phone, or computer.

Technology is not going away, but you control your use of it, and not the other way around.  Some studies have compared what happens when parents take away all of their kid’s electronic devices to drug withdrawal.  The symptoms were nearly the same!  So, as impossible as it seems to be able to truly disconnect in today’s world, perhaps it would behoove all of us to try.  Who knows?  We might even meet walking down the street, and have a nice good old-fashioned conversation.

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!

If I Get Hurt At a Company Event Can I Claim Workers Compensation?

I Got Hurt at My Company Picnic, or Outing – Is that Workers’ Compensation?

Many companies have summer picnics, or social activities, but what happens if you get injured at this summer outing.  Is your injury covered under workers’ compensation?  If you slip and break your ankle because you slid into home plate at the company’s annual summer softball game, 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 the summer outing include:

Whether the party was sponsored, and paid for by your employer.

Whether you were paid wages for attending, and whether attendance was taken.

Whether the party was considered a fringe benefit of employment.

Whether you were required to work if you didn’t go to the outing.

Whether attendance was mandatory, and whether there would be a penalty for not attending, i.e was it really mandatory.

Whether there was a known company custom for attending the outing.

And, whether the purpose of the party was to benefit the employer, such as improving employer/employee relations, and the kind of event where awards were given, and speeches were made that were connected to the company’s work, and that of the employees.

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!

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!

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. 

Auto Accidents Happen, Tippens & Zurosky Can Help

Driving in Rainy or Snowy Weather

Every Fall season, we get all excited with the change of seasons, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.  But, during the Fall, daylight savings time shortens our time driving home from work, or school in the light, plunging us into darkness.  Make sure you take time, and slow down so that you can see hazards on the road.  If you are caught in unexpected snow, or heavy rain, drive cautiously, and try to get off the roads as soon as possible.  You can account for your actions, and drive slowly, and reasonably, but you can’t account for those folks that are driving too fast for conditions, and putting your life, and theirs into jeopardy with their actions. 

Often the last vestiges of hurricane season, dumps upon North Carolina and South Carolina powerful storms that cause flooding, heavy rain, tornadoes, thunder and lightning, and power outages.  If you are in an evacuation zone, heed the warnings of your local and state governments, and evacuate if you are told to do so.  Material things are replaceable, but you and your family members are not.  If you are unable to evacuate, seek refuge at a recognized state, or local government shelter.

If you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, 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. 

Injured in an Automobile Accident in North Carolina? We Can Help.

North Carolina Rule 414 – Legislated Unfairness

In 2011, the North Carolina legislature passed a law most commonly referred to as North Carolina Rule of Evidence 414, but also referred to as “Billed versus Paid.”  This rule of evidence has had the disastrous effect of creating absolute unfairness to those injured in automobile accidents in North Carolina.  Rule 414 is an evidentiary rule, with the intent to be only applied to matters that go to trial, but liability insurance companies are insisting it be applied in the settlement/negotiation phase of a personal injury matter.  So, you may ask – why is this such a big deal?

Simply, Rule 414 lets insurance companies make offers based on the amount of medical bill balances, and not on what the actual amount of the bill was before it was paid by the injured party, health insurance, or Medicaid, or Medicare.  Previously, the collateral source rule disallowed any mention of what was paid, or not paid at trial.  So now, if you are injured in an automobile accident in North Carolina, and incur medical bills of $100,000.00, and the health insurance that you pay for out of every paycheck pays 80% of it, the insurance company makes an offer based on $20,000.00, not $100,000.00.  Now, if you do not have any health insurance, the insurance company has to make offers based on the full $100,000.00.  Now, you know why the title of this blog is legislated unfairness.  Why should insurance companies be allowed to benefit from something that you pay for out of every paycheck?  The answer is easy, and quite infuriating actually – the North Carolina legislature let them!

We are waiting for some appellate cases to address this unconstitutional unfairness, but in the interim personal injury attorneys are invaluable in terms of offering strategies, and assisting in negotiating with the insurance companies.  Tippens & Zurosky has 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!

What Can You Do If Your Workers’ Compensation Case Is Denied?

What Do You Mean That’s Not in the Scope of My Employment?

Most employees feel that if they are injured on the job, or injured doing something at the direction of their supervisor that their injury will be one that is accepted by their company’s workers’ compensation carrier, and their medical bills will be paid, and they may get compensated for a permanent injury.  But, that is not necessarily correct.

When you are hurt on the job, your injury must be something that is considered in the “scope of your employment.” Being in the scope of your employment can be defined as something which benefits your employer, even if it is not in your actual job description.  The difference can be quite subtle.  For example, if you are hurt taking a group photograph with your co-employees that is just for the photographer, and not for a work purpose that is not in the scope of your employment.  If you are injured taking a group photograph that will be used in the company marketing material that is in the scope of your employment.  Likewise, if you are a security guard and are hurt stopping a robber that is in the scope of your employment, but if you are a trucker and try to stop a robber and get hurt, the courts of North Carolina have held that is not in the scope of your employment.  Often this distinction is so close that workers’ compensation companies simply choose to deny the injured worker’s claim as a matter of policy, or business practice.

