Quick Answer
If you were hurt at work in Greensboro or Guilford County, a workers' compensation claim is usually the first legal path. Vasquez Law Firm has no office in Greensboro. The firm helps Greensboro workers by phone and video. If your case qualifies, the first consultation is free.
- Tell your employer about the injury in writing right away, and no later than 30 days after the accident.
- An employee files the claim on Form 18 with the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
- The Industrial Commission states a two-year limit applies to injury claims.
- After a denial, you can ask for a hearing by filing Form 33.
Introduction
A forklift tips in a warehouse. A nurse's aide strains her back lifting a patient. A machine operator notices numb fingers that get worse every month. Each of these workers may have a workers' compensation claim.
This page is for people searching for a Greensboro workers' compensation lawyer after a job injury or illness. It covers Greensboro and the rest of Guilford County. It explains the main steps in plain language and what to ask before you hire anyone.
Many people search for a Greensboro workers comp lawyer, a workers compensation lawyer in Greensboro, or a work injury lawyer in Greensboro. They usually want the same things. They want to know what to do first, which deadlines matter, and how a lawyer can help when the insurance company pushes back.
The firm's work here is limited to North Carolina workers' compensation claims for injuries. Pay disputes, discrimination, retaliation, firing cases, federal employee claims and Florida claims are outside what it takes on.
This page cannot stand in for advice on your own situation. Your job, your employer, your dates and your medical records can all change the answer.
No Office in Greensboro: How Help Works From a Distance
The firm does not have an office in Greensboro. If you want a workers comp attorney in Greensboro who sits down the street, that is not how this firm works. It helps Greensboro and Guilford County workers by phone and video instead.
Most of a workers' compensation claim is paperwork, records and calls. Notices, medical reports and insurance letters can be shared by email or phone photos. You do not have to drive anywhere while you are hurt.
When you call 1-844-967-3536, bilingual staff ask what happened, who your employer is, and whether a claim has been filed. Attorney William J. Vásquez and the team then explain what the firm can and cannot do in your situation.
Workers' compensation consultations are not held in person. If you want to see the person you are talking to, ask for a video call, and staff will book it.
For a broader view of the firm's practice, read about workers' compensation representation in North Carolina.
Work Injuries People Report in the Piedmont Triad
The Greensboro area has a mix of manufacturing plants, distribution and trucking operations, hospitals, clinics and construction crews. Each type of job brings its own risks. This page does not rank them or count them.
On factory floors, people report crush injuries, cuts, burns and repeated strain from the same motion. In warehouses and loading docks, they report falls, back injuries and accidents with forklifts and pallets. In healthcare, they report strains from lifting patients, slips on wet floors and needle sticks.
Drivers and delivery workers can be hurt in vehicle crashes while on the job. A work crash can also involve a claim against another driver. Ask a lawyer whether a second claim should be looked at, because it is a separate legal question.
Not every injury is sudden. A shoulder that hurts more each week, a knee that gives out, or hearing that fades can also lead to a claim. If you are searching for a lawyer for injury at work in Greensboro because of a slow-building problem, the notice rules below still matter.
In our experience, a common pattern is a worker who tells a supervisor about the pain out loud but never puts it in writing. When the claim is questioned later, there is no record of when the employer first knew.
Whatever the cause, write down what happened while you still remember it. Include the date, the place, the task, and who was nearby.
Giving Notice and Filing the Claim
The North Carolina Industrial Commission, at ic.nc.gov, oversees workers' compensation claims. It says the employee must give written notice to the employer immediately or as soon as practicable. It cites N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-22 for that rule.
The Commission also says the notice must be given no later than 30 days after the accident, or compensation may not be payable. Waiting until the final day is risky.
Giving notice is not the same as filing a claim. According to the Commission, the worker starts a claim by filing Form 18. An employer's Form 19 does not count as the employee's claim. A lawyer can help you check that the right form was filed.
There is also a filing limit. The Commission says N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-24(a) sets a two-year statute of limitations for injury by accident. Have a lawyer check your own dates against that limit.
The table below lists forms that come up often. The Industrial Commission publishes them on its forms page.
| Form | What it is for | Who files it |
|---|---|---|
| Form 18 | Notice of accident and claim for compensation, including occupational disease without lung disease | The employee |
| Form 18B | Claim for occupational lung disease | The employee |
| Form 19 | The employer's report of the injury. It does not count as the employee's claim | The employer |
| Form 33 | Request for a hearing before a Deputy Commissioner after a denial | The employee or lawyer |
| Form 25T | Mileage reimbursement for authorized treatment 20 or more miles round trip | The employee |
Medical Care and Lost-Wage Benefits
On medical care, the Industrial Commission says the employer or its insurance company provides and directs treatment, subject to Commission orders. This comes from N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-25. Ask a lawyer before you pick a doctor on your own.
