Personal Injury vs. Workers’ Comp.

So… what is the difference between the two?  The single biggest difference is FAULT.  In a personal injury case someone else is at fault for the injury that has occurred to you or a loved one.  In the case of a Workers’ Compensation claim no one in particular needs to be blamed.  An accident happened and YOU need to be compensated.

Virtually, any employee injured on the job is entitled to Workers’ Compensation.  No one needs to spend time, expense, and effort to prove that someone else was negligent or that the workplace was an unsafe working environment.  You could have been totally to blame, but that does not negate your opportunity to be compensated according to the law.

That is where great legal advice comes into play.  You need to pursue your claim to the fullest extent.  You need to do it through the proper attorney.  Attorney Alden B. Cole is a workers’ comp attorney located in Wilmington NC.  He has represented workers injured on the job throughout the Tar Heel state for over 20 years.  Alden Cole handles every case personally. Call Alden and speak with him personally about your case at (910) 231-2042.

Things to do for 4th of July in Wilmington, NC

Things to do for 4th of July in Wilmington, NC

 

Get out the bunting and the Stars and Stripes—it’s time for the Fourth of July! Wilmington, NC will celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, music, and all kinds of family fun. Click the link above for some of the best events for your hot holiday weekend.

Choosing a Disability Lawyer.

Filing for disability in the Tar Heel state is one of the most important things you will ever do.  Two-thirds of the applicants in North Carolina are rejected at first.  From there, they will have to undergo an appeal.  Proper representation may help not only with the initial approval, but also the all-important appeal process.

Beware of what is lurking in the woods.  There are Non-attorney disability representatives all over the state.  Some of them actually work on BEHALF of the system!  The task of your attorney is to present, in specific and exact order, the events that have resulted in your permanent disability.

The top North Carolina disability attorneys know that time is paramount.  A slow pace runs the risk of losing your claim forever.  Wilmington attorney Alden B. Cole is an aggressive Disability Lawyer in the Tar Heel state.  Call him today to arrange an appointment at his office at 201 North Front Street in Wilmington at (910) 231-2042.

DePuy Implants Improper Hip Replacements.

Manufacturer DePuy has admitted an error in what they refer to as their “measuring techniques” when designing metal hip replacement implants.  This is no small admission in that DePuy is one of the world’s largest hip implant placement manufacturers. These implants occurred from August 2005 through August 2010.

The bosses at DePuy have had to answer some tough questions.  They have already paid out settlements estimated at over $2.5 billion.  In a 2013 settlement, Johnson and Johnson provided an award of $250,000 to those who were more than 6 months removed from their original hip replacement surgery.

Has anyone that you know been effected by a DePuy hip replacement that has become defective?  You may be entitled to a settlement.  Even if you have not had any significant problems with your DePuy system as yet, you need to consult an attorney to discuss your options. Alden B. Cole is a Wilmington North Carolina DePuy Hip replacement attorney. Give him a call at his office today at (910) 231-2042.

21st Annual Orange Street ArtsFest

21st Annual Orange Street ArtsFest

May 28, 2016 to May 29, 2016
10:00 AM 

The 21st Annual Orange Street ArtsFest convenes adjacent to the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center in historic downtown Wilmington, NC. The event is the largest arts festival in the Port City featuring more than 80 artists and $550 in prize money and includes live entertainment and food from Catch, Poor Piggy’s BBQ, North Carolina Sweet Tea, and Snowy of the Carolinas.  <click link above for more information>

Learn more about Workers’ Compensation.

If you or a loved one feel that you are entitled to workmans’ comp as we often refer to it, you need to understand it first.  It is the process of repairing and sustaining your life financially after a workplace mishap.  Workers’ compensation is a state mandated workers program.  It is not some charitable gift that your employer extends to you.

What are some of the typical questions about this important process?

