Winston-Salem Workers’ Compensation Lawyers: Fighting to Protect Injured Workers

*By Appointment Only

If you have been injured at work in Winston-Salem, you are likely facing many challenges — from physical pain and mounting medical bills to the stress of lost income. The North Carolina workers’ compensation system was created to provide a safety net for injured workers. However, getting the benefits you might be owed is not always straightforward. A Winston-Salem workers’ compensation lawyer can help you address the complexities of your claim and fight for your rights.

At the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, we help injured people. Our attorneys understand the difficulties you are enduring and are ready to stand with you. We have a formidable team of accomplished legal professionals, including attorneys who are North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialists in Workers’ Compensation law. A lawyer who is certified as a specialist by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization has satisfied a number of rigorous standards for certification in the lawyer’s specialty field.

Why Choose the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin for Your Winston-Salem, NC Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Choosing an attorney after a work injury is a significant decision. You want a firm with the experience, assets, and dedication to handle your case effectively. 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 in gross for over 78,000 clients since 1997. And counting.¹ In 2025 alone, we recovered over $230 million in gross for over 4,500 clients.¹ These numbers show our ability to fight for our clients, but they don’t tell the whole story. Here’s what we can bring to the fight:

• A Formidable Team: Our team includes attorneys who are NC State Bar Board Certified Specialists in Workers’ Compensation Law, former insurance industry professionals, and skilled litigators as needed. We understand how the other side operates and use that knowledge to build compelling cases for our clients.
• A Focus on Results: We fight to get you as much as possible, as quickly as possible. Our proprietary software and streamlined processes help us move cases forward efficiently, pushing back against any insurance company delays.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means we don’t charge a fee unless we get compensation for you — guaranteed.² This arrangement reduces the financial risk for our clients.

When you hire James Scott Farrin, you get a dedicated team fighting to protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.

North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Quick Breakdown

The North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act establishes the rules for helping employees who get hurt or sick because of their job. It is a type of insurance that most employers in the state are required to carry. The system is designed to be “no-fault,” which means you generally do not have to prove your employer did something wrong to cause your injury. You only need to show that the injury happened at work and during your work duties.

The North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) is the state agency that administers and enforces these laws. They handle claim filings, disputes, and hearings. The process involves specific forms and strict deadlines, and any mistake can jeopardize your ability to receive any benefits. An experienced Winston-Salem workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate these critical details.

What Benefits Might Be Available for Injured Workers?

If your claim is approved, the workers’ compensation system can provide several types of benefits to help you during your recovery. The goal is to cover your medical needs and offset a portion of your lost income.

The primary potential benefits include:

• Medical Compensation: This can cover all necessary medical care related to your work injury. It may include doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, prescription medications, physical therapy, and even travel costs to and from your appointments.
• Lost Wage Benefits: If your injury prevents you from working, you might be eligible for wage replacement benefits. These are typically calculated as two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount set by state law.
• Permanent Disability Benefits: If your injury results in a permanent impairment, you might receive additional benefits. These are calculated based on the affected body part and any impairment rating given by your doctor.
• Death Benefits: In the tragic event that a work injury results in a loved one’s death, their surviving family members might be eligible to receive death benefits, which can help cover funeral expenses and provide financial support.

Seeking these benefits often requires detailed medical documentation and careful communication with your employer’s insurance company.

Common Workplace Injuries in Forsyth County

Winston-Salem has a diverse economy, from the advanced manufacturing sectors to the thriving healthcare and technology fields in the Innovation Quarter. While every job has its risks, some industries see more frequent or severe injuries.

Our attorneys help people who have endured a wide range of work-related injuries, such as:

• Construction Accidents: Falls from heights, injuries from falling objects, and machinery accidents are common on construction sites
• Manufacturing and Warehouse Injuries: Repetitive motion injuries, injuries from heavy equipment, and slip-and-fall incidents are frequent in these environments
• Healthcare Worker Injuries: Nurses, aides, and other healthcare professionals in facilities like Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center or Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center often endure back injuries from lifting patients, needle sticks, and assaults
• Occupational Diseases: Some health conditions develop over time due to exposure to harmful substances or conditions at work, such as hearing loss from loud noise or lung diseases from inhaling dust or chemicals.

embed_figma src=”https://embed.figma.com/proto/wn93XCdQyJohuk7a67ebj2/Workplace-Injuries?page-id=0%3A1&node-id=1-484&viewport=527%2C1162%2C0.35&scaling=scale-down&content-scaling=fixed&embed-host=share” width=”675″ height=”1000″]

 
No matter how your injury occurred, if it happened on the job, it is important to understand your rights under North Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws.

The Role of a Winston-Salem, NC Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While you can file a workers’ compensation claim on your own, having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can significantly increase the odds of a positive outcome. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their financial interests; a lawyer works to protect yours.