If you are unhappy with your care, the Commission says you may file a medical motion. A lawyer can explain whether that makes sense in your case.
If you must travel 20 miles or more round trip for authorized treatment, the Commission says you may ask for mileage reimbursement on Form 25T. Keep a log of each trip.
For missed work, the Commission explains temporary total disability under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-29. The weekly rate is two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a yearly maximum. The rate that applies is the one for the year of injury.
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-28, the Commission says no compensation is due for the first seven days of lost time, unless the disability lasts longer than 21 days. It also says benefits generally stop after 500 weeks unless extended compensation is awarded.
These are general rules. Your own benefits depend on your wages, your doctor's work restrictions and your claim. The firm does not predict amounts on a web page.
The Commission also says benefits usually cannot be stopped without Commission approval. If you receive a Form 24 application, you may respond within 17 days of the mailing date. Do not ignore it.
If payments are late, the Commission says you may ask for an order compelling payment and a 10% late payment penalty. Call the carrier first, then speak with a lawyer.
Occupational Disease Claims
Some workers are hurt by years of exposure, not by one accident. People search for a Greensboro occupational diseases lawyer when a doctor links a lung problem, a repetitive-motion condition or another illness to the job.
The Industrial Commission says the written notice rule also applies to occupational disease, with limited exceptions for asbestosis, silicosis and lead poisoning. It cites N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-58(b). The 30 days begin when competent medical authority advises you of the disease.
The Commission says the claim limit for occupational disease is two years after you have death, disability or disablement and have been advised by competent medical authority of an occupationally related disease. It cites N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-58(c).
The right form is Form 18 for most occupational diseases. The Commission says lung disease claims use Form 18B.
These claims often need medical opinions about the link to work. Keep a list of past jobs, the materials you handled, and every doctor who treated you.
If the Claim Is Denied
Employers and insurers sometimes deny claims. A denial is not always the end. The Industrial Commission says that when a claim is denied, you may request a hearing before a Deputy Commissioner by filing Form 33.
Following a denial, the Commission says you can see any health care provider you pick. The employer or carrier may still request an independent medical examination under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-27(a).
The Commission says an insurer denies a claim by filing a Form 61 with copies to the employee or attorney. Keep that paper and every letter you receive.
People who search for workers compensation attorneys in Greensboro after a denial should bring the denial, the medical records and the dates of notice. Those papers show what was said and when.
Do not sign a release or a settlement paper before you understand it. Ask the lawyer what you would give up.
Questions About Immigration Status, Coverage and Retaliation
Workers sometimes worry that asking for benefits will cause trouble. Immigration status does not bar a worker from North Carolina workers' compensation benefits. Whether you are covered depends on the facts of your job and your employer.
The Industrial Commission says employers with three or more employees must carry workers' compensation coverage or self-insure. It also says that some trucking and radiation work are handled differently. Ask a lawyer whether your employer was required to have coverage.
If your employer has no insurance, the Commission says uninsured employers may be reported to its Criminal Investigations and Employee Classification Division. A lawyer can explain the options for your claim.
The firm does not handle retaliation or wrongful termination disputes. If you were fired after an injury, mention it on your first call so staff can point you to the right next step.
Consultations are in English and Spanish, so you can speak in the language you are most comfortable with.
Checklist: What You Need
- The date, time and place of the injury, and what task you were doing.
- Your employer's name and address, and the name of any staffing company.
- Names of supervisors and coworkers who saw the injury or heard about it.
- A record of when and how you gave written notice to your employer.
- Hospital or clinic records, return-to-work notes and prescription receipts.
- Photos of the area, the equipment and your injury, if you can safely take them.
- Your pay stubs or other proof of your wages.
- Letters, emails or texts sent to you by your employer, a supervisor or the insurer.
- Copies of every form you signed, including Form 18 if one was filed.
- A log of missed days, mileage to treatment, and any limits your doctor set.
- Your questions, written down before the call.
Timeline and Process
Use the table as a rough map of a Greensboro job injury claim. Every step comes from material the North Carolina Industrial Commission publishes. Your own claim may follow another path, so check the Commission's website for current guidance.
| Step | What to expect | Who moves it forward |
|---|---|---|
| Report the injury | Give your Greensboro employer written notice promptly, and within 30 days of the accident at the latest. | You, the injured worker |
| Get medical care | The employer or its carrier arranges and directs treatment, under the Commission's orders. | You, your employer and the carrier |
| File the claim | The worker files Form 18 with the Commission. | You or your lawyer |
| Filing limit | Injury by accident claims carry a two-year limit. | You or your lawyer |
| Insurer responds | The carrier either accepts the claim or files Form 61 to deny it. | The carrier |
| Claim denied | A Form 33 asks for a hearing in front of a Deputy Commissioner. | You or your lawyer |
The Commission does not publish one set time per stage. Raise timing questions on your first call.
