Workers Compensation in Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, North Carolina workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Wilmington, North Carolina?

Construction workers and manual laborers in general are the most at risk for an injury on the job in Wilmington. This is due to the high rate of risk of impact injuries such as slips and falls or falling equipment, as well as the myriad strains, tears, and pulls that can result from constantly moving heavy objects. 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 Wilmington, 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. 

The North Carolina State Office of Human Resources states that every business with more than 3 employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Wilmington residents are entitled to medical benefits that cover treatment and rehabilitation, vocational retraining benefits, and death benefits. Mental health issues may also be compensated if the particular 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 Wilmington, 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 suffer an injury or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Wilmington, 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 occurs 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 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 Wilmington that suffer injuries while at work should know their rights. As well, they should know that they can receive compensation. The North Carolina Industrial Commission offers guidelines if you have been 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

A Wilmington employer has to submit your claim to their insurance company within 5 days after an employee’s absence from work, or notice of occupational injury. After submitting a claim, the insurer has 14 working days to inform you of the claims approval or denial. Temporary disability in Wilmington 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 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 Wilmington, North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Wilmington, North Carolina, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer might 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 Wilmingtonworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Wilmington, North Carolina

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Wilmington, 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!

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