CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 25, 2012– CR Legal Team , LLP, Attorney Mike Brown has published a layman’s guide to navigating a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina. Brown is CR Legal Team ’ workers’ compensation practice group leader.
North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system has been under fire of late for not being hard enough on state businesses that illegally go without workers’ compensation insurance. The Raleigh News & Observer reported recently that tens of thousands of N.C. companies are violating state law by failing to buy workers’ compensation insurance or show that they have the means to become self-insured. The state Industrial Commission, which manages the workers’ compensation system and oversees disputes between employees, employers, and workers’ compensation insurance companies, does not track which companies do or do not have the proper insurance. A lack of insurance can leave an injured employee with no medical care, no job, and no compensation if they are injured on the job.
“Workers’ compensation was created to benefit both employers and employees,” says Brown. “It benefits employers by providing some protection from civil litigation when an employee gets hurt on the job; and benefits employees by making it easy for them to get medical care and compensation should they suffer an injury. An effective and fair insurance system is key to making the workers’ comp system work. When employers illegally go without insurance to cut costs, the system fails. The injured worker and businesses that operate with insurance are the ones who suffer.”
“The Playbook is about helping the individual worker be competitive in a system where they are the underdog,” Brown adds. “Employers and workers’ compensation insurers are in the system every day; they know the rules; and they know their goal-line is the bottom line – keeping costs down.”
The Playbook begins with helping workers’ understand what constitutes a workplace injury and takes them through the process for filing a claim. It continues through the steps of a claim, including medical treatment, rehabilitation, returning to work, and dealing with permanent disabilities.
“Our goal is to level the playing field for workers,” Brown says. “Having a Playbook is the first step.”
Founded in 1989, CR Legal Team , LLP, represents individuals with personal injury, workers' compensation and Social Security disability claims. The firm operates from 12 offices in North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia. To learn more about the firm, or its community relations activities, visit www.crumleyroberts.com or stay connected on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.
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