Winston-Salem is a city built on industry. From its historic roots in tobacco and textiles to its modern economy anchored by healthcare, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and logistics, Forsyth County's workforce spans some of the most physically demanding sectors in North Carolina. With Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist employing over 18,500 workers, Novant Health employing more than 11,000, and advanced manufacturers like Collins Aerospace, Hanesbrands, Cook Medical, and John Deere maintaining major operations here, workplace injuries are a daily reality for thousands of people.
North Carolina recorded 68,600 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2023 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). When a workplace accident disrupts your ability to earn a living, the workers' compensation system is supposed to protect you — but navigating the process while dealing with pain and lost income is far more complicated than most workers expect. The Law Offices of Timothy D. Welborn, with a local office in Winston-Salem, provides experienced on-the-job injury representation for Forsyth County workers and communities across the Triad.
Key Takeaways
- Winston-Salem's economy is driven by high-risk industries: healthcare (18% of the county workforce), advanced manufacturing, aerospace, logistics, and construction all generate significant workplace injury claims
- North Carolina's workers' compensation system is no-fault, meaning you're entitled to benefits regardless of who caused the injury
- You must report your injury within 30 days and file your claim within two years: missing these deadlines can cost you your right to benefits
- Employer-directed medical care means the insurance company initially chooses your doctor — an attorney can help you request a change if needed
- A local Winston-Salem attorney understands the area's major employers, healthcare system, and Industrial Commission procedures
Workplace Injuries in Winston-Salem: Industries at Risk
Winston-Salem's diverse economy means workplace injuries take many forms depending on the industry.
Healthcare is Forsyth County's largest employment sector at approximately 18% of the workforce. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Novant Health together employ nearly 30,000 workers. Healthcare workers face injury rates higher than construction and manufacturing, with patient handling injuries, needlestick exposures, workplace violence, and slip-and-fall accidents being the most common hazards.
Advanced manufacturing remains vital to the local economy. Collins Aerospace manufactures aircraft interior systems, Hanesbrands operates apparel facilities, Cook Medical produces medical devices, and John Deere builds heavy equipment in nearby Kernersville. Workers face risks from heavy machinery, repetitive motions, chemical exposure, and equipment accidents.
Construction and trades are active throughout Forsyth County. Falls from heights, electrocution, struck-by incidents, and caught-between accidents — OSHA's "Fatal Four" — account for the majority of construction fatalities and a significant portion of serious injuries.
Warehousing and logistics operations, including Best Logistics and PepsiCo distribution, create risks from forklift accidents, overexertion, loading dock injuries, and vehicle incidents.
Types of Workplace Accidents We Handle
We represent Winston-Salem workers injured in a wide range of on-the-job accidents, including:
- Slip, trip, and fall injuries: wet floors, uneven surfaces, and cluttered walkways
- Machinery and equipment accidents: amputations, crush injuries, and lacerations
- Repetitive stress and overexertion: carpal tunnel, tendonitis, rotator cuff tears, and chronic back injuries
- Falls from heights: scaffolding, ladder, roofing, and elevated platform incidents
- Vehicle accidents during work duties: delivery vehicles, company trucks, and forklifts
- Hazardous substance exposure: chemical burns, toxic fumes, and occupational illness
- Workplace violence: physical assaults, particularly in healthcare settings
- Electrical injuries and burns: shock, arc flash, and thermal burns
North Carolina Workers' Compensation: What You Need to Know
North Carolina's Workers' Compensation Act (NC General Statutes §97.1 et seq.) requires most employers with three or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. The system is no-fault: you're entitled to benefits regardless of whether you, a coworker, or an unavoidable accident caused the injury.
Benefits available include:
- Full medical coverage: emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, prescriptions, and all medically necessary treatment
- Temporary total disability (TTD): approximately two-thirds of your average weekly wage while unable to work
- Temporary partial disability (TPD): compensation if you return in a reduced capacity
- Permanent partial disability (PPD): compensation for lasting impairments
- Vocational rehabilitation: services to help you return to work or transition to a new role
- Death benefits: compensation for surviving dependents in fatal accidents
Two deadlines are critical: you must report your injury within 30 days and file your claim within two years. Missing either can permanently bar your claim. In North Carolina, the employer or insurer also directs your medical care initially: knowing what to look for in a workers' comp lawyer helps you protect your rights from the start.
