North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Laws You Need To Know

Whether you’re an employee navigating the aftermath of a workplace injury, an employer seeking to understand your responsibilities, or simply someone curious about the complexities of workers’ compensation in the Tar Heel State, this comprehensive guide is designed to shed light on the critical aspects of workers’ compensation that you need to know. 

With a focus on empowering individuals and businesses with knowledge, the workers’ compensation attorneys at Kirk, Kirk, Howell, Cutler & Thomas, LLP are exploring the fundamental principles that shape the landscape of workers’ compensation laws in North Carolina. 

What is Workers’ Compensation? 

Workers’ compensation is a vital system of insurance and legal protection designed to provide financial assistance, medical benefits, and disability benefits to employees who sustain work-related injuries, such as slip in fall accidents or other construction-related accidents or illnesses from exposure to harmful chemicals, as well as many other factors. Sometimes referred to as workers’ comp or workman’s comp, this program is mandated by state laws and operates as a safety net for employees across various industries. 

Understanding these fundamental aspects of workers’ compensation is essential for both employees and employers in North Carolina. It lays the foundation for comprehending the intricacies of how this system operates and how it can provide crucial assistance during challenging times.

Providing Financial Support

Workers’ compensation ensures that an injured employee receives financial assistance promptly following a workplace accident. This support helps them cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of their lost wages, relieving some of the financial burden associated with workplace injuries.

Preventing Litigation

Workers’ compensation laws are intended to reduce the number of lawsuits stemming from workplace injuries. In a traditional tort-based system, employees would have to sue their employers to seek compensation for work-related injuries. Workers’ compensation provides an alternative. When employers carry workers’ compensation insurance, it streamlines the process and eliminates the need for litigation in most cases.

Promoting Safety

Employers have a vested interest in maintaining a safe work environment to prevent workplace accidents and injuries. Workers’ compensation laws create incentives for employers to implement safety measures and protocols, as a history of workplace injuries can lead to higher insurance premiums.

Ensuring Fairness

By providing benefits regardless of fault, workers’ compensation laws aim to ensure that injured employees are not left without support due to the circumstances surrounding their injuries. This system aims to treat employees fairly and equitably when they suffer job-related injuries or illnesses

Supporting Economic Stability

Workers’ compensation benefits help injured employees maintain financial stability while they recover from their injuries and return to work. This, in turn, contributes to the overall economic stability of the workforce.

Who Can File for Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina? 

In North Carolina, workers’ compensation coverage extends to a broad range of employees and workplaces. Understanding who is covered is crucial for both employees seeking benefits and employers ensuring compliance with the law. Generally, the following categories of workers are typically covered under North Carolina workers’ compensation laws.

Full-Time and Part-Time Employees

Most employees, whether full-time or part-time, are covered by workers’ compensation. This includes workers in various industries, such as office employees, factory workers, construction workers, and more.

Temporary Workers

Temporary and seasonal employees are also entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, provided their injuries or illnesses occurred within the scope of their employment.

Certain Undocumented Workers

In North Carolina, immigration status is generally not a factor in determining workers’ compensation eligibility. Undocumented workers who are injured on the job are often entitled to benefits.

Government Employees

State and local government employees, including public school teachers and law enforcement officers, are covered under the North Carolina workers’ compensation system.

Leased or Loaned Employees

Workers who are leased or loaned to another employer through a staffing agency or similar arrangement may be covered by workers’ compensation.

What Injuries Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation in NC? 

North Carolina workers’ compensation laws cover a wide range of work-related injuries and illnesses. 

Accidental Injuries

Injuries resulting from accidents that occur in the workplace or during work-related activities are typically covered by workers’ compensation laws. This includes injuries like slips and falls, machinery accidents, and vehicle accidents while on the job.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

Conditions that develop over time due to repetitive motions or activities, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or back injuries, are often covered by workers’ comp if they can be attributed to one’s job duties.

Occupational Illnesses

Workers’ compensation also covers occupational illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous substances or conditions in the workplace. This may include illnesses like asbestosis, mesothelioma, or illnesses as the result of exposure to toxic chemicals.

Aggravation of Pre-Existing Conditions

If a pre-existing condition is aggravated or worsened due to workplace activities or accidents, the resulting medical treatment and disability may be covered.

How Do I Report a Workplace Injury in NC? 

Promptly reporting workplace injuries is a fundamental step in the workers’ compensation process in North Carolina, and it holds significant importance for both employees and employers. 

Here are several key reasons why timely reporting is crucial:

• Preservation of evidence of the injury
• Compliance with deadlines for filing for workers’ comp
• Prompt medical attention can be issued
• Prevents the likeliness of denial of claims
• Allows for immediate safety improvements to protect other workers

Reporting a workplace injury to your employer should be done as soon as possible. The specific process may vary by workplace, but generally, it involves the following steps.

Step 1 – Notify Your Supervisor

Inform your immediate supervisor or manager about the injury. Provide details about when, where, and how the injury occurred. Be as accurate and specific as possible in your description.

