Workers Compensation in Greensboro, 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 Greensboro, NC workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Greensboro, North Carolina?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the industries in North Carolina with the most workplace injuries are natural resources and mining. In Greensboro, trade, transportation, & utilities, education & health services, and manufacturing also have high injury rates. Across all industries, the most common injuries are strains, sprain, and tears. These injuries are most often the result of falls, overexertion, or contact with objects or equipment. While many of these injuries are minor, approximately half are severe enough to cause missed work, restricted work, or job transfer.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Greensboro, 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.
All North Carolina businesses with 3 or more employees are required to carry workers compensation insurance. However, some exceptions are made for railroad workers, domestic workers, and agricultural workers. According to the North Carolina Industrial Commission, coverage in Greensboro could include medical costs, travel expenses, lost wages, and death benefits. All medical costs are covered as long as they will cure the injury, relieve pain, or lessen the disability. In addition, if your injury causes you to miss more than a week of work, you can receive temporary disability compensation for lost wages. Lost wages are capped at $992 per week.
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 Greensboro, NC 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 Greensboro, NC healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines. Some of which are critical in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report that details 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.
The North Carolina Industrial Commission requires employees in Greensboro to provide oral and written notice to their employer within 30 days of an injury. Your employer will provide you with a claim form to fill out, and they will submit your claim. If your employer fails to submit the claim, you may file your claim directly within 2 years of the injury.
Timeline and Other Information
Temporary disability payments are available until you are able to return to work, with a maximum duration of 500 weeks. Permanent partial disability compensation is determined much differently, using a formula, and is paid in a lump sum. The formula incorporates the type and location of the injury. As well, it uses an impairment rating, which is determined by your doctor. In cases of permanent total disability, lifetime weekly benefits are available.
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 Greensboro, North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Greensboro, 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 your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Greensboro workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Greensboro, North Carolina
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Greensboro, NC 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!
