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Workers’ Compensation And Repetitive Stress Injury

workers compensation and competitive stress injury

Workers' Compensation and Competitive Stress Injury

by King Law Firm

Can You File Workers’ Compensation for RSI, Repetitive Stress Injury? 

 

Many work-related accidents are caused by sudden falls or defective equipment. A repetitive strain injury (RSI), also known as repetitive stress or repetitive motion injury, is a gradual damage to nerves, tendons, and muscles from repeated or prolonged motion. If left untreated, this type of injury can result in chronic pain that requires constant attention.

 

All forms of order have repetitive movements. Recurring motion injuries (RSIDs) are common and have been caused by several different working hours, including:

 

  • Using a keyboard and mouse to type letters using a mouse while working at a hospital 

 

  • Scanning drugs and equipment at the register or stocking supplies on shelves

 

  • Handling tools Assembling a manufactured home in a factory.

 

As a result of repetitive stress injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, and rotator cuff tendonitis are some of the most common conditions. Surgical procedures, braces, physical therapy, and occupational therapy are all options for treatment.

 

RSI symptoms and things to keep an eye on.

RSI symptoms should not be treated as trivial annoyances because they are very serious. A repetitive motion condition may manifest as the following symptoms: Swelling, throbbing pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling sensation, weakness Sensitivity to temperature.

 

North Carolina employers with three or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance if their workers are injured. A person may qualify for temporary or permanent disability payments depending on the severity of the injury. An injured person may also receive a lump sum settlement to cover medical expenses. As a result of RSIs, companies need to give employees periodic breaks to rest their body parts. Additionally, ergonomic chairs and desks should be provided at the workplace to prevent injuries. 

 

Contact Our North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney

The risk of injury varies from occupation to occupation. Some employees can develop severe medical conditions as a result of repetitive motion. The cost of surgery or physical therapy may be mounting if you or a loved one suffers from an RSI or RMI, in addition to lost wages. The Board-Certified, Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at King Law Firm are prepared to take on your case and help you achieve a positive outcome.

Take the next step and Contact us today!

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Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Prescriptions

Does Workers' Compensation Cover Prescriptions

Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Prescriptions? 

Prescriptions & Workers’ Comp

Prescriptions are an essential part of healthcare and can be costly. One way to receive financial aid is through workers’ compensation, but do they cover prescription costs? Workers’ compensation is a system of insurance benefits provided to employees injured while at work or performing job-related duties. It covers medical bills, lost wages, long-term disability, and more. But does it include prescriptions? 

The answer is yes – in some cases. Depending on your state and the type of injury sustained, specific rules about prescription coverage for workers’ comp claims may exist. The employer’s insurance company will generally pay for any medically necessary medications to treat the worker’s injury or illness. However, not all drugs are covered by workers’ comp; pre-existing conditions and treatments such as cosmetic surgery typically aren’t included. 

What is Workers’ Comp?

Workers’ compensation is an insurance program designed to protect employers and employees in the event of a workplace injury or illness. The program helps cover medical expenses related to the injury or illness, lost wages while recovering, and in some cases, rehabilitation costs. Understanding workers’ comp is important for anyone who works in a job with potential risks and their employers. 

When an employee is injured on the job due to employer negligence or at no fault of their own, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits depending on state regulations. Depending on the severity of the injury or illness, this could include hospital bills and doctor visits covered by insurance, disability payments for time off work due to recovery from injury/condition, and sometimes even retraining for new skills if necessary. 

Do Prescriptions Qualify for Coverage?

For those with workplace injuries seeking medical treatment, the question of whether workers’ compensation will cover their prescriptions is common. It is important to understand what is and isn’t covered to ensure that the injured person gets the most from their benefits. Workers’ compensation covers not only prescription drugs but also any costs associated with hospitalization or other treatments necessary for the healing process. 

A physician must prescribe prescription medications to qualify for workers’ compensation insurance coverage. In addition, it must also be medically necessary for recovery and directly related to an injury sustained on the job. The cost of such medications can vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury and the type of drug prescribed. 

