Legal Question in Workers Comp in North Carolina

Re: Offered a settlement, should I recieve more?

You should definitely speak with an attorney to make sure your rights are being protected. You may be eligible for future medical benefits, additional compensation, and perhaps would be eligible for a Clincher Agreement to receive payment in a lump sum. Our certified Workers' Comp specialist, Griff Shuler, will be glad to discuss this and answer your questions, free of charge and without obligation.

Re: Offered a settlement, should I recieve more?

If you can show you were let go for reasons related to your injury, you would be able to restart your weekly checks.

Otherwise, you can still demand a 2nd opinion with a physician of your choice to do a rating per the NC Industrial Commission Rating Guide. The two ratings will likely be averaged together, so there is some risk to it.

Also, make sure they have calculated your average weekly wage correctly, two-thirds of which is your "compensation rate". The higher the compensation rate and the higher the rating the higher your monetary payout will be.

Last, you may want to consider having your treating physician fill out an NCIC Form 18M, which, if approved by the Industrial Commission, while give you long-term medical rights.

The Form 18M and other information can be obtained online at the Commission website found in our links section at ncdisability.com.

Good luck!

S. Neal Camak

Law Offices of George W. Lennon

Re: Offered a settlement, should I recieve more?

Without more (much more) information, it is impossible to evaluate your situation. Get an attorney experienced in workers' compensation law and DO IT NOW. You have a right to medical records, a second opinion and many other potential rights which will be lost if action is not taken. Good luck!