Things to Know About Being in a Truck Accident in Greensboro, NC

Understanding Workers’ Compensation Rights Employers, particularly in the trucking industry, often treat workers as independent contractors, when under the law, they are actually employees.  That becomes important, when a truck driver is injured, and workers’ compensation is denied, on grounds that the worker is not an employee.  There is frequently a separate, non-workers’ compensation “occupational accident” insurance company that the employer has the drivers pay for their own insurance.  Those policies do not provide the same level of coverage as workers’ compensation does, usually paying less per week for time out of work and shutting off all benefits, including medical, two years after the injury.  Unlike workers’ comp, they also do not pay for occupational diseases or compensation for permanent injury.  And since they are not regulated by state agencies, like the North Carolina Industrial Commission, the insurance companies can make arbitrary decisions as to payment of disability and medical benefits, without the power of the state agency to hold them to account. The good news is that in most cases, that structure opens up opportunities for injured workers to obtain recoveries that are larger than in workers’ compensation cases of similar characteristics.  Surprisingly, most workers’ compensation lawyers are not interested in the cases.  Jay Gervasi, P.A. is. more How North Carolina Determines Whether a Truck Driver Is an Employee or Independent Contractor Employment status in North Carolina workers’ comp law is determined by the facts of the actual relationship—the amount of control by the alleged employer versus the real independence of the worker.  Paperwork does not determine the result.  For example, if a truck driver does not have their own DOT license, so that they have to drive under the truck company’s, the driver usually cannot be considered independent.  “Independent contractor agreements” usually contain so many restrictions, like prohibitions against hiring others or driving for other companies, that they define the drivers as employees. Contact Jay Gervasi, P.A. About Your Trucking Injury Claim If you are a truck driver who was injured while working and your workers’ compensation claim was denied because you were labeled an independent contractor, it is important to understand your options. Occupational accident insurance may not provide the same protections or benefits as workers’ compensation, and the details of your work relationship can make a significant difference. Jay Gervasi, P.A. has experience handling these types of cases and helping injured drivers pursue the compensation they deserve. Jay Gervasi, P.A. has been a pioneer in these cases.  If you have one, please feel free to contact us for a free consultation.

A car crash can change your life in an instant. In the face of physical pain and emotional trauma, you may also find yourself facing a legal battle for fair compensation. Where do you start? Who can you turn to for guidance? North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule, which means you may not be eligible for recovering compensation if found even slightly at fault for the accident. This is why it is crucial to consult with the right professionals during this difficult time. 1. Medical doctor or specialist After a car accident, your health should be the top priority. Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Your healthcare provider will document your injuries, provide treatment and record your medical expenses, which are all crucial for legal purposes. 2. Law enforcement officers Report the accident to a police officer or a highway patrol as soon as possible. They will create an official accident report, including details like the accident’s time, location, and possible causes. This report can serve as valuable evidence in your case. 3. Insurance adjuster The at-fault party’s insurance company will likely call you to discuss the accident. Be cautious when speaking with the adjuster as they may try to minimize the amount the insurance company has to pay for your injuries. If possible, avoid talking with an adjuster without consulting a legal professional first. 4. Mental health professional A therapist or counselor specializing in mental health can help you manage the emotional trauma, anxiety and depression typically associated with car accidents. Their records can also support your claim by showing the emotional impact of the accident. 5. Personal injury attorney Many successful claims involve the help of an attorney specializing in personal injury law. Take advantage of their experience and let them manage negotiation for your fair compensation. If disputes arise, they can fight for you in court. Building a robust support system is key Each of these professionals can significantly impact the outcome of your personal injury claim. With the right team behind you, you can recover fair care and compensation (medical bills, lost income, ongoing rehabilitation, etc.) needed to rebuild your life.

When people imagine construction sites, many think of large equipment, like jackhammers, diesel-powered vehicles and other powerful machines, generating noise that can reach hazardous levels. Unfortunately, many companies fail to provide construction workers with adequate training in hearing protection. This can result in serious worksite injuries, such as hearing loss, for which employees may need to seek workers’ compensation benefits. Is your employer liable for dangerous occupational noise exposure? The answer may be yes if they don’t adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and follow National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommendations. How is occupational noise measured? Sound level meters and dosimeters measure noise in the workplace. Measurements record the following: Sound or noise level at a given time Sound level averaged over eight hours Percent of allowable noise exposure, also known as noise dose Excessive levels can create a health risk and should be reported. But how do you know if you’re at risk? Permissible noise levels for workers OSHA mandates employers to take administrative or engineering steps to reduce noise if it exceeds these levels, measured in A-weighted decibels (dBA). Here are OSHA’s acceptable levels: 90 dBA for 8 hours 92 dBA for 6 hours 95 dBA for 4 hours 97 dBA for 3 hours 100 dBA for 2 hours 102 dBA for an hour and a half 105 dBA for an hour 110 dBA for half an hour 115 dBA for a quarter of an hour or less If noise reduction efforts aren’t possible, your employer must provide hearing protection and educate workers about the risks of not wearing noise-canceling headphones or earplugs. How is noise controlled in the workplace? To properly reduce noise in the worksite, your employer must find out: The noise level in the construction site How much noise reaches workers’ ears The frequency content of the noise What’s producing the noise Investigating noise exposure is a standard regulation in worksite evaluation and monitoring. How does North Carolina protect workers’ hearing? In March 2024, the North Carolina Department of Labor released a list of general industry standards requiring written safety and health programs. Programs on occupational noise exposure will include: Hearing conservation Monitoring Audiometric testing Training and education State efforts to strengthen protection against occupational hearing loss are vital. However, when employers don’t exercise due diligence, workers are at risk of injury, which could result in lost income and medical expenses. Consulting an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help an employee navigate the complex process of determining compensation and ensure that they can claim damages for hearing loss and other work-related injuries.