At the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, we provide compassionate support for our clients, allowing them to focus on their health while we handle the legal burdens.

Guiding You and Protecting Your Rights

From the moment you contact us, we focus on helping you protect your rights. We can listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your options in plain language. We have the knowledge to devise plans to try to protect your job and fight back if we believe the insurance company is trying to coerce you into returning to work before you are medically ready.

If needed, we can strategize on seeking a second medical opinion to try to ensure your injuries are being properly evaluated.

Handling the Insurance Company for You

Communicating with the insurance carrier can be frustrating. Some adjusters might use confusing language, delay responses, or pressure you into giving a recorded statement that could harm your claim.

Our workers’ compensation attorneys communicate with the insurance company for you. We know their tactics and how to counter lowball settlement offers. We fight for fast approval of necessary medical treatments and work to level the playing field so you are treated fairly.

Building and Managing Your Case

A compelling workers’ compensation case is built on strong evidence. We take on the responsibility of building and managing your case from start to finish.

This often involves:

• Collecting Evidence: We can gather relevant medical records and bills to document the extent of your injuries and the cost of your care.
• Completing Paperwork: We handle the complicated forms and paperwork required by the North Carolina Industrial Commission, making sure everything is filled out correctly and filed by strict deadlines.
• Moving Your Case Forward: We actively manage your case to try to avoid common pitfalls and delays, constantly following up as we strive to keep things moving toward a resolution.
• Depositions: If needed, we will depose doctors, vocational experts, and other witnesses to help build your claim.

We dedicate the necessary assets to build a case aimed at achieving your goals.

What Happens if Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied?

It is disheartening to receive a denial letter after a legitimate work injury, but it is not the end of the road. Insurance companies deny claims for many reasons — sometimes they question whether the injury was work-related, or they might dispute the severity of your condition.

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The first step is often mediation, where you, your attorney, a representative for the insurance company, and a neutral mediator can try to reach an agreement. If mediation is unsuccessful, your case might proceed to a formal hearing before a Deputy Commissioner of the North Carolina Industrial Commission. This is similar to a trial, where your attorney can present evidence, question witnesses, and argue on your behalf.

Having an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Winston-Salem is critical during the appeals process. We know how to prepare for mediation and hearings and are prepared to fight for your rights at every stage.

Important Deadlines in a North Carolina Workers’ Comp Case

The North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act sets strict time limits for taking action. Missing a deadline can prevent you from receiving any benefits at all.

• Report Your Injury: You should report your injury to your employer, in writing, within 30 days of the accident. While you might still be able to file a claim if you miss this deadline, it can make your case much more difficult.
• File Your Claim: You are required to file a claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission using a Form 18 generally within two years of the date of your injury.

These deadlines can be very strict, which is another reason why contacting an attorney as soon as possible after a work injury is so important. We can ensure procedures are followed correctly to help keep your rights protected.

Winston-Salem, NC Workers’ Compensation Lawyer FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions we hear from people injured at work.

What should I do right after a work injury?

First, seek immediate medical attention if needed. Then, report the injury to your supervisor in writing as soon as possible. Document who you spoke to and when. After you have reported the injury and are safely at home, it can be beneficial to contact an attorney to discuss your rights and the next steps.

Can I choose my own doctor for a workers’ comp injury?

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

What if my pre-existing condition was made worse by my job?

If a work-related accident or your job duties significantly aggravate a pre-existing health condition, you might still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These cases can be complex, as you must show that the work incident was the primary cause of your disability, not just your underlying condition.

Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim?

North Carolina law prohibits employers from firing or retaliating against an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim in good faith. If you believe you have been terminated for this reason, you might have grounds for a separate legal action against your employer.

Do I have to pay taxes on my workers’ compensation benefits?

Generally, workers’ compensation benefits for lost wages and medical care are not considered taxable income by the IRS or the state of North Carolina. However, if you also receive Social Security Disability benefits, a portion of your benefits could become taxable.

How much does a Winston-Salem, NC workers’ compensation lawyer cost?

The workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin work on a contingency fee basis. This means there is no hourly fee. And you owe no fee at all unless we get compensation for you. Guaranteed.²

Contact Our Winston-Salem Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today

If you, or a loved one, have been injured at work, you do not have to face the insurance company alone. A dedicated attorney can make a significant difference in your case, fighting to protect your rights and pursuing the full benefits you might be owed for your recovery. The Winston-Salem team at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is ready to help.

“I had a great experience with my legal team during my workers’ compensation case. They handled everything professionally and efficiently, and I always felt informed throughout the process.” –Kaila B., Google Winston-Salem 5-star review¹

If you have been injured at work, contact the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin today for a free case evaluation. Call us at 1-866-900-7078 or contact us online. Tell them you mean business.

Text Us