Cost Factors
Cost is one of the first things Greensboro workers ask about. No dollar amounts appear here. Fee questions are answered during the consultation, once your facts are reviewed.
Write your money questions down before you call. Ask what the firm needs from you, what happens after a denial, and how updates will reach you.
| Cost item | Figure | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | Discuss on your call | If your case qualifies, the first consultation is free. |
| Attorney fees | Discuss on your call | Ask how the fee is set and when it comes due. |
| Case expenses | Discuss on your call | Ask which out-of-pocket items could arise, such as record fees. |
| Medical bills | Discuss on your call | Ask who is responsible for treatment tied to the claim. |
| Travel to meetings | None | Workers' compensation meetings are by phone and video. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Telling a supervisor out loud but never giving written notice.
- Waiting past the 30 day notice limit the Industrial Commission describes.
- Assuming the employer's Form 19 counts as your claim.
- Missing the two-year limit for injury by accident.
- Giving a recorded statement to an adjuster before you understand your rights.
- Skipping medical visits or ignoring your doctor's work restrictions.
- Misplacing the photos, texts, letters and records that document the injury.
- Sharing details about the injury or your daily activities online.
- Treating a denial as final without asking about Form 33.
- Signing a settlement or release before a lawyer has explained it.
When to Contact Vasquez Law Firm
Call early if you were hurt at work in Greensboro or anywhere in North Carolina. This matters most if your employer has not reported the injury, the insurer denied the claim, or you do not know which form to file.
Other good reasons to call include pain that keeps getting worse, a doctor who limited your duties, or pressure to return to work before you feel ready. Any of these is a reason to talk through your options.
You can reach the firm by phone or video from Greensboro. Phone 1-844-967-3536, or send a message through the contact page. Staff can also set up a video call.
About Vasquez Law Firm
The firm answering your Greensboro call is led by attorney William J. Vásquez. There is no Greensboro office, and workers' compensation consultations are held by phone and video only.
People anywhere in North Carolina can get workers' compensation help by phone or video. The number is 1-844-967-3536. Phones are answered weekdays 8am to 7pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm. The firm's offices are at 4426 Louisburg Road, Suite 206, Raleigh, NC 27616 and 612 South Brightleaf Boulevard, Smithfield, NC 27577.
You can hold the consultation in English or in Spanish. If your case qualifies, the first consultation is free. You can also read about construction accident claims if your injury happened on a job site.
Common Questions From Greensboro Workers
Is there a Vasquez Law Firm office in Greensboro?
No. The firm helps Greensboro and Guilford County workers by phone and video. If your case qualifies, the first consultation is free.
What should I do first after a job injury in Greensboro?
Get medical care, then give your employer written notice right away. Per the Industrial Commission, notice goes to the employer right away or as soon as practicable, and within 30 days of the accident at the latest.
How does a Greensboro worker start a claim?
The Industrial Commission says an employee files a claim on Form 18. A lawyer can help you complete it and check your dates.
Does my employer's report mean my claim is filed?
Not necessarily. The Industrial Commission states that an employer's Form 19 does not count as the employee's claim.
How long do I have to file my claim?
The Industrial Commission says N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-24(a) sets a two-year statute of limitations for injury by accident. Occupational disease has its own limit under § 97-58(c). A lawyer can check your own dates against these limits.
Who chooses my doctor?
The Industrial Commission states that the employer or its insurance company provides and directs treatment, subject to Commission orders. Ask a lawyer before you choose a doctor yourself.
What are my options once the insurer denies my claim?
The Industrial Commission says you may request a hearing before a Deputy Commissioner by filing Form 33. After a denial you may also see a provider of your choice. Take each denial letter to a lawyer.
Can an illness from my job be a workers' compensation claim?
It can be. The Industrial Commission describes occupational disease claims, with notice and filing rules of their own. Form 18 is used for most, and Form 18B for lung disease.
Does immigration status affect my right to workers' compensation benefits?
Immigration status does not bar a worker from North Carolina workers' compensation benefits. Ask a lawyer how your own facts apply. Consultations can be held in English or Spanish.
Does the firm handle wage, discrimination or firing disputes after an injury?
No. The firm takes only North Carolina workers' compensation claims tied to an injury. Wage, discrimination, retaliation and firing disputes are not part of its work.
Sources and References
- North Carolina Industrial Commission: Injured Workers
- North Carolina Industrial Commission: Frequently Asked Questions
- North Carolina Industrial Commission: Forms
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