1.  Does workers’ comp cover one’s medical bills?

2.  Are ALL workplace injuries covered by workmans’ comp?

3.  Does it ONLY cover injuries, or does it include long-term issues?

4.  Is every employee covered?

5.  May I choose my own doctor, or am I relegated to the ones they choose for me?

These questions among others become a part of the conversation when an injury occurs at work.  The very first thing that you must do is seek the council of a professional.  Attorney Alden Cole will give you the advice you need and aggressively represent you in North Carolina.  Call Alden Cole today to begin seeking the compensation you deserve at his Wilmington office at (910) 231-2042.

What are the initial things to do after you have been injured at work?

Are you aware that in the upcoming year nearly ONE MILLION people will be injured at the workplace?  North Carolina includes its fair share of those workers.  When someone from the Tar Heel state becomes injured at work the expenses start piling up immediately.  Time missed when you are one of the family bread winners is devastating.  Of course, the medical bills will begin adding up.

Become familiar with North Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation Act.  This statute was enacted to protect employees not only against injuries, but illnesses related to the work environment.  Because it is considered a no fault system the aggrieved party does NOT need to prove negligence on the part of the employer.  That is comforting to know.

To make sure that you take the proper steps immediately after a workplace accident you need a Wilmington North Carolina workers’ comp attorney.  Alden B. Cole is that person.   Attorney Cole will give you the advice you need and aggressively represent you.  Call Alden Cole today to begin the process at his Wilmington office at (910) 231-2042.

Kure Beach Street Festival

Kure Beach Street Festival 

<click link above for more information> 

April 30, 2016
11:00 AM 

Ocean Front Park
105 Atlantic Avenue
Kure Beach, NC 28449

"The Kure Beach Street Festival takes place within a few yards of the beach near Ocean Front Park and the Kure Beach Fishing Pier, and features food, arts and crafts, and live entertainment."

What is ERISA in North Carolina?

A few months ago we discussed ERISA.  What is it exactly?  ERISA stands for The Employee Income Security Act.  It went into effect just over 40 years ago.  It is designed to protect the assets of millions of Americans guaranteeing that funds are getting placed in their retirement plans so that they will be waiting for them at the end of their working lives.

You need to be aware of an important nuance of ERISA.  What happens if you or a loved one has been injured and disabled outside of the workplace?  ERISA disability benefits are provided by your employer in the event of illness or injury away from work.  Large corporations are notorious for denying these claims for as long as they can and have the stamina to make you wait for what is rightfully yours.

When you see this occur or about to happen you need to take action.  Alden B. Cole is a North Carolina ERISA disability attorney.  He has experience dealing with the large corporations who DO NOT have your best interest at heart.  Attorney Cole will defend your right to obtain every nickel entitled to you.  Call Alden Cole today to begin the process at his Wilmington office at (910) 231-2042.

Hiring the Right Worker’s Comp Attorney in North Carolina.

How many times have you looked at the website of a particular attorney and noticed that they seem to be able to handle ALL types of the law?  A law degree does not make you an “expert” in all of its different branches.  If I want to hire a criminal attorney, for example then let me talk to someone who does that area of defense and ONLY that.

If you go to the internet in the Tar Heel State and you believe that you have a legitimate case for worker’s compensation then take time to read what the website is telling you.  Do they have a background in several different types of disability recovery defense?  You don’t want to wade through someone’s website only to find that worker’s comp and other types of disability is only a sidebar.

Take a look at www.aldenbcole.com.  From his office in Wilmington, he shows you that he has dedicated his life to getting you the disability compensation that you deserve!  He is NOT distracted by other branches of the law and that should give you great comfort.  Call Attorney Alden Cole today to make an appointment at (910) 231-2042.

Don't Miss the Spring Fest and Egg Hunt!

Spring Fest and Egg Hunt

March 26, 2016

Saturday  10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

1244 Onslow Pines Rd
Jacksonville, North Carolina 28540

Bring the Family, experience an Easter Spring Festival Food, Crafts, Local Vendors, Music, Games, and fun activities for Children. Easter Egg Hunts! 

 

Disabilities that Prevent You From Full Time Work in North Carolina.