When are Prescriptions Covered?

Many people who have been injured on the job and receive workers’ compensation often wonder if their medical bills, including prescriptions, will be covered. The answer to this question depends on several factors varying from state to state. Generally speaking, most employers are required by law to provide reimbursement for any medications prescribed by a physician to treat an injury or illness related to the workplace. 

The cost of prescription medications is typically included as part of an employee’s workers’ compensation benefits package. However, depending on the laws in that particular state, certain limits may be placed on the amount of money reimbursed for these expenses. For example, some states may specify that only generic drugs are eligible for coverage, while others may require employers to pay full price for brand-name medications. 

What if the Prescription is Not Covered?

For many individuals, access to prescription medications is essential for managing their medical conditions. But what happens when a prescription isn’t covered by health insurance or workers’ compensation? It can leave people in a difficult situation, struggling to find the financial resources necessary to pay for the medication they need. 

The good news is that options are available to those who cannot afford their prescriptions. Many employers provide a Workers’ Compensation program which offers coverage of some or all of an employee’s out-of-pocket costs related to prescriptions. This can significantly help those whose medical expenses exceed the limits of their regular health insurance policy. However, it’s important to note that not all medications will be covered under Workers’ Compensation plans; it depends on the specific plan and its terms and conditions. 

Special Considerations.

Workers’ compensation is critical to any comprehensive safety plan regarding workplace injuries and illnesses. But what happens when injured or ill employees need prescription medications? Does workers’ compensation cover prescriptions? 

The answer is yes – in most cases, workers’ comp will cover the cost of prescription medications for an employee who has been injured or become ill on the job. However, employers should be aware that some special considerations must be taken into account when determining whether a particular medication is covered. For instance, certain medications may require additional paperwork, such as doctor’s notes or authorization from the insurance provider. Furthermore, employers may have to provide evidence of medical necessity if they wish to receive reimbursement for certain drugs like controlled substances and painkillers. 

Conclusion: Understanding Prescription Coverage.

In conclusion, understanding prescription coverage under Workers’ Compensation is complex and varies by state and type of injury. The employer or insurance company responsible for coverage must ensure that the injured worker understands their exact prescription coverage before filling any prescriptions. 

The injured worker should keep careful records of all costs associated with their prescriptions and report any discrepancies or instances of overpayment. Furthermore, they should be aware that not all medications are covered under workers’ compensation and that some may require additional payment from them and reimbursement processes in place for payment eligibility. 

Overall, staying informed about your specific prescription coverage is essential for ensuring you get the medical care you need when dealing with a work-related injury. Knowing what your plan covers allow you to make educated decisions so you can get back to work with the best possible health outcome.

If you have been injured on the job and are having difficulties filing your workers’ compensation claim, contact King Law Firm for assistance.  We’ve been helping North Carolinians for years and can help you too.  

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VA Claims Regulations – Things You Need To Know.

VA Benefits

Holiday Driving Safety Tips

by King Law Firm

Things You Need To Know About VA Claims Regulations. 

VA Claims Regulations Overview

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently rolled out new claims regulations that veterans need to be aware of when filing a claim for VA benefits. Understanding the rules and processes can help ensure a successful outcome when filing a VA claim. This article provides an overview of the new VA claims regulations and what you need to know about them. 

The updated rules cover eligibility requirements, the evidence needed for submitting claims, information on appeals, and other important matters related to obtaining or maintaining benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It’s important to note that these new regulations do not apply retroactively; only claims filed on or after their effective date will be subject to them. Additionally, veterans must meet specific criteria to qualify for benefits under the new regulations. 

Eligibility Requirements

It is important to understand the new VA Claims regulations if you are a veteran trying to file for benefits. Before filing, veterans and their families must know the eligibility requirements to be approved for VA claims. 

All veterans must have served at least one day of active duty with an honorable discharge to qualify. Those who have served during wartime may also be eligible even with less than one day of active service. Additionally, veterans discharged due to a disability-related directly or indirectly to their military service may qualify for benefits. Those wishing to file must provide proof of service, such as copies of DD Form-214 or discharge papers issued by the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). 

