Workers Compensation in North Carolina
A workplace injury can throw your life off balance in an instant. One minute, you’re earning a living, and the next, you’re in pain, unable to work, and facing unexpected medical expenses. How will you cover your bills? How long will it take before you can get back on your feet?
Securing workers’ compensation benefits in North Carolina isn’t always easy. Employers and insurance companies often challenge claims, delay payments, or deny legitimate cases.
This guide explains how the workers’ compensation system functions, and how legal representation can help protect your claim.
Workers Compensation Statistics in North Carolina ?
Workplace injuries continue to impact workers across North Carolina. In 2023, private-sector employers reported approximately 69,800 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, resulting in an incidence rate of 2.4 cases per 100 full-time employees—right in line with the national average.
Certain industries in North Carolina report higher rates of workplace injuries:
- Construction: With an incidence rate of 3.7 per 100 workers, this sector sees frequent falls from heights, machinery-related injuries, and electrical accidents.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: An industry with an injury rate of 4.0 per 100 employees, where common injuries include patient-handling strains, slip-and-fall incidents, and repetitive motion disorders.
- Manufacturing: With an incidence rate of 3.5 per 100 workers, injuries in this sector often stem from machine accidents, repetitive strain, and exposure to hazardous substances.
The most commonly reported workplace injuries in North Carolina include:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: A major cause of fractures, concussions, and sprains.
- Overexertion Injuries: Often caused by lifting, pulling, or pushing heavy objects.
- Repetitive Stress Disorders: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic joint pain from repetitive movements.
How Does Workers Comp Work in North Carolina ?
North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system provides medical and wage replacement benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. To qualify, the injury must have occurred in the course of employment.
North Carolina requires any business with three or more employees to have workers’ compensation insurance. Some types of companies or categories of workers are exempt from this. Including but not limited to: casual employees, farm laborers, and employees of some railroad companies.
Beneficiaries receive compensation for medical care, lost wages, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits. The North Carolina Industrial Commission also pays ⅔ of the last year’s average salary to injured individuals for up to 500 weeks.
Get Medical Attention
After a workplace injury, your health should be your first concern. Seeking medical care right away ensures that your injury is properly treated and establishes a medical record connecting your injury to your job—essential for a successful workers’ compensation claim.
In North Carolina, your employer’s insurance provider has the right to direct your medical treatment, meaning they may require you to see a specific doctor within their network. However, if you are unhappy with your care, you can request a different provider through the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC).
Even if your injury seems minor, don’t ignore it. Some conditions, such as repetitive strain injuries or internal damage, can take time to develop and worsen without treatment.
Keep detailed documentation of all medical visits, prescriptions, and treatment plans. These records will be crucial if your claim is disputed or if you need to request additional benefits.
File a First Report of Injury
Once you’ve received medical treatment, the next step is notifying your employer about your injury. North Carolina law requires employees to report workplace injuries within 30 days, but reporting sooner is always better to prevent delays in processing your claim.
Your employer must then file a First Report of Injury (Form 19) with their workers’ compensation insurance provider and the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). This report must include:
- The date, time, and location of the injury.
- A detailed account of how the accident occurred.
- Information regarding the medical treatment you’ve received so far.
The insurance carrier will review your claim and determine whether you qualify for benefits. If your injury is disputed, you may be required to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME).
North Carolina has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a formal workers’ compensation claim. Failing to act within this period could result in the loss of your right to benefits.
North Carolina has a twenty-one-day waiting period before beneficiaries can receive payments. If the injuries are severe enough to justify permanent disability benefits, you may apply for lifelong compensation.
Why You Should Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system is designed to help injured employees, insurance companies often attempt to deny claims or reduce payouts. If you face delays, disputes, or an unfair settlement, an attorney can help ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve.
A workers’ compensation lawyer can:
- Ensure your claim is filed correctly to avoid unnecessary delays or denials.
- Negotiate with insurance providers to maximize your compensation.
- Represent you in hearings before the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
- Advocate for additional benefits, such as permanent disability compensation or vocational retraining.
If your claim has been denied or your benefits have been cut off early, an attorney can help you appeal the decision and fight for the financial support you need.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer in North Carolina
Your health and well-being need to come first. If you are hurt while working or find out an illness you are suffering is the result of your job, you will want to seek compensation.
We can connect you with a local attorney or one across North Carolina state lines.
Submit a request online or call us at (866) 345-6784 to find a workers’ compensation lawyer today!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
If you would like to do more research, we can tell you about the basics of other areas of North Carolina law.
