WORKERS COMPENSATION LAWS

Workers compensation laws are designed to protect the injured worker. Workers compensation laws, in the State of North Carolina, have been developed by the North Carolina Legislature and by panels of judges. Many times an injured employee will need the services of a lawyer to adequately understand the workers compensation laws in the State of North Carolina.

Recently, a client came into my office that had attempted to negotiate his own workers compensation settlement. The insurance company had convinced the client that he should accept $16,000 in settlement of his workers compensation case. The client, in accepting the $16,000, was expected to resign from his job and give up all rights he had to future medical care. This gentleman had major surgery performed on his back due to his workers compensation injury. He was a middle-aged man with a high school education. His ability to earn future wages was greatly restricted by his workers injury. After negotiating his own settlement with the insurance company, his settlement agreement was submitted to the North Carolina Industrial Commission for approval of the settlement.

Fortunately, all workers compensation agreements must be approved by the North Carolina Industrial Commission before they are finalized. This client was lucky enough to have a conscientious commissioner at the Industrial Commission review his case prior to authorizing the settlement. The commissioner determined that it was not in the client's best interest to settle his case for $16,000. The commissioner informed both the insurance company and the client that he would not authorize the $16,000 settlement based on the fact that it was inadequate. The client was encouraged to seek the services of a lawyer.

The client came to my office. His case was reviewed. It was determined based on his medical records and vocational evaluations that the client's ability to earn wages after his workers compensation injury was extremely limited. After further negotiations with the insurance company, this client's case was settled for $125,000.

It is important to realize that insurance companies are large corporations with an obligation to their shareholders to minimize the monies that are paid on claims. The relationship of the insurance company and the injured worker is clearly an adversarial relationship in which both parties have different objectives. Workers compensation is a complex area of law. The dollar amount of settlements can vary greatly. It is very important that you have an attorney that knows the laws of the State of North Carolina and has experience in applying the laws. You will only have one opportunity to negotiate a settlement of your workers compensation case. Your settlement of your case can have a great impact on your life and your family's. Protect your rights by contacting attorney Bob Davidson, Jr. for your workers compensation representation.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

Social Security Disability is awarded to a claimant when it is demonstrated the claimant can no longer maintain any job in the National Economy. It should be noted initially, a person should have no shame in receiving Social Security Disability because you are receiving monies you have paid into the system over the course of your lifetime. There is a stringent test the Social Security Administration applies to determine if someone is disabled.

I have handled many successful Social Security Disability cases over the years. It makes me happy to help someone obtain disability.

In reflecting over some of the cases I have handled the last 18 years. I remember one case in which a young woman had Crohn's disease. This was a very embarrassing and disabling condition that she will have to live with for the rest of her life. I remember another case in which a young woman had multiple lesions on her hands and she was unable to use her hands in performing her occupation.

Another case was a young woman that had Multiple Sclerosis, who was at her wits end financially. Social Security Disability made her life a little bit better. A recent case I handled was a claim of a homeless man. He had a very low I.Q. and mental disabilities. His case was initially denied. However, after appealing the case, the Court entered a decision in his favor. He received $28,000.00 in past due Social Security Disability benefits.

A lawyer gets paid 25% of the past due benefits that a successful claimant is awarded up to $ 5,300.00. In the event the lawyer does not prevail in your case, you do not owe the lawyer a fee.

In reviewing your case, the Social Security Administration looks at several factors. They will evaluate your age, education, your work skills, experience, and your medical disability.

I would like to begin helping you on your Social Security Disability case today. Please give my office a call. I have samples of other Social Security Disability cases I have handled over the years. You can review this information without me revealing the successful claimant's identity.

If you have a Social Security Disability case and you would like representation, please contact my office for an appointment.

Sincerely,
Bob Davidson, Jr.