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Many workers across North Carolina work in highly dangerous environments. Industrial and construction workers, for example, are in constant danger of serious injury. One of the most serious injuries that workers can experience is the loss of a limb or other body part. If you need help getting your workers’ compensation benefits following an amputation, a North Carolina amputation attorney can make sure you get the benefits you deserve. 

You Are Entitled to Both Medical and Lost Wage Benefits

As with any other workers’ compensation claim, you are entitled to benefits that cover your medical expenses as well as your lost income. Generally speaking, you can expect workers’ compensation to cover approximately two-thirds of your average weekly income. 

However, workers’ compensation should cover all of your medical benefits. In an amputation claim, these benefits can be substantial. Workers’ compensation should provide coverage for all of the following: 

• Initial attempts at surgery to save the limb or digit
• Subsequent surgeries to amputate the limb or digit
• Subsequent surgeries for the installation of hardware for a prosthetic device
• Fitting of the prosthetic device and follow-up treatment
• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling

An experienced North Carolina amputation attorney can make sure that you receive all of the benefits you are entitled to. 

How the NCIC Views Amputations

Understanding how the Industrial Commission views amputations is helpful when wondering what you can expect when filing your workers’ compensation claim. For example: 

• An amputation of a finger closer to the base of the nail will be considered a loss of one-fourth of the finger; 
• An amputation of a finger closer to the middle knuckle will be considered a loss of half of the finger; 
• An amputation of the forearm where you retain the full natural function of the elbow will be considered an amputation of the hand, otherwise will be considered an amputation of the arm;
• An amputation of a leg where you retain the full natural function of the knee will be considered an amputation of the foot, otherwise will be considered an amputation of the leg.  

These distinctions are important because they will determine the amount of benefits you receive. For example, you would receive wage replacement benefits for 200 weeks for the amputation of a hand versus 240 weeks for the loss of an arm. Other examples of how the type of amputation can affect your benefits: 

• The loss of a thumb will entitle you to benefits for 75 weeks versus 45 weeks for the loss of an index finger.
• The loss of your big toe will entitle you to benefits for 35 weeks versus 10 weeks for other toes. 

Unfortunately, it can be unclear in many amputation claims as to how your amputation should be rated. If you have suffered an amputation due to a work-related accident, a North Carolina amputation attorney can help you with your claim. 

Talk to a North Carolina Amputation Attorney at Martin & Jones Today

You only have one chance to get the benefits you need to rebuild your life following an amputation, so you need to make it count. We can help – contact us today at 800-662-1234 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim and start putting your accident behind you.

Hear it from our clients

“We hired Martin & Jones in March 2015 and Steven Corriveau became our personal lawyer. Steven is a true professional who is understanding and easy to communicate with. He clearly explained the legal process to us. We are confident in the specific information, advice and feedback he gives us and know that he always has our best interest in the case. He responds quickly to our questions and concerns being available 24 hours a day. As our legal journey continues we look at the number of contacts we have with Steven. There have been 52 plus phone calls and conversations, 50 plus emails, 3 plus personal meetings, and 18 plus legal documents. We are honored to have such a caring lawyer as Steven in a stressful situation, in which he makes the process less difficult. We highly recommend Steven Corriveau who is great, intelligent, persistent and will deliver to the client. Our expectations are very high and Steven is the best.” 

- Ronnie & Patricia

“We would like to express our gratitude to you (Hunt Willis) for accepting our case. First of all, when I called this law firm, a very sweet and kind lady answered the telephone and gave me assurance by asking and going over the accident with me, while my husband was in the hospital. I felt assured I was doing the right thing for us. She was so helpful in so many ways. What a professional lady. Secondly, we are much pleased that you have settled this case with the insurance company to receive the proper amount to assist us in so many ways. My husband and I are very happy with you and the firm in handling our case. You made us have confidence in your professional and integrity along with your assistant Ms. Routh, when you both came to see us in our home, in which we saw your compassion and thoughtfulness at that time. We will never forget what you have done for us, and we thank the lord for directing me to contact this firm. I’m glad I did.” 

- Linda

“I would like to leave a testimonial thanking Steven and Allison for their care and understanding. Steven’s pursuit and success in getting some compensation for our loss. A final closure of our loss of brother Mike. Thanks to Martin & Jones for looking after Mike’s care since his injury in 2005. You have been there for Mike and his family for a long time. Mike passed in 2016 and you stood for the family up to the present (July 2017). Many thanks.”

- Dan

“Thank you for always making me feel welcome and at ease in your office. I respect the work you do and your enthusiasm for it and am grateful for your talents.”

- Tracy

“Thank you for the work you have done for Carl and our family. We so much appreciate your sincere professionalism and kindness you showed us. I know Carl is smiling right now and the Lord has blessed us through you. May God bless you.”

- Connie, whose husband Carl worked as a brakeman for CSX Transportation and died of mesothelioma

“Thank you for your concern of my well-being every time I spoke with you. It always meant so much. I hear nothing but awful stories of dealing with attorneys and their offices, but I have had nothing but positive experience. You have many special ways of working with people in need of help. Words can never express the way your support has been so helpful. I pray you will continue to help others. I wish you all the best.”

- Mary

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