Raleigh Workers’ Compensation Lawyer on Your Side

From the booming tech hubs in Research Triangle Park to the constant development reshaping the downtown skyline near landmarks like the Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh is a city built on hard work. But when a workplace accident happens, the life you’ve built can be turned upside down.

An on-the-job injury can leave you with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about your future. You may feel pressured by your employer to come back to work or confused by the insurance company’s tactics. You do not have to face this alone.

The North Carolina workers’ compensation system is designed to help injured employees, but it can be a complex and frustrating maze to deal with. Most insurance companies have claims adjusters and lawyers fighting to protect their profits, which can mean delaying, reducing, or denying your claim.

Having an experienced Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyer on your side can level the playing field. At the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, we fight for the rights of injured workers. If you’ve been hurt at work, contact us at 1-866-900-7078 for a free case evaluation.

Why Choose the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin for Your Raleigh Workers’ Compensation Claim?

When you’re dealing with a work injury, choosing the right law firm for you can make a significant difference. At the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, we put our clients first, and our track record demonstrates our commitment. We have recovered over $2 billion total for over 78,000 clients since 1997, and we recovered over $230 million total for over 4,500 clients in 2025 alone.¹ We dedicate the necessary assets to build compelling cases for our clients.

Our team includes many attorneys who are North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialists in workers’ compensation law, a distinction held by a small percentage of attorneys in the state.

We also have team members who are former insurance adjusters and defense firm attorneys, giving us valuable insight into how the other side operates. This comprehensive experience is a cornerstone of what we call the James Scott Farrin Advantage.

More aspects of our client-focused approach include:

• A Contingency Fee Arrangement:We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no fee unless we recover compensation for you — guaranteed.²
• Efficient Case Management:Our proprietary software helps us push cases forward, fighting for great results as quickly as possible.
• Consistent Communication:We return your calls, answer your questions, and keep you updated every step of the way.

We understand the pressure you are under and are here to help you fight for the benefits you may deserve. In 2025, our firm was honored on The News & Observer “Raleigh’s Best” list for Workers’ Compensation Law, reflecting our commitment to client advocacy and justice for injured workers.⁴

Common Workplace Injuries and Their Impact on Raleigh, North Carolina Workers

Workplace injuries can happen in almost any industry, from the construction sites that define Raleigh’s growth to the healthcare facilities at WakeMed and the many corporate offices scattered throughout the city. While some jobs carry obvious risks, even seemingly safe environments can lead to serious injuries. Our attorneys have experience handling a wide range of work injury cases.

Some of the most common workplace injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs):Often resulting from falls, falling objects, or vehicle accidents
• Spinal Cord Injuries:Can lead to paralysis and permanent disability, frequently caused by significant trauma
• Back and Neck Injuries:Sprains, strains, and herniated discs are common from lifting, twisting, or repetitive motions
• Burns:Chemical, electrical, or thermal burns can cause disfigurement and require extensive medical care
• Amputations:Often associated with machinery accidents in manufacturing or construction
• Repetitive Stress Injuries:Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome that develop over time from repeated tasks

Enduring an injury is more than just a physical event – it can affect your ability to earn a living, support your family, and enjoy your life. The financial strain from medical bills and lost income, combined with the emotional toll of pain and uncertainty, can be staggering.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides benefits to eligible employees who get injured or sick from a work-related cause. In North Carolina, most employers with three or more employees are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. You can find the specific requirements in the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act.

The system is designed to be “no-fault.” This means that, in most cases, an injured worker does not have to prove that their employer was negligent to receive benefits. You generally need to show that the injury arose out of and in the course of your employment. In exchange for these benefits, an employee typically gives up the right to sue their employer for negligence related to the injury. The entire system is overseen by a state agency called the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC).

While it sounds straightforward, the process is often anything but. Insurance companies may argue that your injury wasn’t work-related or that you aren’t as injured as you claim. A Raleigh workers’ compensation attorney can help you with these challenges and fight for maximum benefits.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Injured Workers in Raleigh, NC

If your workers’ compensation claim is approved, you may qualify for several types of benefits designed to help you recover and manage the financial impact of your injury. The specific benefits you might qualify for depend on the nature and severity of your injury.

The primary benefits available to injured workers in Raleigh include:

1. Medical Treatment: This covers all reasonable and necessary medical care to treat your work-related injury. This can include doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, prescription medications, physical therapy, and medical equipment. The insurance company generally has the right to direct your medical care.
2. Wage Replacement Benefits: If your injury forces you to miss more than seven days of work, you may be eligible for payments to replace a portion of your lost wages. Typically, this amounts to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount set by state law.
3. Permanent Disability Benefits: If your injury results in a permanent impairment, you may receive additional benefits. For a permanent partial disability (PPD), you may receive payments based on an impairment rating for the affected body part. For a permanent total disability (PTD), you could potentially receive lifetime wage replacement benefits.
4. Vocational Rehabilitation: If you are unable to return to your previous job because of your injury, you may be entitled to services to help you find other suitable employment.