When you are considering whether or not you have the opportunity to apply for disability there is something important to consider.  Your mental condition may prevent you from holding down a job as well as the obvious physical infirmities.  You must prove that your limitations prohibit you from holding your past job as well as other less demanding work.

Social Security classifies jobs based on their physical requirements.  Sedentary work is considered a job which requires lifting up to 10 pounds and standing on your feet for as much as 2 hours per day.  Light work is defined by the ability to lift up to 20 pounds and being on your feet the majority of the day.  Meanwhile, heavy work may require the lifting of up to 100 pounds.

Where you fit into this equation may require a highly qualified North Carolina disability attorney.  For aggressive social security disability representation throughout the state call Wilmington attorney Alden B. Cole.  He will aggressively act on your behalf.  Call him today to arrange an appointment at his office at 201 North Front Street in Wilmington at (910) 231-2042.

Hiring the Right Disability Lawyer in North Carolina.

Are you aware of the approval rate for people who file for disability in the state of North Carolina?  It may be more challenging than you think.  Less than one-third of North Carolinians who file for disability will be approved.  From there, the other 70% or so will have to undergo an appeal.  If you are properly represented your approval rate will rise and you may be able to avoid the appeal process.

Be very careful whom you decide to represent you.  There are Non-attorney disability representatives out there.  Many of them are former disability examiners who used to work within the federal system itself!  The evidence needs to be presented in specific and exact order to establish beyond any reasonable doubt that the claimant is currently disabled.

A highly qualified North Carolina disability attorney knows that time is of the essence.  You must meet those time constraints or risk losing your claim forever.  For aggressive social security disability representation in the Tarheel state call Wilmington attorney Alden B. Cole.  He will pursue your case aggressively.  Call him today to arrange an appointment at his office at 201 North Front Street in Wilmington at (910) 231-2042.

Get Set for St. Patrick's Day in Wilmington!

St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival

Downtown Wilmington
Wilmington NC 28401
Location: Parade: Downtown Wilmington,Festival: Riverfront Park

- See more at: http://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/events-calendar/st-patricks-day-parade-festival/#sthash.nhjXXkAK.dpuf

Downtown Wilmington
Wilmington NC 28401
Location: Parade: Downtown Wilmington,Festival: Riverfront Park

- See more at: http://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/events-calendar/st-patricks-day-parade-festival/#sthash.nhjXXkAK.dpuf

Saturday, March 12th 

Parade starts at 11am @ Red Cross & North Front Street

Festival starts at 12pm - Riverfront Park

Commemorating the life of the great apostle of Ireland, St. Patrick's Day has become one of the most popular cultural events in the United States. Come join the music, dance and fun with Wilmington Police Pipes & Drums, The Blarney Broughs, The Molly Malones, The Walsh Kelley School of Irish Dance, Slainte UNCW Irish Dance Club and more! The parade will begin at 11am at Red Cross and N. Front Street. The St. Patrick's Day Festival will be held at Riverfront Park at noon. This is a rain or shine event! - See more at: http://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/events-calendar/st-patricks-day-parade-festival/#sthash.nhjXXkAK.dpuf

Commemorating the life of the great apostle of Ireland, St. Patrick's Day has become one of the most popular cultural events in the United States. Come join the music, dance and fun with Wilmington Police Pipes & Drums, The Blarney Broughs, The Molly Malones, The Walsh Kelley School of Irish Dance, Slainte UNCW Irish Dance Club and more! The parade will begin at 11am at Red Cross and N. Front Street. The St. Patrick's Day Festival will be held at Riverfront Park at noon. This is a rain or shine event! - See more at: http://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/events-calendar/st-patricks-day-parade-festival/#sthash.nhjXXkAK.d

Downtown Wilmington
Wilmington NC 28401
Location: Parade: Downtown Wilmington,Festival: Riverfront Park

- See more at: http://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/events-calendar/st-patricks-day-parade-festival/#sthash.nhjXXkAK.dpuf

What to Do When an Injury Occurs at Work.