Step 2 – Complete an Incident Report

Your employer may require you to complete an incident report. This document formally records the details of the injury. Make sure to fill it out accurately and comprehensively. Keep a copy for your records.

Step 3 – Seek Medical Attention

If your injury requires medical attention, request it from your employer or seek it independently if necessary. It’s essential to prioritize your health and well-being.

Step 4 – Follow Company Policies

Familiarize yourself with your employer’s policies and procedures for reporting workplace injuries. These may include specific forms to fill out or guidelines for communicating with your employer and healthcare providers.

Step 5 – Keep Records

Maintain copies of all documentation related to your injury, including incident reports, medical records, and correspondence with your employer or their insurance company.

Benefits Available Under Workers’ Compensation

In North Carolina, injured workers are eligible for several types of benefits under the workers’ compensation system. 

Medical Benefits

Injured workers are entitled to receive medical benefits to cover the cost of necessary and reasonable medical treatment related to their workplace injury or illness. This includes doctor’s visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation services.

Wage Replacement Benefits

Wage replacement benefits are designed to compensate injured workers for a portion of the wages they lose due to their inability to work while recovering from their injury. 

These benefits include: 

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If an injured worker is completely unable to work due to their injury, they may receive TTD benefits, typically equal to two-thirds of their average weekly wage.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If an injured worker can return to work but with restrictions that result in reduced earnings, they may receive TPD benefits, which are two-thirds of the difference between their pre-injury and post-injury average weekly wages.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): When an injury leads to permanent impairments or limitations, an injured worker may be eligible for PPD benefits. The amount is determined based on a schedule of injuries provided by North Carolina law.

Vocational Rehabilitation

In cases where an injured worker cannot return to their previous job due to their injury, vocational rehabilitation services may be offered. These services aim to help the worker acquire new skills or find suitable employment that accommodates their limitations.

Does Workers’ Comp Payout Lump Sum Settlements to Injured Employees? 

In some cases, injured workers and their employers’ insurance carriers may agree to a lump-sum settlement to resolve a workers’ compensation claim. A lump-sum settlement involves a one-time payment to the injured worker, which typically includes compensation for medical expenses, wage replacement benefits, and future benefits.

Key points regarding lump-sum settlements include:

• Voluntary Agreement: Lump-sum settlements are voluntary agreements between the injured worker and the insurer. Both parties must agree on the settlement terms.
• Finality: Once a lump-sum settlement is reached and approved by the North Carolina Industrial Commission, the claim is generally considered closed, and the injured worker will not receive ongoing wage replacement benefits or medical treatment paid for by the insurer for the covered injury.
• Negotiation: Negotiating a lump-sum settlement can be complex, as it requires determining the appropriate amount to cover past and future expenses. In many cases, it’s advisable to seek counsel from an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure a fair and equitable settlement.
• Approval by NCIC: The lump-sum settlement must be submitted to and approved by the North Carolina Industrial Commission to ensure it complies with state workers’ compensation laws.

Lump-sum settlements can offer injured workers financial flexibility and closure but should be carefully considered in consultation with legal counsel to assess the long-term implications and ensure that the settlement adequately covers their needs.

 

Protect Your Rights with The Attorneys at Kirk, Kirk Law 

The attorneys at Kirk, Kirk Law assist clients with workers’ compensation law cases throughout the Wake County region of North Carolina.

Initial Consultation

Kirk, Kirk Law would provide an initial consultation to evaluate the client’s situation and determine whether they have a valid workers’ compensation claim. During this consultation, your attorney would gather information about the injury, the circumstances surrounding it, and the client’s employment status.

Legal Assessment

The firm would assess the merits of your case, considering factors such as the nature and severity of the injury, the timeliness of reporting, and the eligibility for benefits under workers’ compensation law in NC.

Filing the Claim

If it is determined that your workers’ comp claim is valid, your attorney will assist in filing the necessary paperwork, including the completion and submission of “Form 18” to the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC).

Negotiation and Settlement

Your lawyer will engage in negotiations with the workers’ compensation insurance carrier to secure a fair settlement on your behalf. This may involve discussions about medical benefits, wage replacement benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and other potential forms of compensation.

Representation in Disputes

If disputes arise, Kirk, Kirk Law represents your interests in mediation, hearings, or appeals before the NCIC and, if necessary, in court. We would present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make legal arguments to support the client’s case.

Legal Advocacy

Throughout the process, the firm would advocate for your rights, ensuring that you receive the full benefits you are entitled to under North Carolina workers’ compensation laws.

Maximizing Benefits

Your attorney’s goal is to maximize your benefits, whether through negotiations, settlements, or litigation, to ensure that you receive appropriate compensation for medical expenses, wage loss, and other related costs.

Contact Our Raleigh Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today

Empower your workers’ compensation claim with experienced legal representation. Don’t wait to secure the benefits you deserve. Contact our Raleigh workers’ comp lawyers today and take the first step toward protecting your rights and securing your future. Our dedicated team is here to fight for your interests. 

Reach out today by calling us at (919) 615-2473 or filling out the form below to get started.