When Third-Party Liability May Apply
Workers' compensation is generally the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries in North Carolina: you cannot sue your employer in most cases. However, important exceptions exist:
- Third-party liability: if defective machinery, a subcontractor's negligence, or another driver caused your injury, you may have an additional claim against that party
- Employer gross negligence: if an employer intentionally disregarded known safety hazards, additional remedies may be available, though North Carolina sets a very high bar for these claims
These claims are separate from and in addition to your workers' comp benefits. An experienced attorney evaluates every case for potential third-party claims that could increase your total recovery.
What to Do After a Workplace Accident
- Seek immediate medical attention and tell the provider your injury is work-related.
- Report the injury to your supervisor immediately: follow up in writing with the date, time, location, and witness names.
- Document everything: photograph injuries and the accident scene, and write down details while they're fresh.
- File Form 18 with the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
- Follow your treatment plan and keep all medical appointments.
- Contact a workers' compensation attorney before signing anything from the insurance company.
Why Choose a Local Winston-Salem Attorney
The Law Offices of Timothy D. Welborn maintains a local presence in Winston-Salem, giving us firsthand knowledge of the area's major employers, healthcare providers, and Industrial Commission procedures. We represent workers across every industry — from healthcare professionals at Wake Forest Baptist and Novant Health to manufacturing workers at Collins Aerospace, construction laborers across Forsyth County, and warehouse employees in the area's logistics sector.
We work on a contingency fee basis: no upfront costs, and the attorney fee must be approved by the Industrial Commission.
Serving All of Forsyth County and the Surrounding Triad
- Forsyth County: Winston-Salem, Kernersville, Clemmons, Lewisville, Rural Hall, Walkertown, King, Tobaccoville, and Pfafftown
- Davidson County: Lexington, Thomasville, and Denton
- Davie County: Mocksville and surrounding communities
- Stokes County: King, Danbury, and Walnut Cove
- Surry County: Mount Airy, Elkin, Pilot Mountain, and Dobson
- Yadkin County: Yadkinville and surrounding communities
- Guilford County: Greensboro, High Point, and surrounding communities
- Wilkes County: Wilkesboro, North Wilkesboro — also served by our Wilkesboro office
How long do I have to file a workers' compensation claim in North Carolina?
You must report your injury to your employer within 30 days. You then have two years from the date of injury to file Form 18 with the NC Industrial Commission. For occupational diseases, the two-year clock starts when you knew or should have known your condition was work-related. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim.
Can my employer fire me for filing a workers' comp claim?
North Carolina law prohibits retaliation against employees who file workers' compensation claims. However, NC is an at-will employment state, so proving termination was specifically retaliatory requires careful documentation. If you experience adverse action after filing a claim, document everything and consult an attorney immediately.
What if my employer doesn't have workers' compensation insurance?
NC law requires employers with three or more employees to carry coverage. Uninsured employers face significant penalties and remain legally responsible for providing benefits. You can still file a claim with the Industrial Commission, and an attorney can help you pursue the benefits you're owed.
Can I see my own doctor for a workplace injury in NC?
In most cases, the employer or insurer initially directs your medical care. If you're dissatisfied, you can request a change of physician through the NC Industrial Commission. In emergencies, always seek immediate medical attention regardless of employer directives.
What types of benefits can I receive after a workplace accident?
NC workers' compensation provides full medical coverage, temporary total and partial disability benefits (approximately two-thirds of your average weekly wage), permanent partial disability for lasting impairments, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits for dependents. There are no upfront costs for authorized treatment. An attorney helps ensure you receive the full range of benefits — not just what the insurance company initially offers.
Injured on the Job? Let Us Fight for You.
A workplace accident can change everything in an instant. The workers' compensation system exists to protect you, but insurance companies don't always make it easy. Contact The Law Offices of Timothy D. Welborn today for a free consultation and let us put our workers' compensation experience to work for you. No upfront costs — and no fees unless we help you recover benefits.
