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THE WORK COMP BLOG

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P: 828-252-2852

Industrial Diseases and Workers Compensation

When most people think about workers compensation, they probably imagine claimants getting hurt in falls, equipment falling on them or a truck driver involved in an accident. Workers compensation can cover those kinds of incidents, but it also covers work related diseases and health conditions that can be even more harmful, but take much longer to develop.

Some of them include:

  • Hand/Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
    HAVS is a painful and potentially disabling condition that affects the blood vessels and nerves in the fingers. Typical symptoms include attacks of severe tingling or numbness in the fingers which can cause significant limitations.
  • Whole Body Vibration (WBV)
    WBV is a chronic condition caused by long term exposure to vibrations in environments such as construction or mining. The most severe injuries include fractures to vertebrae and rupture of intervertebral discs.
  • Industrial Dermatitis
    Industrial Dermatitis is an inflammation or irritation of the skin caused by contact with a toxic agent or environmental factor like solvents, detergents and fuels.
  • Noise Induced Hearing Loss
    Noise Induced Hearing Loss (or industrial deafness) is caused by continued exposure to high intensity noise or a one time acoustic trauma. The condition can be permanent and typically affects the higher frequencies of the hearing range.
  • Occupational Respiratory Disease
    Occupational Respiratory Disease is a term for a range of conditions caused by work related exposure to harmful substances such as dust and gasses. These conditions include Industrial Asthma, Silicosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Emphysema. Operations such as grinding, drilling or polishing can increase the risk of developing one or more of these diseases.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a work related disease or health condition, contact our Asheville law office to arrange a free consultation. Our attorneys’ fees are contingent upon recovering damages for your injuries and disabilities. You will not owe a fee unless we recover compensation for you.

P: 828-252-2852

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FREQUENTLY ASKED WORKERS' COMPENSATION QUESTIONS

Q. What should I do if my employer refuses to report my work accident?

A. NC law requires you to file a written notice of accident within thirty (30) days of your injury. You should contact the NC Industrial Commission or a local lawyer to get the proper forms to file your claim in a timely manner. Your failure to properly file the claim may result in denial based on legal procedure. The NC Industrial Commission is the government agency that compiles info on work accidents and serves as the court to decide disputed claims in workers’ compensation matters.

Q. Can I draw private disability checks while also receiving workers’ compensation checks for disability?

A. Yes. The terms of your private disability checks are contractual and control whether these payments are pro-rated or changed by the receipt of workers’ compensation checks. NC law requires full payment of workers’ compensation checks regardless of private disability and/or Social Security checks for the same disability.

Q. What if my workers’ compensation doctor assigns a permanent partial impairment (P.I.) rating for my injury?

A. When a doctor releases you from care, a permanent disability rating may be assigned to your injured body part. A rating means that you will never again be 100% healthy in that body part. Whether you can return to work depends on the severity of your injury and how that injury affects your ability to handle the physical demands of your work. If you are able to return to making the same wages as before your work injury, this rating may be your only compensation. However, if you are not able to earn the same pre-injury wages, your rating will not represent your only compensation. Your impairment rating is only one factor the Industrial Commission and NC Law will consider in determining what damages the work injury caused you. NC Law permits you to select the most favorable method or compensating you for the injuries and loss of earning...

Q. Do I have to allow my Rehabilitation Provider in the examining room while I am being examined by my doctor for a workers’ compensation claim?

A. No. Workers have an absolute right to a private examination by their doctors. The NC Industrial Commission does encourage the worker to allow the provider to meet with both the worker and the doctor immediately following the examination when the doctor discusses his/her findings and makes his/her recommendations for treatment. This will allow everyone to be aware of and understand treatment plans and expectations.

Q. How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim?

A. NC law requires you to file a written notice of accident with the NC Industrial Commission within thirty (30) days of your injury. You should file the claim regardless of the extent of injury since many small hurts can become major injuries over time. Since the Courts are forgiving of late filings up to two (2) years from the date of accident, you should not hesitant to file your claim even if more than thirty (30) days have passed. While reporting claims can cause some grief from employers, more heartache happens when insurance companies refuse to pay medical bills and other damages because of late filings.

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.

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.

Contemporaneous Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability Claims

Contemporaneous Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability Benefit

Compassionate North Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyer

David Gantt describes his History in Helping People with Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability Cases

~ What Our Clients Say ~

Google Review 2020

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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

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2019 Google Review

May 28, 2019

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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 ~