Workers Compensation in Charlotte, NC
You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by North Carolina state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Charlotte, North Carolina workers’ compensation insurance, and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Charlotte, North Carolina?
First responders are among the most dangerous professions in Charlotte, North Carolina. Police, fire fighters, emergency medical technicians, and municipal workers rank at the top of occupations that generate the most workers’ compensation claims. The North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act states that if you have been injured in a work-related accident, even if you are at fault, you are entitled to compensation.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Charlotte, North Carolina?
Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim.
According to The North Carolina State Office of Human Resources, every business with more than 3 employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. In Charlotte, you are entitled to medical benefits to cover treatment and rehabilitation, vocational retraining benefits, and death benefits. Mental health issues may also be compensated. But, only if an accident or injury is found to cause or worsen a condition of depression or anxiety.
For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.
The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Charlotte, North Carolina are critical for the purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.
Get Medical Attention
After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Charlotte, North Carolina healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines. Some are crucial to the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occurred is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.
When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months. All before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.
File a First Report of Injury
The first report of an on-the-job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received, and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.
Workers in Charlotte that sustain injuries while at work are entitled to compensation. The North Carolina Industrial Commission offers guidelines that if you are injured you should file a report in a prompt and timely manner. Should any disputes arise as to where the injury took place, this initial report will establish a timeline and location of events. First, you should seek medical treatment as quickly as possible. This prevents your injury from worsening into something even more serious. Or keeping you away from work longer than necessary. It also helps to have a copy of the doctor’s report for your file. This establishes a medical professional as a witness to the injuries you have.
Timeline and Other Information
In Charlotte, your employer has to submit your claim to their insurance company within 5 days. But ideally, they should handle it immediately after an employee’s absence from work. When you submit your claim, the insurer has 14 working days to inform you if they have approved or denied the claim. Temporary disability allows for benefits up to 700 weeks. Permanent disability allows for a lifetime of benefits.
Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point. Typically about the incident and any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.
Why You Should Hire a Charlotte, North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Charlotte, North Carolina, in others, it may be more difficult. Your employer may ask if you suffer an injury on the clock or on your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Charlotte workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Charlotte, North Carolina
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Charlotte, North Carolina you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