     

If you are injured onthe job in North Carolina, or South Carolina, and your case is denied, 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. 

Hurt On The Job By A Third Party? What Are Your Rights?

If you are injured in an accident on the job in North Carolina or South Carolina, and that injury is caused by a third party, your company’s workers’ compensation insurance company is not relieved of its obligations under the law.  If you are hurt on the job by a third party, your company’s workers’ compensation insurance company still must provide medical care, weekly benefits if you are written out of work, and a settlement if you have a permanent injury, scarring or disfigurement, or other impairment.  Once your workers’ compensation case is concluded, you can then seek compensation from the third party that hit you.

For example, if you are working inside your company building and a third party drives through the building and strikes you causing you to suffer a broken leg, your company’s workers’ compensation insurance company must step in first to take care of you.  When your workers’ compensation case is concluded you would go after the third party driver’s liability insurance company.  But, keep in mind, your company’s workers’ compensation company is given a lien by both North Carolina and South Carolina law to recover from the third party liability insurance company for what they paid out on you, the injured worker’s behalf. Navigating this scenario can be very confusing, and intimidating.

Tippens & Zurosky is available to serve both your auto accident and workers’ compensation needs, and can help you if you have been injured on the job by a third party.  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. 

A Safe Carolinas Summer Is The Best Summer

School is Out for the Summer!

Summer is here and with it comes vacations to the beaches, or mountains, kids playing outside, visits to area pools and lakes, and sometimes torrential downpours that make driving a challenge.  Take care this summer when driving through neighborhoods and be aware that kids may be outside playing, even after dark.  Also, make sure in rainy weather that you are allowing a safe following distance as slick roads tend to shorten the distance that we think is safe.  Don’t forget to pay attention to the car in front of you, who may be from out of the area, and thus prone to stop short, or drive distracted.  Have your eyes on the traffic, and the road conditions, both of which can change instantaneously on long trips to the beach, or mountains.

The hazards of the road are only one potential danger.  Take great caution in the operation of fireworks, and make sure your children are properly supervised, and out of any potential blast zone.  Likewise, be aware and careful when lighting a gas grill for a momentary distraction could be far longer than merely momentary, and lead to a gas build up that when ignited can have drastic consequences.  The ultimate heat of the sun is a danger during the summer months so make sure you stay hydrated, have on sun protection, and are monitoring the children for signs of heat stroke.  Finally, be aware of your surroundings while swimming, and keep in mind that we share the oceans, rivers, and lakes of North Carolina and South Carolina with wild creatures such as sharks, alligators, snakes, jellyfish, eels, and snapping turtles.  Those folks that choose to swim at night are entering a time when many animals are looking for their dinner, and if they are not careful then they may find themselves, a child, or a pet the subject of an attack.  Remember you are invading their environment, and not the other way around.

Tippens & Zurosky is available to serve your auto accident and workers’ compensation needs, and wishes you a safe and happy summer.  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.

How long do you have to file a workers comp claim in North Carolina?

The Early Bird Files a Claim

One of the most common scenarios we hear about is when a person gets injured on the job, but because of a fear of losing their job, the “encouragement” of their manager or supervisor not to file a claim, or simply not knowing how to file a claim, they have waited months after the accident to file a claim with the workers’ compensation insurance company for their employer.  It is absolutely crucial that you report your accident to your supervisor, or human resources immediately, and get a written accident report done to memorialize what happened.  Often, a delay causes the workers’ compensation insurance company to deny a claim because there is no documentation that the accident happened, and the injured workers’ company becomes “unsure” if anything ever happened.

A great example of this is when someone lifts boxes as part of their job, but on one particular day lifts a box and feels pain.  They may be used to having nagging aches and pains from doing this kind of work and thus did not report it.  Or, if they did actually report the injury, a supervisor will just ask them to work through it, or try to minimize what happened and not document the injury.   So, weeks or even months later, the injured employee, who has been trying to work through it, but now has a serious back injury that has gotten worse and worse, tries to report the claim.  And, to the injured employee’s great surprise, the claim is denied because he or she “never told anybody,” or because of the delay can’t honestly remember when they got hurt, or exactly how it happened.

So, if you have been hurt on the job report it immediately, and then 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!

Holiday Driving Safety Tips

Tis the Season…

The holidays are full of hustle and bustle as we race around battling mall traffic, getting to school or church events, and attend holiday social gatherings. Sometimes during this time of year, we get our first taste of snow, or icy weather which makes travelling even more challenging! So, remember to take it slow on the roads, and be aware of other drivers who are looking for the store they need to buy that special gift at, and not at the road in front of them. Also, give yourself some extra time to get to where you are going, so you don’t find yourself rushing and cause an accident.

