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Workers' Compensation Legal Services

North Carolina Workers' Compensation Legal Specialist

Workers' Compensation (WC) is an administrative system set up by the North Carolina General Assembly to compensate workers who get injured by an accident on the job or develop a disease caused by their job. The system generally provides the worker with compensation even if the worker was partially at fault. The N.C. Industrial Commission (IC) is the Court that handles WC cases.

On the Job Injuries

Work-related injuries can happen suddenly or accumulate over a period of time. At David Gantt Law Office, we represent injured workers from a variety of occupations. We help manual laborers, construction workers, manufacturers, health care professionals, and others pursue the workers' compensation benefits to which they are entitled.

If you have been denied workers' compensation benefits, contact our Asheville law office. We offer free consultations and contingent attorneys' fees.

If you have been injured at work, report the injury immediately. This is an extremely crucial step in ensuring your work injury claim meets the requirements established by the North Carolina Industrial Commission (IC) and the General Assembly. Workers' compensation applications are often denied initially because the injured worker did not give timely notice. This means you must inform your employer of your injuries in writing within 30 days. Even if you miss this deadline, file your claim as soon as you can.

We represent clients who suffer from a variety of workplace accident injuries, including:

  • Back injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Knee injuries
  • Ankle and leg injuries
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Arm, wrist and elbow injuries
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries
  • Head injuries
  • Mental impairments

Aggravation of Preexisting Conditions

Clients often encounter problems when their employer claims the injury is the result of a preexisting condition. However, an employer hires an employee "as is," meaning they hired the employee knowing of this preexisting condition. You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits if the preexisting condition is aggravated by your work duties.

We also represent close family members who have lost a loved one in a fatal work accident. We can help pursue a wrongful death claim for the tragic loss of your loved one. Contact an experienced workers' compensation lawyer at the David Gantt Law Office if you sustained an on-the-job injury. Our office is wheelchair accessible and is staffed by an attentive and highly knowledgeable legal team. We represent clients in Asheville, Hendersonville, Waynesville and throughout western North Carolina.

We Help Families After a Work-Related Fatality

David Gantt Law Office represents family members who have lost a loved one in a work-related fatality. We compassionately pursue wrongful death claims and strive to obtain closure for the surviving family members. Contact us to learn how we can help after your workplace injury or manufacturing accident. We offer a free consultation and attorneys' fees are not paid by you unless we recover the compensation you need and deserve.

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Contact David Today

P: 828-252-2852

FREQUENTLY ASKED WORKERS' COMPENSATION QUESTIONS

Q. What injuries are covered by Workers’ Compensation?

A. Workers’ Compensation law covers any accident on the job. An “accident” covered by Workers’ Compensation law includes any unusual or unexpected injury, not only accidents in the sense most of us think of them. Health problems related to work conditions that are developed over time are also covered. Back injuries that can be traced to work are also covered under NC law. You should consult a qualified lawyer to determine whether your work injury is covered by Workers’ Compensation law.

Can my employer fire me while I am on WC?

Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act (REDA) protects employees who file WC claims. This law allows employees to sue the employer for monetary damages if the employer fires, demotes, punishes or takes any retaliatory action against the employee just because the employee files or testifies in a workers' compensation case. An attorney can give you the correct form to file a REDA complaint with the Department of Labor or you may call the Department of Labor at 1-800-522-6762.

Q. How do lawyers get paid for handling WC cases?

A. Generally, lawyers will charge a contingent fee of 25% of the settlement. Contingent fees are payable only if the case is successful. While most fees are set at the settlement of the case, some fees are collected while the claim is pending. Charging legal fees at any time without approval of the NC Industrial Commission is a Class 1 misdemeanor crime in our State. Most lawyers will advance the expenses of a claim with the understanding that these costs will be recovered when the matter is settled.

Q. What if I cannot return to any gainful employment because of my work related injury?

A. If you can never return to any type of work because of your workers’ compensation injury, the Industrial Commission can award lifetime benefits. These benefits can include payment of your compensation rate for the rest of your life, plus future medical treatment associated with your WC injury. If the treating doctor determines you are disabled and never able to return to any work, you should apply for Social Security disability as well as any other applicable private or group disability plan. Since some disability benefits are offset or deducted by WC benefits, you should consult an experienced lawyer to minimize these reductions in net payments to you.

Q. When am I eligible to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits?

A. Regardless of whether you miss any time from work, you are entitled to have your medical expenses paid by the Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier. When your work injury causes you to miss more than one (1) week of work, you are entitled to receive 2/3 of your gross average wages until you are able to return to work. Once you have missed one (1) month of work, you will also be paid for that first week.

What time limit do I have to file WC?

As soon as possible, you should file a Form 18, Notice of Accident, with the IC and employer, informing them that you wish to make a claim. While N.C. law requires this Form 18 to be filed within 30 days, an absolute time limit of 2 years may be applicable to your claim depending on the facts. After your claim is settled, time limits also exist for reopening the case. This form can be obtained by e-mailing our office or calling the IC at 828-348-4107.

