Workers Compensation in Fayetteville, 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 Fayetteville, North Carolina workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Fayetteville, North Carolina?
According to Business Journal, a construction boom began in North Carolina in late 2007 and continues to today. In 2019 there were over 200,000 construction jobs in the state, and the trend shows very little signs of slowing. With this in mind, it is no surprise that the most common workplace injuries deal with accidents on construction sites, such as falling objects, improper lifting or the use of heavy equipment. As well, auto accidents while transporting materials create a significant number of on the job injuries. Hazardous conditions, and improper ladder use also contribute to falls on job sites. If you have been injured in a work-related incident, even if you are at fault, you are entitled to compensation.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Fayetteville, 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.Â
Every business in Fayetteville with more than 3 employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. This is according to information provided by the North Carolina Office of Human Resources. If you’ve been harmed on the job, or developed a work-related medical issue, medical benefits that cover rehabilitation and even vocational retraining if you can’t return to your previous job. Mental health is also covered in North Carolina, but conditionally. To receive coverage, you must prove that the work-related accident caused the condition, or exacerbated a previous bout 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 Fayetteville, North Carolina are critical for 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 Fayetteville, North Carolina healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in 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 the result of your work conditions. 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.
Fayetteville workers should try to stay up to date with the regulations regarding workers’ compensation, and the forms of compensation to which they are entitled. Guidelines provided by the North Carolina Industrial Commission offer advice on how to proceed after a workplace injury. You should file a report in a timely manner with your supervisor or superior. Should any disputes arise as to where the injury took place, this initial report will establish a timeline and location of events. However, if the injury is severe, you should seek medical treatment immediately and file your report once you receive treatment. This prevents your injury from worsening into something even more serious. It also helps to request a copy of the doctor’s report for your own files.
Timeline and Other Information
Fayetteville employers must submit claims to the insurance company within 5 days after an employee’s absence from work or report of injury. Once the claim is submitted, the insurer has 14 working days to approve or reject the claim. Temporary disability in Fayetteville allows for benefits up to 700 weeks. Permanent disability allows for lifelong 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 to 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 Fayetteville, North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were hurt 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 Fayettevilleworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Fayetteville, North Carolina
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Fayetteville, 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.Â
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!