Calculating the full value of these potential benefits can be complicated, and an attorney can help you understand what you might be entitled to.

What to Do if You Are Injured on the Job

The actions you take after a work injury are critical. Once you have received any necessary emergency medical attention, it’s important to take steps to protect your health and your potential claim.

Here is what you should do after a workplace injury in Raleigh:

• Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney: The insurance carrier might pressure you to provide a recorded statement or sign paperwork that could jeopardize your claim down the line. Before taking any such action, it’s wise to contact a knowledgeable lawyer who can safeguard your interests and help you navigate the claims process.
• Report Your Injury in Writing:You should notify your employer of your injury within 30 days. While verbal notice counts, it is always best to report it in writing so you have a record.
• File a Claim With the NCIC:To formally start your claim, you or your attorney must file a Form 18, Notice of Accident to Employer, with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. This should be done as soon as possible, but no later than two years from the date of the injury.
• Follow Your Doctor’s Orders:Attend all medical appointments and follow the treatment plan prescribed by your authorized physician. Failing to do so can give the insurance company a reason to deny your benefits.
• Keep Detailed Records:Maintain a file with all documents related to your injury. This includes medical records, bills, correspondence with your employer or the insurer, and a journal of your symptoms and how the injury impacts your daily life.
• Speak Carefully With Adjusters:The insurance company’s adjuster is not on your side. Their goal is often to minimize the value of your claim. Be truthful, but avoid giving a recorded statement or signing any documents without first speaking to an attorney.

These steps can be confusing, especially while you are trying to recover from an injury. A Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyer can manage these details for you, allowing you to focus on your health.

Filing a Third-Party Lawsuit After a Work Injury

While workers’ compensation is generally your exclusive remedy against your employer — meaning you cannot sue them for negligence — that rule does not always apply to others. If your injury was caused by the negligence of someone other than your employer or a co-worker, you may be able to file a separate personal injury lawsuit against that “third party.”

This is an important distinction because a third-party lawsuit can allow you to seek compensation for damages not available in a workers’ comp claim, such as pain and suffering.

Examples of situations that might lead to a third-party claim include:

• You are a delivery driver who is hit and injured by a distracted driver (the 3^rd party) while making a delivery.
• You are a construction worker injured by a defective power tool on a job site (the tool manufacturer would be the 3^rd party).
• You are visiting another company’s office for a meeting and are injured in a slip-and-fall accident caused by a hazardous condition (the property owner would be the 3^rd party).

Third-party claims in North Carolina can be very difficult. Having an experienced attorney evaluate your case is often critical to seeking compensation and accountability.

Raleigh Workers’ Comp FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions we hear from injured workers in Raleigh.

What if My Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

If your employer is required by law to have workers’ comp insurance but does not, you may still be able to receive benefits. The North Carolina Industrial Commission has a fund to help pay successful claims in these situations, and your employer may face significant fines and penalties.

Can I Choose My Own Doctor for My Work Injury?

In North Carolina, the employer or their insurance carrier generally has the right to direct your medical care, which means they choose your doctor. However, if you are unhappy with the care you are receiving, you may have the right to petition the NCIC for a change of physician or a second opinion.

What Happens if My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The first step is typically a mediation, where a neutral third party tries to help you and the insurance company reach an agreement. If mediation is unsuccessful, your case may proceed to a formal hearing before a Deputy Commissioner of the NCIC. An attorney’s help can be invaluable during this process.

Can My Employer Fire Me for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

No. It is illegal for an employer in North Carolina to fire or otherwise retaliate against an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim. This protection is provided under the Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act (REDA). If you believe you have been fired in retaliation, you may have a separate legal claim against your employer.

How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in North Carolina?

You must generally file a claim with the NCIC using Form 18 within two years of the date of your injury. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to receive any benefits. For occupational diseases, the timeline can be different and more complex.

Contact Our Trusted Raleigh Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today

Dealing with a workers’ comp claim can be difficult. Some insurance companies may try to delay your benefits, deny necessary medical treatment, or pressure you into a low settlement offer. You deserve an advocate who will stand up and fight for you.

We understand the stress you are enduring, and our goal is to take that burden off your shoulders. We will handle the insurance company so you can concentrate on what matters most: your recovery. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you may deserve while you focus on healing.

A Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm can help you by:

• Handling all the details, from completing complicated paperwork to making sure all strict deadlines are met
• Protecting your rights by fighting back against coercion to return to work too soon and strategizing on second medical opinions if necessary
• Leveling the playing field by taking over all communication and negotiations with the employer’s insurance carrier
• Pursuing maximum compensation by fighting for full lost wage replacement, payment for medical treatment, or the highest possible lump sum settlement

If you have been injured at work, contact the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin today at 1-866-900-7078 or through our online form for free help with your case. Tell them you mean business.