Slip and Fall Injuries at Work

Workers' Compensation Slip & Fall Claims in NC

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere to anyone — making it one of the most common types of work-related accidents reported.

Even though fault is not a factor in workers' compensation claims, the injured party must establish an injury that was caused by an "accident." North Carolina workers' compensation law defines an accident as an incident arising out of and incidental to the employment of the employer. Accidents like tripping over misplaced objects or machinery or slipping and falling on a wet floor or uneven pathway can occur in any work environment. If you sustain an injury on the job due to a slip and fall accident, you may deserve compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and medical expenses.

What to Do If You've Been Injured at Work from a Slip and Fall Accident

Receiving compensation for an injury that resulted from a slip and fall can be a challenging and complicated process. If you experience such an event, you first need to report the incident to your employer, even if you aren't showing physical symptoms. You should also seek counsel from an experienced North Carolina workers' compensation lawyer, who will assure that you receive all compensation you are entitled to under the North Carolina Workers' Compensation Act.

Additional steps to take after falling at work

Benefits You're Entitled to After a Slip and Fall Accident

In North Carolina, employees injured on the job will be compensated for their lost time from work and have their medical bills paid. You can receive compensation for any permanent impairment that results from a severe injury. Compensation is not only recoverable for bodily injury, but also includes breakage or damage to eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, or other prosthetic devices that function as part of the body.

Third-party claims

Pursuing a third-party claim is complex and should be handled by an attorney with experience handling workers' compensation claims.

If the incident was caused by the fault of someone other than your employer, a liability claim could be pursued in addition to the workers’ compensation claim to recoup compensation for pain and suffering, which is not paid through the workers’ compensation claim. Your lawyer will help you pursue negligent third parties and hold them accountable for the physical pain and suffering you have endured.

When Employers Dispute Your Workers' Comp Claim

In some cases, your employer may dispute the claim that the injury was sustained due to work-related duties or workplace conditions. Here are a few typical workers' compensation dispute scenarios:

Your employer may try to question your credibility if you claim to slip and fall on due to workplace conditions — like an unseen, slippery substance or object on the floor — but can't identify what exactly caused the fall. The insurance company may even claim that the fall was due to an unknown condition. Your lawyer should be prepared to fight the claim that you have had an "unexplained fall."

The fall occurs before you've clocked in or after you've clocked out. Your workers' compensation lawyer should be familiar with the implications North Carolina's "coming and going" rule has on your case.

You slip and fall somewhere other than the workplace — attending a company-sponsored event or running an errand for the employer. A dispute may arise about the compensability of your workers' compensation claim; however, you may be eligible for compensation if you were performing duties for your employer.