Applying for Benefits

Applying for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be intimidating. But, to alleviate some of this worry, veterans need to understand the new VA claims regulations. Below are a few things you need to know about these changes to apply for benefits properly. 

First and foremost, veterans must complete a claim form before applying for any benefit from the VA. This form will ask questions about their service history and disability status, so all answers must be accurate and up-to-date. After completing the claim form, veterans should gather all supporting documents requested by the VA — such as medical records or discharge paperwork — and submit them along with their claim form. 

Processing Timeline

Processing Timeline: Understanding the New VA Claims Regulations

Navigating new regulations can be overwhelming, and dealing with the VA claims process is no exception. In order to assist Veterans in understanding their rights and responsibilities under the new rules, it’s important to understand the processing timeline for a claim. Here are some of the critical steps involved in submitting and receiving a decision on a VA claim: 

First, you must complete an official application form to submit your claim. This form can be found on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website or at any regional office. Once you have submitted your application, it will be sent to a local, regional office for review by trained personnel who will determine if you meet all requirements for receiving benefits according to the new regulations. The regional office may also contact you if additional information is needed to decide your claim. 

Additional Resources

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently released new rules and regulations for filing VA claims. The changes can be confusing, but understanding them is vital to a successful claim. Fortunately, numerous resources are available to help veterans and their families navigate the process. 

The VA’s official website is the best place to start. There you can find comprehensive information on how to file your claim, what evidence is necessary for submission, and other helpful tips. Additionally, many veteran service organizations offer free legal consultations so you can get personalized advice about your situation. 

Another great resource is the VA’s toll-free helpline which assists with any questions or concerns about filing a claim or appealing a decision regarding an existing one. 

Conclusion

As the VA changes the regulations that impact how veterans can pursue claims, veterans and their families need to stay current on any new information being released. The conclusion of this article reiterates the importance of understanding these complex regulations and staying informed. 

The VA provides a wealth of resources on its website and in various print materials to ensure veterans are aware of any changes. Claimants must use these educational tools to navigate the legal process confidently. Additionally, claimants can seek advice from other organizations, such as Veterans Service Organizations or benefit counselors, for assistance navigating the new rules. 

All veterans and their families should be aware of all the regulations related to filing a claim with the VA to avoid missing out on valuable benefits. 

Contact King Law Firm today for a Free Consultation if you need legal representation with your VA Claim.

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Important Questions To Ask An Injury Attorney

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK AN INJURY ATTORNEY

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK AN INJURY ATTORNEY

After an accident, you should seek medical attention and consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. However, there are many attorneys, and some may be better suited to your case than others. What is the best way to determine which lawyer is the best fit for your case? What can you expect from your case? Are you even entitled to compensation? Make sure you ask the right questions before making any decisions. When seeking legal assistance for a personal injury claim, the following are some questions.

10 QUESTIONS TO ASK AFTER YOUR ACCIDENT WHEN SEARCHING FOR A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

1. DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN PERSONAL INJURY LAW?

A lawyer, like a physician, specializes in a particular area of law. If you have suffered a personal injury, you will need an attorney specializing in personal injury law.

A lawyer who does not specialize in personal injury should not be consulted if you have been injured because of someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior. In addition, you need an attorney specializing in the type of personal injury you’ve suffered, such as a car accident or slip and fall. Even though most personal injury cases never go to trial, you want an injury lawyer who understands the ins and outs of these cases. 

2. DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS LIKE MINE?

Every lawyer begins his or her career with little or no legal experience, but you are probably not going to want your personal injury lawyer to gain his or her first legal experience with your case. 

You should hire an experienced attorney who can negotiate and proceed on your behalf. Additionally, you may ask about their previous experience with similar cases here.

Ask the injury attorney if he or she has handled a similar case. An attorney is not permitted to divulge specific information. However, they can share the basics of how the case is handled and the outcome of the case. 

An answer to this question can provide insight into the time and progression of a typical personal injury claim they have worked on similar to your claim. 

