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Home Workers’ Compensation Attorney Workers’ Compensation for Janitors

workers' compensation for janitorsThe demanding nature of janitorial work often goes unnoticed. However, it involves tasks that can cause significant injuries. Janitors face risks every day that can lead to short- or long-term health issues, including slip hazards, dangerous chemicals, and heavy lifting. Unfortunately, many janitorial employees struggle to get the help they need for their injuries, setting back their recoveries.

At Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A., we understand the physical and financial toll severe injuries take on North Carolina janitors and their families. We can handle all the work in your workers’ comp claim, from documenting your injury and submitting your claim to negotiating for maximum benefits and appealing a denial. You can trust us to protect your rights and fight for your rightful benefits. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation about workers’ comp for janitors.

Why You Should Work with Our Workers’ Compensation Specialists If You’re Hurt at Work

Who you choose as your lawyer has a huge impact on your workers’ compensation claim. You need a forceful yet caring advocate who can guide you through the process and offer extensive knowledge. Here are some reasons to choose us for your case:

  • We have board-certified workers’ compensation specialists. Two of our partners are board-certified by the North Carolina State Bar in workers’ compensation law. That means you’ll have highly trained attorneys handling your case – people who know the system inside and out.
  • We know what you’re up against. With decades of experience representing injured workers, we understand how employers and insurance companies try to avoid paying what’s fair. We know how to stand up for your rights and make sure your employer doesn’t push you around.
  • Our results speak for themselves. We’ve helped thousands of people across North Carolina get the benefits they need after serious workplace injuries, including a $2.625 million workers’ comp settlement.
  • You’ll work directly with an attorney. We don’t pass you off to a case manager or assistant when you hire us. You’ll work one-on-one with a dedicated attorney who takes the time to understand your case and answer your questions.
  • We offer dedicated and personalized care. Our team will provide you with hands-on treatment and personal attention. Combined with our state-of-the-art case tracking system, you can feel comfortable that your recovery is in good hands.
  • We speak your language. Our team includes attorneys and staff who speak English and Spanish. We make sure you understand your rights and feel comfortable every step of the way.
  • It costs you nothing up front. Your first consultation is free, and you don’t pay us anything unless we obtain benefits for you. That way, you can focus on getting better.
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Accidents and Injuries That Janitors Face at Work

People don’t realize the severe hazards that janitors may face on the job. Some common accidents and injuries that North Carolina janitors experience include:

  • Slip-and-fall accidents – Janitors clean floors and handle spills, which means they often work in wet or recently mopped areas. It’s easy for them to lose their footing on slick surfaces. These falls can lead to sprains, broken bones, or head injuries.
  • Back injuries – Janitors frequently lift heavy trash bags, mop buckets, boxes, and cleaning equipment. Lifting, bending, and twisting can cause serious strain on the back. This strain can result in herniated discs, pulled muscles, or chronic pain.
  • Shoulder and knee injuries – Tasks like scrubbing floors, washing windows, and moving furniture often require reaching, kneeling, or climbing ladders. These actions can cause various accidents that can cause serious injuries.
  • Chemical burns and respiratory issues – Many janitors use strong cleaning products that can irritate the skin or damage the lungs if inhaled. Without proper protective equipment or ventilation, workers can suffer chemical burns, eye injuries, or breathing problems from prolonged exposure to these caustic chemicals.
  • Cuts and lacerations – Cleaning up broken glass, replacing trash can liners, or handling sharp tools like box cutters and razors can cause cuts and puncture wounds. These injuries can become infected if not treated promptly.
  • Falls from heights – Janitorial workers often climb ladders to change light bulbs, clean windows, or reach high shelves. A fall from even a few feet can result in severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, or spinal injuries.
  • Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) – Constant scrubbing, mopping, and wiping can lead to overuse injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendon inflammation. These injuries build up gradually and can become debilitating without proper treatment or rest.
  • Heat stress or cold exposure – Janitors working outdoors or in poorly ventilated areas may be exposed to extreme temperatures. Without proper clothing or breaks, high or low temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, or hypothermia. These conditions are especially common during long shifts or in older buildings without climate control.

Are Undocumented Workers Entitled to Workers’ Compensation?

Under North Carolina law, your immigration status does not affect your right to receive medical care or wage replacement benefits if you suffer an on-the-job injury. If your employer tries to deny your benefits because of your status, speak to a workers’ compensation attorney immediately.

You still have rights, and a lawyer can help protect them. Our lawyers have many years of experience in getting compensation for undocumented workers.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Janitors

Most janitors qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if they suffer an injury in an accident while they’re at work and performing their job duties. Eligible employees qualify from their first day on the job. They also don’t need to prove their employer was at fault to claim their benefits.

Depending on the type, severity, and duration of your injuries, workers’ compensation benefits for janitors could include:

  • Medical treatment – Workers’ comp covers all reasonably necessary medical care for treating your injury. Your medical benefits include coverage for any doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and prescription medications.
  • Temporary total disability (TTD) – If your injury keeps you from working altogether for more than seven days, you may receive weekly payments equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a set maximum.
  • Temporary partial disability (TPD) – If you return to work in a reduced capacity and earn less than before, you may receive partial wage replacement to make up the difference between your pre- and post-injury income.
  • Permanent partial disability (PPD) – If your injury causes permanent partial impairment or loss of function in a body part, you may qualify for a set number of weeks of compensation based on the disability rating from your doctor.
  • Permanent total disability (PTD) – These benefits are only available to workers who are permanently and completely unable to work in any capacity due to severe injuries.
  • Vocational rehabilitation – If you can’t return to your previous job, you may qualify for job retraining, education assistance, or placement services to help you find a new career.

What to Do If You’re a Janitor and Get Hurt on the Job

What you do in the days and weeks after a work-related injury substantially affects your legal case and potential compensation. Here’s what to do to protect yourself:

  • Report your injury to your employer immediately. Under North Carolina law, you must report the injury in writing within 30 days. If you don’t, you could lose your right to benefits, with some exceptions. Let your supervisor or manager know about your injury as soon as possible. A brief note, email, or completed accident form stating what happened, when, and where is enough to meet this requirement. If you have already gone past 30 days, don’t give up. Call us anyway. We can often find a way around that rule.
  • Document everything. Keep copies of all your medical records, receipts, and other paperwork related to your injury. Also, write down your version of what happened while the details are still fresh, along with the names and contact information of potential witnesses.
  • File a claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. To officially start your workers’ compensation case, you must file Form 18. You must submit this form within two years of your injury, but sooner is usually better.
  • Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without your lawyer. The insurance company may ask for a recorded statement. Don’t agree to this before speaking with a lawyer. You might innocently say something that hurts your case.
  • Contact a workers’ compensation attorney. An experienced attorney can protect your rights, communicate with the insurance company, and help you pursue your rightful benefits.
Younce Vtipil Baznik & Banks personal injury law team

Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Who Are Ready to Help You

With over 90 years of combined experience and a proven track record in complex workers’ compensation cases, we have the knowledge and resources to protect your rights. Here’s what one client said about their experience with our firm:

“The entire staff made me feel welcomed. They worked hard to ensure they had everything they needed for my case. I would definitely refer them.” — Nicole Jones

Call the workers’ compensation lawyers at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. today or complete our contact form for a free case review.

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