What if I Slipped at Work in Raleigh, NC?

Employees injured in the workplace often have rights under state law to receive compensation, either through workers’ compensation benefits or, in some cases, through a personal injury lawsuit, in this case, a lawsuit for a slip injury. 

If you’ve been injured and are asking what to do after slipping at work, our Raleigh slip and fall attorney at The Morgan Law Group can help you determine the best course of action based on the specifics of your slip injury case. 

Common Slip Accidents at Work in Raleigh

Slips, trips, and falls are among the most frequent causes of injuries in North Carolina workplaces. While they may seem like minor incidents, these accidents can result in serious injuries such as fractures, concussions, back injuries, torn ligaments, and even traumatic brain injuries.

Here are some common causes of workplace slip accidents in Raleigh:

• Wet or slippery floors due to spills, mopping, or inclement weather
• Uneven flooring, damaged carpet, or broken tiles
• Loose electrical cords or other tripping hazards
• Poor lighting in stairwells, hallways, or work areas
• Cluttered walkways or obstacles in high-traffic zones
• Unsafe ladders or scaffolding on construction sites
• Failure to provide proper footwear for workers in slippery environments

Slip accidents can occur in any work setting, including:

• Offices
• Retail Stores
• Restaurants 
• Hospitals
• Warehouses
• Construction Zones

What matters most is whether the slip occurred during the course and scope of your employment.

What to Do After a Slip Accident at Work in Raleigh?

If you’ve slipped and fallen on the job, what you do in the hours and days following the accident can significantly affect your ability to receive compensation. 

What you should do generally includes the following to protect yourself:

1. Report the Accident Immediately

Notify your manager, supervisor, or HR department about the slip and fall as soon as it happens. North Carolina law requires workers to report injuries as soon as practical from the date of the accident. Always provide the report in writing if possible.

2. Seek Medical Attention

Your health should always come first. Even if you feel okay immediately after the accident, symptoms may appear later. Prompt treatment creates medical documentation that supports your injury claim.

In North Carolina, your employer may have the right to choose your treating physician for a workers’ comp claim. If you’re unsure where to go, ask your employer or consult an attorney.

3. Document the Scene and Witnesses

If you’re physically able, take photos of the accident scene, the hazard that caused your fall, and any visible injuries. Get the names and contact information of coworkers or others who witnessed the accident.

4. File a Report with the NC Industrial Commission

To pursue a workers’ comp claim, you must file Form 18 or Form 18B with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) within 2 years of the injury. This form initiates your formal claim for benefits.

5. Speak to an Attorney

Consult with a slip and fall attorney in Raleigh, NC, who can guide you through the process. A lawyer will help ensure you file on time, receive appropriate medical treatment, and explore other potential compensation avenues.

Workers’ Compensation for Work Accidents in NC

North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system provides benefits to employees injured on the job, regardless of who caused the accident. That means you typically don’t have to prove that your employer was negligent in order to qualify for benefits.

If your slip accident at work is covered under workers’ comp, you may be eligible for:

• Medical Care: Including surgery, rehabilitation, medications, and follow-up visits
• Wage Replacement: Typically, two-thirds of your average weekly wage while you’re out of work
• Temporary or Permanent Disability: Based on how long your injuries prevent you from working
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Assistance in training for a new job if you can’t return to your previous role

These benefits are paid by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider.

To qualify for workers’ compensation in Raleigh:

• You must be classified as an employee (not an independent contractor)
• The accident must have occurred while you were performing job-related duties
• You must notify your employer within 30 days
• You must file Form 18 or Form 18B with the NCIC 

Failing to meet these could result in a denied claim or loss of benefits.

Can I Appeal My Work Compensation Claim in Raleigh if Denied?

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied by your employer or their insurance company, you have the legal right to challenge that decision through the NCIC, the state agency that oversees workers’ comp claims. It’s highly recommended to seek a personal injury attorney. Appealing a denied work compensation claim is a complex legal process, and the other side will likely have experienced lawyers representing them.

Should I File a Lawsuit for My Work Injury After I Slipped?

In most cases, North Carolina law limits your ability to sue your employer for a workplace injury. Workers’ compensation is considered the exclusive remedy for injuries caused by a slip accident at work.

However, aside from appealing for a denied work compensation claim, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party, if there is, in certain circumstances. A third-party lawsuit may be an option if someone other than your employer contributed to the accident. 

Some examples include:

• A cleaning contractor failed to put up a “Wet Floor” sign
• A landlord or property owner failed to fix a known hazard
• A product manufacturer sold defective equipment that caused your fall
• A delivery service left debris in a high-traffic area

In a slip injury lawsuit, you may be able to recover additional damages not available in workers’ comp, such as:

• Pain and Suffering
• Emotional Distress
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life
• Lost Wages and Lost Earning Potential

A slip and fall attorney can help investigate whether you have a valid third-party claim. If so, you can pursue this lawsuit in addition to collecting workers’ comp benefits, but your employer may have a lien on any recovery.

How Long Do I Have to File a Work Injury Lawsuit in NC?

The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in North Carolina is generally 3 years from the date of the accident. However, workers’ compensation claims must be filed within 2 years, and you must report the injury within 30 days to your employer. 

Missing any of these deadlines can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. That’s why it’s critical to act quickly and consult a lawyer early.

Do I Need a Lawyer in Raleigh After a Work Accident?

Legal guidance can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. 

Whether you’re pursuing a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party lawsuit, experienced personal injury attorneys can:

• Ensure that all deadlines are met and forms are filed properly
• Help you get appropriate medical care and wage benefits
• Investigate the cause of your slip and identify liable third parties
• Negotiate settlements with insurers or defend your claim in hearings or court
• Help protect you from retaliation or termination related to your injury

Whether your fall happened in a Raleigh office, warehouse, restaurant, or jobsite, trying to handle the legal process alone, especially while injured, can be stressful and confusing. The Morgan Law Group’s slip and fall attorney in Raleigh can lift that burden and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Call us today at (984) 468-7918 or contact us using our online form for a free consultation about your injury case at our office in Raleigh.