3. DO YOU HAVE A HISTORY OF WINNING PERSONAL INJURY CASES?

A personal injury lawyer’s success rate and the amount recovered for past clients are crucial factors to consider.

Even though few personal injury cases go to trial, you should still ask about their courtroom experiences.

A lawyer must be honest and transparent about how many cases have gone to trial and how many cases he or she has won.

King Law Firm attorneys have a long history of success with a 95% success rate and millions of dollars recovered for clients.

4. DO YOU THINK I HAVE A STRONG CASE?

Your case does not require a comprehensive analysis in this instance. In any event, it is always a good idea to ask the personal injury attorney why they believe there is a high likelihood of receiving compensation from the insurance company.

Furthermore, this question allows you to raise any areas of concern that may need to be addressed. The sooner you are aware of any threats to your case, the better.

5. IN WHAT MANNER DO YOU EXPECT MY CASE TO PROCEED?

One of the most important questions you should ask is how a personal injury lawyer would approach your case. Even though they cannot predict what the opposing side will do or how they will respond, they should be able to explain your case to you. 

You can get a good idea of what to expect as your case progresses by asking such a question. 

It is essential that you understand that the longer your case continues, the longer you may have to go without compensation to pay for medical expenses or to cover lost wages. As a result, many insurance companies will attempt to settle the claim as soon as possible.

A good attorney can move your case forward and be open and honest with you throughout the process. 

The answer to this question also provides valuable information about how your attorney will communicate with you and with others.

6. WHAT IS THE COST OF LEGAL FEES FOR MY CASE?

The majority of personal injury attorneys are paid on a contingency basis, which means that you do not have to pay them anything until you win – and if you win, they receive a portion of the award.

The hourly rate charged by an attorney could result in you paying a lot of money, regardless of whether you win or lose.

It is important that the attorney be willing to explain what the anticipated costs will be. Sometimes, the attorney will request a small retainer to cover anticipated court fees. 

Whether you will pay it on a contingency basis or not, you must understand the cost of proceeding with your case.

7. WHAT PERCENTAGE OF PERSONAL INJURY CASES GO TO TRIAL?

You may be able to tell based on the answer to this question whether or not the attorney really cares about getting you the maximum compensation.

If they rarely go to trial, then this may indicate that they are more concerned with getting a payout than fighting for your full compensation.

It is important that you hire an attorney who is willing to go to trial if necessary and who is prepared to win. The last thing you want is to hire an attorney who will only settle cases to avoid a trial. 

8. HOW MUCH DO I PAY IF I LOSE?

It’s important to ask this question because some lawyers will require you to pay for any case-related costs in addition to their contingency fee.

If your case is unsuccessful, ask your personal injury lawyer, who will cover these out-of-pocket expenses. 

At King Law Firm, you pay nothing if we fail to win your case.

9. WHO WILL HANDLE MY PERSONAL INJURY CASE?

Choosing the right personal injury lawyer for your case is important. In some large firms, it is not uncommon for the big-name lawyer to meet with clients before passing the case to an associate. 

Most lawyers are supported by staff while working on a case. However, you would like to know which lawyer will represent you during negotiations and at trial.

10. HOW LONG WILL THE PROCESS TAKE?

Bills pile up and paychecks are missed as your case progresses.

Additionally, you may be interested in knowing how long the legal process will take.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can give you an estimate based on past cases, but it’s not reasonable to expect an exact timeline.

ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR A LAWYER WHO CARES?

These are just a few questions you should ask your prospective personal injury lawyer. You can discuss many other matters with the lawyers you are considering. It is for this reason that we invite you to schedule a free consultation with us.

ARE YOU READY TO DISCUSS YOUR CASE? Get in touch with us today.

 

 

Having a Registered nurse as part of your legal team can be very beneficial

Having a Registered nurse as part of your legal team can be very beneficial

law firm registered nurse benefits

by King Law Firm

Having a Registered Nurse as part of your legal team can be very beneficial.

Not every personal injury law firm employs a registered nurse, but at King Law Firm, our Registered Nurse and Attorney, Caroline Cusick Crawford, is an integral part of our team and a valuable resource for our clients. 

