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Regardless of where you are in the workplace injury claim process, it can be beneficial to understand the types of workers’ comp benefits in North Carolina. To further learn about what benefits you may qualify for in your workers’ compensation case and increase your chances of a favorable outcome, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified workplace injury attorney at the Law Office of Jacob Goad.
Understanding North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Laws
In 2024, there was a total of 196 fatal work injuries in North Carolina, a 10.7 percent increase from the previous year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were at least 64,200 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses throughout North Carolina in 2024.
Common workplace injuries may result from:
- Slips, trips, or falls
- Overexertion or repetitive strain from pushing, pulling, or lifting
- Machinery use errors
- Work vehicle accidents
- Exposure to toxic or hazardous materials or environments
- Workplace violence
In North Carolina, injured employees have the right to pursue compensation for bodily harm and other damages incurred. Whether you sustain a minor or severe injury, you should report it to your supervisor as soon as possible. That way, you can avoid losing your right to seek workers’ compensation. You should then seek medical attention and consult an experienced workers’ comp lawyer. They can begin taking the necessary steps to properly file a claim.
What Are Workers’ Comp Benefits in North Carolina?
In workers’ compensation law, “benefits” refers to the financial compensation that is given to injured employees for the damages associated with their job-related injury or occupational illness. These benefits are granted on a no-fault basis, meaning it doesn’t matter who the liable party is, even if the injured worker was partially or fully responsible.
Workers’ comp benefits include:
- Medical costs. Medical benefits are meant to cover the costs of the worker’s past and future medical treatment.
- Lost wages. Also known as disability or indemnity benefits, the lost wages portion of workers’ compensation covers the income an employee loses when injured to the point they are temporarily or permanently unable to return to work.
- Vocational rehabilitation. Benefits can include a one-time assessment of the injured workers’ vocational potential, paid for by the employer. Rehabilitation can include job modification, counseling, on-the-job training, and other services.
- Death benefits. If an employee is killed in a fatal workplace accident or occupational illness, their surviving spouse, children, or other dependents are eligible to receive death benefits. In addition to payment for burial and funeral costs, these benefits are typically paid weekly over a finite amount of time.
Why You Should Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
You should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to avoid:
- Procedural errors
- Settling for a lower compensation amount than you deserve
- The stress of dealing with the overwhelming filing process alone
When looking for the guidance of a qualified North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney, look no further than the team at the Law Office of Jacob Goad.
Our practice is a personal injury and workers’ compensation law firm based in Durham, NC. We put our clients’ needs first, including building an approach tailored to their individual circumstances, needs, and goals. Jacob Goad is proud to be fluent in Spanish. He works directly with each client and isn’t afraid to litigate on their behalf when necessary.
As opposed to a traditional courthouse, a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina is typically processed by a state administrative agency; specifically, the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). The main NCIC office is located at 1236 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699. Be sure to confirm with your workers’ comp lawyer the address of any legal venues you can expect to interact with, as locations can vary, depending on the case.
FAQs
How Does Workers’ Compensation Work in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that requires employers to provide coverage for job-related accidents or illnesses. After sustaining harm in the workplace or while on the job, an employee can file a workers’ compensation claim. It is also recommended that injured workers seek medical attention right away, so there is documentation of the harm. Whether you need help filing the claim or seeking certain benefits, it’s advised to consult a workers’ compensation attorney.
What Are Common Workers’ Comp Injuries in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, some common injuries in workers’ comp cases include:
- Crush injuries
- Severe harm, including traumatic brain damage, paralysis, or limb loss
- Car accident injuries
- Orthopedic injuries, such as neck, shoulder, back, or knee issues
- Repetitive stress injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis
- Occupational diseases from hazardous exposure, such as lead poisoning or cancer
- Hearing loss
- Burns
- Slips, trips, or fall injuries
- Sprains or strains
- Broken bones
Which Workers Are Excluded From Compensation Rights in NC?
North Carolina workers who are excluded from workers’ compensation rights include:
- Independent contractors
- Domestic employees
- Federal government workers
- Railroad workers
Additionally, those who do not work regular hours or work for a business or company under a certain size also do not qualify.
It’s recommended that you consult a workers’ comp lawyer to see if your employer has miscategorized you to avoid providing coverage. Undocumented workers do retain workers’ comp rights.
What Damages Can I Recover From Workers’ Comp in NC?
In North Carolina, the damages you can recover within a workers’ compensation claim include:
- The cost of medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Vocational rehabilitation
- In cases of wrongful death in the workplace, death benefits
It should be noted that pain and suffering damages cannot be claimed in workers’ compensation cases, like in other personal injury cases. You can ask a lawyer about which benefits you may qualify for.
Speak With an NC Workers’ Comp Attorney
At the Law Office of Jacob Goad, you can receive frequent updates to your workers’ comp claim while working directly with a skilled injury law professional. Contact our team today to consult an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer about your case.
