employer cannot accommodate work restrictions

Has your employer told you there’s no job available that matches your work restrictions after an occupational injury? What if your work restrictions are ignored by your employer? Those decisions on the part of the employer affect your workers’ compensation claim. Your entitlement to ongoing medical treatment should not change, but your right to continued…

2026 Scholarship Content Announcement

The Raleigh law firm is offering a scholarship for North Carolina students. Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A., is pleased to announce its 2026 scholarship contest for high school students in North Carolina looking to further their education. The first-place award is $2,000, while the second-place winner will receive $1,000.  Applicants must write a 400–600-word…

does not wearing a seatbelt affect insurance claim

Car accidents are traumatic experiences. The aftermath of a serious accident can be overwhelming. You may have questions if you were in a crash and weren’t wearing a seatbelt. You may ask, “Does not wearing a seatbelt affect an insurance claim?” Insurance companies scrutinize every detail of a motor vehicle accident, including seatbelt use, and…

when is a pedestrian at fault for a car accident

Many people assume that when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the driver is always to blame. But can a pedestrian be at fault for a car accident? Yes, under certain conditions, an injured pedestrian can be legally responsible for injuries to others in a car accident. Can a Pedestrian Be At Fault for…

why do employers fight workers' compensation claims

Workers’ compensation insurance coverage provides paid medical treatment and other benefits to employees who sustain job-related injuries or illnesses. However, employers sometimes dispute valid workplace injury claims. An employer and their workers’ compensation insurance carrier might argue that you had a pre-existing condition and weren’t hurt at work, or that your injuries are less severe…

how to prepare for a workers' comp hearing

When you’ve suffered an injury on the job and your workers’ compensation claim has been denied or disputed, the next step may be a hearing before the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). You may feel intimidated by the prospect of attending your hearing and testifying. However, with preparation, support, and a clear understanding of what’s…

why is my workers comp case going to trial

When you get injured on the job in North Carolina, you can file a workers’ compensation claim to cover your medical expenses and lost wages. However, not all workers’ comp claims proceed smoothly. Your employer’s insurance company might dispute your injuries or deny your claim. A workers’ compensation trial (or hearing) may sometimes be necessary…

compensation for PTSD after a car accident

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone lives through a violent or life-threatening event. The types of events that may cause PTSD symptoms include serious car crashes and other motor vehicle accidents, assaults, natural disasters, and combat. A traumatic event, such as a high-speed car crash, can cause…

can workers comp stop paying without notice

Employees who are injured on the job in North Carolina may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits until they are released from medical treatment and return to work. However, some employers and their insurance administrators may attempt to stop workers’ compensation checks before an injured worker can resume work. If an employer’s insurance company does…

car accident caused by mechanical failure vs driver error

A car accident can change your life in an instant. However, understanding the cause of the collision can take much longer. Two common causes of car accidents are driver error and mechanical failure. Determining the extent to which each contributed to the crash is crucial for maximizing your compensation. Depending on how the collision occurred,…