If you are injured at work whether you think it is your fault or not it is vitally important to take immediate steps.  We want you to stay safe, but to be prepared if a work injury occurs.  The very first thing you must do is address medical care issues.  Don’t just try to “shake it off”.  Dial 911 from the spot if necessary.  Remain calm and stay still until help arrives.

In the aftermath of any injury a thorough investigation needs to be made.  What caused the problem?  How should it be addressed so that it does not occur again?  You must act in a proper manner to make sure that you are protected from future harm within the workplace.  There may be hazards that could potentially affect other co-workers.

As soon as humanly possible contact an attorney who handles workplace injuries.  The right person for the job in Wilmington, North Carolina is Attorney Alden B. Cole.  Chances are your employer is represented by a large insurance company.  Needless to say they do not have YOUR best interests at heart.  Alden Cole DOES!  Give him a call right away at (910) 231-2042.

DePuy ASR Hip Replacement Recalls.

First of all, if you or a loved one has had a DePuy hip replacement you need to be aware of what may be happening in the aftermath of that surgery.  These replacements are all metal or “metal to metal” artificial hip implants.  According to available statistics nearly 40,000 patients in the U.S. received the DePuy ASR implant from August 2005 through August 2010.

So far there have been two different settlement periods that were offered to patients whose DePuy ASR implant failed.  The total payouts under the settlements have been estimated at over $2.5 billion.  In the initial 2013 settlement, Johnson and Johnson provided a base award of $250,000 to those who were more than 180 days removed from their original hip replacement surgery.

Are you or someone you know effected by a DePuy hip replacement that has become defective?  Are you entitled to a settlement if you had to undergo revision surgery after January 31, 2015?  Even if you have not had any significant problems with your DePuy system as yet, you need to consult an attorney to discover your options.  In Wilmington North Carolina that person is Attorney Alden B. Cole.  Give him a call at his office today at (910) 231-2042.

12th Annual Wilmington Wine & Chocolate Festival

12th Annual Wilmington Wine & Chocolate Festival
Friday, Saturday and Sunday • January 29-31, 2016

ERISA Long Term Disability Benefits.

If you become disabled and cannot work you may qualify for long-term disability under something known by the acronym ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act).  How you apply and the careful steps that need to be taken may depend on whether or not you ever see those life-sustaining benefits.

There are common mistakes that occur when filing for ERISA benefits. 

1.  Assuming that your employer agrees with HOW disabled you really are.

2.  Relying on your employer’s human resource department for wise advice.

3.  Do not document your claim by using ONLY the form provided by the insurance company.

4.  You must not actively pursue activities that your doctor warned you against.

5.  Don’t use your insurance company’s lawyers to help you file for benefits

6.  NEVER work with a lawyer who is not experienced in ERISA benefits.

Fortunately those that need to apply for ERISA benefits in North Carolina may rely on an experienced lawyer who has dealt with ERISA benefits for many years.  That resource is Alden B. Cole, located in Wilmington NC.  Attorney Cole will guide you through the delicate and intricate process of applying for benefits the proper way.  Call Attorney Alden Cole today for more information at (910) 231-2042.

Attorney for the Injured or Disabled.

Finding an attorney that will help you through the pitfalls of getting everything that you deserve if you are injured or disabled can be a daunting task.  You need to find someone who devotes full time to this pursuit.  If you go on the internet you will find attorneys and larger firms that “dabble” in the practice of worker’s compensation and social security disability.  They may have an individual on staff who has some expertise in this area, but what you are looking for is someone who can and WILL devote his full attention to your case. 

Perhaps you have been injured on the job or an accident has occurred that has limited your ability to do your job.  Either way, you need to have a person who looks for every legal means to provide for you and your family.
 

Alden B. Cole in Wilmington North Carolina is just such a person.  Attorney Cole will handle your case from start to finish.  Best of all, he won’t be distracted with criminal cases or family law, etc.  He deals ONLY with the injured and disabled and how it effects their ability to earn a living.  Call Attorney Alden Cole today for a free consultation at (910) 231-2042.