What Is the Role of the Law Firm Nurse?

Although our nurse does not treat clients, she is often integral to their physical and legal recovery. Meet our Registered Nurse and Attorney, Caroline Cusick Crawford. Her role as a Registered Nurse includes but is not limited to: 

  • Conducts a thorough review of medical records in a timely and efficient manner. Medical records are important to the client for several reasons. A client seeking a financial recovery through the legal system after an accident will need to demonstrate how extensive the harm was done was, and prove that those injuries were caused as a result of the accident; this allows the justice system to attempt to value these injuries. We have an on-staff nurse who is willing to assist our attorneys and clients in this regard. In addition, many doctors’ appointments are rushed, which can make it difficult to remember all of your questions. In addition to their professional advice, a staff nurse can advise you on when you should follow up with your doctor, whether you should consult with other specialists, and what questions you should ask your treating physician.
  • Provides personal service to clients, assisting them to understand what the future may hold following their injuries.
  • Contributes to case discovery and expert witness work. Nursing experts know how to ask questions, demand answers, and communicate with patients.

Depending on the nature of your injury, one or more of these responsibilities may be beneficial to you if you were injured by a defective medical product, victims of medical malpractice, injured in a serious motor vehicle accident, or suffered from another form of negligence. 

Caroline Cusick Crawford, Registered Nurse & Attorney at Law

Caroline Cusick Crawford is both an Attorney at Law (JD) and a Registered Nurse (RN).  She studied law at Campbell University School of Law in Raleigh. Caroline’s nursing background and understanding of health-related matters equip her with compassion and insight as she counsels clients who are coping with family challenges, the loss of loved ones, planning for their futures, or addressing serious injury and end-of-life concerns. Caroline’s academic training includes a Bachelor of Arts in Communication/Journalism from East Carolina University, an Associate of Science in Nursing from Nash Community College, a Master of Nursing and a Master of Healthcare Administration-Informatics from the University of Phoenix, and a Juris Doctorate from Campbell University’s School of Law.  

Caroline and the entire team at King Law Firm can help you get the compensation and benefits you deserve.

Our team is very fortunate to have Caroline as part of it, as she works on every case where her expertise can be useful. At King Law firm, we approach every client the same way. Each of our attorneys, paralegals, nurses, and other staff members is involved in each case. We are committed to utilizing all of our resources, including our staff nurse, in order to focus on each individual case and to provide each individual client with the attention and care necessary to recover as fully as possible following an injury. 

Contact King Law Firm today for a free case consultation by calling: (855) 206-0052

 

5 Valuable Tips For North Carolina Social Security Benefit Recipients

North Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyers

1: Turning 18 Years Of Age: A month before a minor child turns 18, his/her Social Security benefits will cease. The exceptions to this rule include children who are disabled and those who are unmarried elementary or secondary school students. If the benefits are stopped, they can be restarted if the child becomes disabled before reaching the age of 22 or if they become a full-time elementary or secondary school student before the age of 19. If any of these occur, you may reapply for benefits.

2: School: If your child is a full-time student in elementary or secondary school, he/she may receive benefits up until the age of 19. If your child turns 19 before the end of the school year, he/she is entitled to benefits until the end of the term or two months after his/her 19th birthday, whichever comes first. The child is able to continue to receive benefits during the vacation period so long as the vacation is four months or less and he plans to return to school full time after the vacation period.

3: Disability: If your child becomes disabled before the age of 22, he/she can continue to receive benefits after the age of 18. Your child may also be able to qualify for SSI disability.

4: Divorce: If your child is a stepchild who receives benefits based on your work, the child’s benefits will cease the month following the divorce finalization. It is required that you report the finalization of your divorce to Social Security.

5: As previously mentioned, SSDI is a very complex area of law and it’s important for individuals who have been denied and are seeking to re-apply do so with the help and guidance of an experienced SSDI attorney.  For over 35 years, the King Law Firm has been assisting North Carolinians with their SSDI. Call us today for a free case evaluation.