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THE WORK COMP BLOG

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Informative Articles
Workers' Compensation

Representing Clients Who Have Suffered On-the-Job Back Injuries in WNC

Workers Compensation Appeals Process

Workplace Violence and Workers’ Compensation

David Gantt Law Office selected to U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” 2022

Why Do You Need a Board-Certified Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

If You Are Collecting Workers Compensation Benefits and Are Out of Work, You May be Out of Luck

Workers' Compensation Claims: Three things that can happen

Workers Compensation Fraud by Employees Gets Lots of Press while Fraud by Employers Costs Big Money

Do Undocumented Workers Qualify for Workers Compensation?

Know Your Workers’ Compensation Rights

We Can Explain the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Process

Industrial Diseases and Workers Compensation

DAVID GANTT INCLUDED IN THE 28th EDITION OF BEST LAWYERS IN AMERIC

2019 Best Law Firms

Q. What type of physical ailments are considered disabling under WC law?

A. The key to the question of whether you are disabled under WC law or not is based on how the physical or mental ailment(s) you have impact your ability to earn money. No exact listing or threshold exists in NC law for what determines a disability. If you are unable to work at the same job you held down before the accident, you are likely disabled under our law. NC law recognizes both physical and mental disabilities.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED WORKERS' COMPENSATION QUESTIONS

Do Undocumented Workers Qualify for Workers Compensation?

Immigration reform and enforcement of immigration laws have become a political hot topic, especially in light of Arizona’s enactment of several laws aimed at getting more undocumented residents to leave the state. In North Carolina, that debate hasn’t impacted the state’s workers' compensation laws. Under §97-2 of the state’s Workers' Compensation Act, the definition of “employee” states in part, (E)very person engaged in an employment under any appointment or contract of hire or apprenticeship, express or implied, oral or written, including aliens, and also minors, whether lawfully or unlawfully employed, but excluding persons whose employment is both casual and not in the course of the trade, business, profession, or occupation of his employer… The key language is that the law covers “aliens…whether lawfully or unlawfully employed…” Big picture, national immigration issues took a back seat (if they were thought of at all) when the legislature wrote this section and when...

Q. My spouse was killed while working on the job. Can I make a claim in addition to workers’ compensation?

A. Possibly. You would likely have a workers’ compensation claim regardless of how your spouse’s fatal injury happened. If the cause of death was due to the negligence of a third person, you will probably have a wrongful death claim in addition to the workers’ compensation action. You should consult a lawyer familiar with both personal injury and workers’ compensation law to make sure that the claims are brought in proper legal procedure. Failure to coordinate multiple claims could result in enforceable liens on one or both of the insurance payouts.

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. 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.

What benefits can I receive under WC?

The employer is normally responsible for any medical expense your doctor feels will make you better. This normally includes prescriptions, medical supplies, TENS units, crutches, braces, physical therapy and any other expenses you would not have incurred but for your injury. These expenses are payable by the employer until the case is settled. While you have a general right to choose your own doctor for treatment, the insurance company retains certain rights to pre-authorize medical treatment. You should never go to a doctor without obtaining insurance pre-authorization. You should also never let an insurance company force their doctors on you without your approval. A rehabilitation nurse assigned by the insurance company does NOT have the right to be in your exam room with the doctor. Lost Wages In N.C., the employer is responsible for paying you only 66 2/3% of your gross average wages, up to a maximum that changes each year....

Q. What type of physical ailments are considered disabling under WC law?

A. The key to the question of whether you are disabled under WC law or not is based on how the physical or mental ailment(s) you have impact your ability to earn money. No exact listing or threshold exists in NC law for what determines a disability. If you are unable to work at the same job you held down before the accident, you are likely disabled under our law. NC law recognizes both physical and mental disabilities.
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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 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 ~