Workers'
Compensation

Workers' Compensation in North Carolina: A Comprehensive Overview

Workers' compensation is a vital system in North Carolina designed to protect both employees and employers when workplace injuries or illnesses occur. This program serves as a safety net, ensuring that injured workers receive necessary medical care and compensation for lost wages while providing employers with liability protection.

**Key Elements of Workers' Compensation in North Carolina:**

1. **Mandatory Coverage**: In North Carolina, most employers with three or more employees are required to carry workers' compensation insurance. This coverage extends to full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers.

2. **Benefits for Injured Workers**: When an employee suffers a work-related injury or illness, they are entitled to several types of benefits, including:

   - **Medical Benefits**: Covers the cost of medical treatment, including doctor's visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation services related to the workplace injury.

   - **Disability Benefits**: Provides compensation for lost wages due to temporary or permanent disability caused by the workplace incident.

   - **Vocational Rehabilitation**: Offers vocational training or assistance in finding suitable employment if the injury prevents the worker from returning to their previous job.

3. **Reporting Requirements**: Injured employees must promptly report workplace injuries to their employer, who is responsible for reporting the injury to the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC).

4. **Claims Process**: The NCIC oversees the workers' compensation system in the state. The claims process involves filing a Form 18 (Notice of Accident to Employer and Claim of Employee, Representative, or Dependent) followed by potential mediation and hearings to resolve disputes.

5. **Statute of Limitations**: In North Carolina, there are strict time limits for filing workers' compensation claims. Generally, an injured worker must report the injury within 30 days and file a formal claim within two years of the accident.

6. **Legal Assistance**: Navigating the workers' compensation system can be complex, especially if disputes arise. Many injured workers seek the assistance of experienced workers' compensation attorneys to ensure they receive fair and just compensation for their injuries.

At King & Rowe Attorneys, we specialize in North Carolina workers' compensation law. Our dedicated team of attorneys is here to guide you through the entire process, from filing a claim to resolving disputes, all while advocating for your rights. If you or a loved one has suffered a workplace injury, contact us today for a consultation. We're here to help you understand your rights and secure the benefits you deserve under North Carolina's workers' compensation system.

Contact us today 828-466-3858.