Most states, including North Carolina, require employers of a certain size to carry workers’ compensation insurance. And according to the North Carolina Industrial Commission, our state must have insurance for businesses that regularly employ three or more employees. When employees are injured at work, they usually go through their company’s workers’ compensation system to receive recovery for their injuries, rather than suing their employers. But what happens when a business doesn’t have insurance in place for them?
If you or someone you know finds themselves in this type of situation, you have the option to sue the employer in court. One major benefit of going to court is that you can seek the full amount of your losses without being subject to an arbitrary cap set by the law. You can also collect money damages for the emotional distress caused by your injuries. Finally, you may be able to collect punitive damages, which are intended to punish the employer if it was neglectful behavior that caused your injuries in the first place. Keep in mind that suing can sometimes be a slow process and that it may take a few months before you see any money through a lawsuit. That’s why it’s so important to talk to a workers’ compensation firm like Prior, Criner & Edwards Attorneys in order to start the court progression and ensure your suit is filed in a proper legal timeframe.
Another way to seek compensation for your lost wages and medical treatment is through North Carolina’s Uninsured Employers’ Funds. These are special funds reserved for people who are injured while working under an employer that is uninsured. Uninsured Employers’ Funds may cover your medical bills or help you receive payments for a portion of your wage loss. North Carolina also offers temporary disability insurance programs, which offer short-term benefits during the period in which you’re not working.
We know how frustrating it is to find out an employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance, and our state knows it too! That’s why for the past couple of years, investigators from the Industrial Commission have been knocking on doors and charging businesses with fines if they aren’t covered. Since 2014, the agency has already collected nearly $2.4 million in fines from uninsured companies and have charged over 100 employers with misdemeanors for willingly not having coverage.
If you’ve been injured on the job at an uninsured company, or if you know your employer isn’t covered but want to ensure fellow employees are protected before an accident occurs, contact Prior, Criner & Edwards Attorneys. There’s no reason for you or a loved one to be left with financial problems or long-term injuries without proper coverage to see you through. Let us help you work through your workers’ compensation case to ensure you are provided the care and rights you’re owed!
Call today for a free consultation and explore your options - (910) 341-3202
Our Attorneys
Our attorneys specialize in workman's comp, personal injury, and dispute resolution services.
We have have a long history of building long-term client relationships founded on trust and mutual respect.
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Frank Prior
With over 25 years of experience in civil litigation and thousands of cases mediated, Frank specializes in the fields of workers compensation and personal injury law.
Sherman Lee Criner
Sherman is Licensed to Practice Law in North and South Carolina. He has extensive education in law and the mediation practice, professional experience and impressive memberships in many noteworthy political, civic and business organizations.
Ashley M. Edwards
Ashley is a NC attorney and certified mediator in North and South Carolina, Ashley has represented hundreds of clients and mediated thousands of cases for attorneys, insurance carriers and private companies.
Client Feedback
“These guys are awesome and care about their clients very much. I would suggest anyone hurt on the job to contact them. Cannot express my appreciation enough to them!"
“Ashley Edwards genuinely cares about his clients and holds himself to the highest standards in all of his professional interactions. I am happy to recommend him to anyone who needs help navigating the workers compensation process."
“Ashley has been practicing compensation law in the greater Wilmington area for 15+ years. I have often turned to him for advice and counsel. He knows the law, is trustworthy, listens to his clients, and fights to do the right thing for them. He is my first call!"
“Mr Edwards made my case feel like it was his most important case. He is so caring and attentive."
“This was the first and only law firm I contacted after being injured. Everyone there has been on point concerning my case and extremely professional. I highly recommend contacting workers comp first if injured. It will be as if it's the most important case they have and they will not disappoint. Thank you to the entire team."
“Wonderful Experience under difficult circumstances. They helped me understand my rights and options under the law. Mr. Edwards took the time to help and meet with me whenever I had questions. He is highly recommended for his expert advice and service. "
“This is the place to go if you get hurt on the job Ashley and his paralegal Janet are really nice and super easy to talk to and they take the time to really listen to your problems and get you the help you need and deserve."
“They came out took out time to listen very smart he knows what he's talking about he heard me out and took my case under difficult sircumstances and i highly advise this is the law firm to consider."
“Sherman is one of the best mediators that I know---he is extremely proficient in Workers' Compensation Law and he is an outstanding communicator. I give Sherman my highest rating!"
“Great Experience with a caring lawyer who took the time to actually meet with me. He handled my case to the end and explained everything. Highly recommended."
“Ashley is very knowledgeable and relatable to his clients, to opposing counsel, and to all parties when acting as mediator. "
“Ashley didn't always tell me what I wanted to hear but he always told me the truth. He is very knowledgeable and professional... I would highly recommend Ashley if you feel the need to hire an attorney. "
Get in touch with our team for a free consultation.
Call (910) 341-3202 or complete the form on this page and we'll follow-up with you as soon as possible.
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