Our Video Library is not closed-captioned.  Instead of embedding our videos, we have created posts for them, where full transcripts of can be found.
Click on the links below to view the video and its transcript.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION VIDEO LIBRARY

Workers’ Compensation Overview on Vimeo

Workers Compensation Overview

Workers’ Compensation Injuries and the Complex nature of the law on Vimeo

Workers’ Compensation Injuries and the Complex Nature of the Law

Waiting Periods for Workers’ Compensation Benefit Payments

Waiting Periods for Workers’ Compensation Benefits

NC Workers’ Compensation Elements of Settlement

NC Workers’ Compensation Elements of Settlement

Settlements of Workers’ Compensation Claims on Vimeo

Settlement of Workers’ Compensation Claims in North Carolina

Pre Existing Conditions and Work Comp in North Carolina

Pre-existing Conditions and Workers’ Compensation Claims

NC Workers’ Comp Covers Many Different Kinds of Injuries

NC Workers’ Comp Covers Many Different Kinds of Injuries

Reopening Workers’ Compensation Cases

Reopening Workers’ Compensation Cases

Can’t Return To Work After an Injury

Workers’ Compensation Benefits When You Cannot Return to Work

Specific Traumatic Injuries

Specific Traumatic Injuries Under Workers’ Compensation

~ What Our Clients Say ~

Google Review 2020

April 8, 2020

My first time meeting Mr.Gantt, he was very open and honest about what it takes to get my SSDI. He was optimistic about my case. He walked me through what he needed on my part. I was very happy with the results of my hearing. I am very pleased with Mr.Gantt and definitely recommend his…

Yelp Review 2019

December 19, 2019

David Gantt and his staff were excellent very informative, kept me updated on every move and with this dedication I was able to win my Social Security hearing. Highly Recommend.

November 2019 AVVO Review

November 27, 2019

Amazing! When my husband was injured, we didn’t know who to turn to. I started googling to find a attorney, I called Mr. Gantt, I couldn’t be more thankful! The nightmare was over as Mr. Gantt and his amazing team handled everything from that very moment! Not only was professional but extremely caring, taking time…

November 2019 AVVO Review

November 27, 2019

David Gantt and his staff handled my disability claim and they were excellent. I highly recommend him, he is the best in Western North Carolina. Mrs. Kelly Reaves 5.0 stars November 5, 2019

October 2019 Martindale Hubble Review

October 29, 2019

David is clear, precise, and delivers as promises.

2019 Google Review

August 7, 2019

The entire staff were welcoming, knowledgeable, helpful, and nice people! David was professional. He knew exactly what he was talking about and did what he said he was going to do. I have had a wonderful experience with this firm and will not hesitate to use them in the future.

2019 AVVO Review “Get ‘er done Gantt!”

July 10, 2019

I was very satisfied with David Gantt’s expertise and knowledge in all aspects handling my case. He dealt with all the paperwork and contacted all necessary providers to get my medical history – it was extremely hassle free! He communicated and counseled me on what to expect – being very forthcoming (he’s a straight shooter)!…

2019 Facebook review

June 5, 2019

I highly recommend Mr. Gantt. He is very kind and always professional. He prepared me for my disability hearing and calmed my nerves. Everything happened exactly as he said it would. I honestly do not think that I would have been approved for disability without his help. Also, his office staff were always ready to…

2019 Google Review

May 28, 2019

Mr. Gantt took good care of me. I will be forever grateful for him getting me the social security payments I need for a disability due to military service. He seems like a genuine compassionate good man. I highly recommend! ~C.M.

2019 Google Review

May 10, 2019

David and his entire staff are so nice and show compassion to everybody. He was there when I had any questions. David Gantt is the best attorney in his field, he goes above and beyond. I am extremely grateful to him and his staff. ~M.H.

2019 Google Review

May 9, 2019

Very nice and friendly service. They always answered any of my questions. Had a great experience working with them on my disability case. I highly recommend there services! After trying for 6 years and 2 unfavorable decisions, David and his team did a great job representing my case and won. I appreciate there time and…

2019 Google Review

May 9, 2019

The whole office is very respectful. Answered all my questions. So Glad they were there cause I had no clue after fighting for 2 years. Thank you guys soo much. ~K.H.

2019 Google Review

May 9, 2019

I am very grateful to David Gantt & his staff! They were wonderful and made the confusing process much easier to understand. I wish I had contacted them sooner. They were super to work with and such nice people! Thank you so much! ~K.S.

Avvo Review 2019

May 7, 2019

Mr. Gantt is a highly compassionate and professional lawyer. He worked hard for me to show my disabilities. Always pleasant and supportive, while being very much on top of his cases. I recommend David Gantt to anyone. Great Attorney! 5 Stars. ~ Dakota

Google Review 2019

April 10, 2019

Wonderful client services..very friendly and willing to go the extra mile to help clients. highly recommend him for anyone needing assistance for the Disability SSI. ~T.D.

2019 Google Review

April 9, 2019

I am so grateful to Mr. Gantt & his staff. They have been so professional and knowledgeable. They’ve answered all of my questions and made a very stressful situation, bearable. I would not hesitate to recommend Mr. Gantt. He is knowledgeable, professional & caring. ~J.H.

Avvo Review 2019

April 8, 2019

Linda Calloway Mundy David Gantt is an outstanding Lawyer. I highly recommend him. He was beside me all the way and I would like to thank him. ~Linda 5 Stars

2019 Google Review

March 9, 2019

David Gantt and his staff are very professional, upfront, honest and nice. They made me feel at ease discussing my case. They helped me with every step of the way towards my disability approval. I would recommend them to anyone. They kept me updated on everything. Just wish I had contacted them sooner. ~D.P.S.

2019 Google Review

February 10, 2019

When I applied for Social Security Disability I saw no reason that I would need a lawyer since my case seemed clear. It wasn’t until the second rejection that I realized that I had no idea how the system worked. A couple of local lawyers I had contacted suggested that I talked to David Gantt…

2019 Google Review

February 10, 2019

This office is fantastic. The staff is helpful and friendly. He is honest with you about the pros and cons of your case. He works hard to get a positive result. ~S.G.

~ What Our Clients Say ~