A User-Friendly Guide to Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in North Carolina

Workers' Compensation

Workers’ Compensation

Greenville, North Carolina, is a city known for its thriving industries and bustling workforce. If you’ve been injured at work in Greenville, understanding how to file a workers’ compensation claim is essential.

Workers’ compensation provides financial support for medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation.

For those seeking assistance, workers’ compensation lawyers in Greenville can guide you through the process. These professionals ensure you don’t miss important deadlines and can get you through the complications involved in the process.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Research shows that the private industry recorded over 68,000 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2022. This statistic highlights the importance of understanding your rights and taking action after a workplace injury. This is where workers’ compensation comes in.

Workers’ compensation is an insurance program that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. In North Carolina, employers with three or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.

The program covers:

  • Medical expenses related to the injury
  • Partial wage replacement for time missed from work
  • Vocational rehabilitation if you need to learn new skills due to the injury

Steps to Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Report Your Injury

close up of paramedics holding hand of a patient

Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

Notify your employer about the injury as soon as it happens. In North Carolina, you must report your injury within 30 days of the incident. Providing a written notice ensures there’s a record of your claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Your employer may direct you to a specific healthcare provider. Be clear about how the injury occurred, as this documentation will support your claim.

File Form 18

Submit Form 18 to the North Carolina Industrial Commission to officially start your claim. This form serves as your formal notification of the injury.

Cooperate with the Investigation

The employer’s insurance company will investigate your claim. Be prepared to provide medical records, accident reports, and any other relevant details.

Receive Benefits

Once your claim is approved, you’ll begin receiving benefits, which may include payment for medical expenses and wage replacement.

Filing an Appeal

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. Common reasons for denial include disputes about whether the injury was work-related or insufficient evidence.

An attorney can help you strengthen your appeal and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

Steps to appeal include:

  • Request a Hearing: File a request with the North Carolina Industrial Commission to review your case.
  • Prepare Evidence: Collect medical records, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation.
  • Attend the Hearing: Present your case before a Deputy Commissioner who will issue a decision.

Seeking Legal Help

Navigating a workers’ compensation claim can be challenging, especially if your claim is denied or delayed. Consulting a workers’ compensation lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and your case is handled efficiently. These professionals can help you gather evidence, meet deadlines, and secure the benefits you deserve.

Workers’ compensation provides a vital safety net for employees injured on the job. By following the steps outlined above and seeking legal help when needed, you can maximize your chances of a successful claim and focus on your recovery.