If you are attending a neighborhood, or work holiday party, make sure you are using a designated driver if you are going to be drinking. Dark, icy roads and alcohol can be a potentially lethal combination. If you are on the road at night on the weekends during the holidays, you need to be aware that others might not be choosing to act responsibly, and take extra care on the road.

If you get in an auto accident, or are injured on the job in North Carolina, or South Carolina during this joyous time, 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.

Auto Accidents, Holiday Distractions & Weather.

Tis the Season…

The holidays are full of hustle and bustle as we race around battling mall traffic, getting to school or church events, and attend holiday social gatherings.  Sometimes during this time of year, we get our first taste of snow, or icy weather which makes travelling even more challenging!  So, remember to take it slow on the roads, and be aware of other drivers who are looking for the store they need to buy that special gift at, and not at the road in front of them.  Also, give yourself some extra time to get to where you are going, so you don’t find yourself rushing and cause an accident.

If you are attending a neighborhood, or work holiday party, make sure you are using a designated driver if you are going to be drinking.  Dark, icy roads and alcohol can be a potentially lethal combination.  If you are on the road at night on the weekends during the holidays, you need to be aware that others might not be choosing to act responsibly, and take extra care on the road.

If you get in an auto accident, or are injured on the job in North Carolina, or South Carolina during this joyous time, 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. 

Weather-Related Car Accident, Tippens & Zurosky Can Help.

Time, time, time…

Every Fall season, when we turn back the clocks the days instantly seem longer as we go to work when it is barely light out, and return home from work, and school activities as the sun is setting.  Likewise, traffic seems to have increased no matter where you live, and we seem to be rushing to get to the same old places we always go because even though we have turned back the clocks we are somehow more pressed for time.  But, don’t get caught in the time trap.

Give yourself more time in the morning to get your kids off to school, and yourself off to work.  At the end of the day when the sky is dark, pay a little more attention to 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.  If you are travelling through a parking lot, take care to look in each and every direction to make sure you are aware of someone who might be going a little too fast because they ran out of time.

Daylight Savings Time also changes our work routines.  If you are working outside, you may find yourself racing against the sun to finish the job.  Take a deep breath and slow down as rushing may lead to an injury on the job that could cost you a whole lot more than time.  With the shortening of the days comes the cold weather, so be aware that the first frost may bring the hazards of ice, hard ground, and wind.

If you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, 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. 

It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask…

When someone is hurt on the job, or injured in an automobile accident in North Carolina, or South Carolina, they usually have lots and lots of questions about their actual legal rights.  Usually, their friends, family, and coworkers are willing to offer advice to the person injured on the job, or hurt in an automobile accident.  But, as the old maxim goes—a little bit of information is dangerous.

Automobile accident laws, often called negligence, or tort laws, vary from state to state, and circumstance to circumstance.  What seems to be an insignificant bit of information might actually be crucial to the disposition of the case.  Listening to advice from a nonlawyer from someone “who has been through it before,” might have a detrimental effect on the claim.

In our experience, there is a great deal of misinformation folks can hear when they get injured on the job—sometimes this misinformation comes from their own family members, or employers!  Workers’ compensations laws are complicated and inadvertently saying the wrong thing, or listening to the person who is giving you the wrong advice could be fatal to your case.  It is crucial to speak with a qualified workers’ compensation attorney, if you are injured on the job to make sure you get the right information.

At Tippens & Zurosky, we tell our clients, and prospective clients that the only bad question is the question that isn’t asked of us.  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. 

What Should I Do If I'm Hurt On The Job?

Workers’ Compensation and Your Rights In North and South Carolina

The last thing most folks think about when they go to work on any given day is that they will get hurt on that job.  But, what should you do, if you do get hurt on the job?

There are many different types of workers' compensation claims. An injury by accident is generally a slip, trip, fall, or accident caused by a co-worker that injures you in some way.  For example, slipping on a wet or greasy floor and breaking your ankle is an injury by accident.  A specific traumatic incident is an injury to your back, or neck caused typically by lifting something such as a heavy box.  An occupational disease which includes things like tendinitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome, is caused by repetitive motion, which means doing the same task over and over again over time.  All of these things are workers' compensation claims.

If you are injured on the job, immediately report the injury and make sure your supervisor or manager does a written report of the accident or injury.  It is critical you get a copy of this report for your records, and your attorney.  Ask your employer to send you to the company physician immediately.

Your company, or their workers' compensation insurance company has to pay for your medical care 100 percent, but they get to choose what physician you see.  You may be entitled to receive compensation for being out of work if the doctor says you cannot work, or puts work restrictions on you that the company cannot meet.  If this is the case you are entitled to receive two thirds of your average weekly wage.  The final component of workers' compensation is receiving an award for a disability rating to your injured body part.  For example after a surgery to a broken arm, your doctor may say you have an impairment rating which may entitle you to receive a settlement award from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company.

Workers' compensation can be confusing, and companies often are more concerned with the bottom line, and not their injured workers. 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!