2024 How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in North Carolina?

Following a workplace accident, you may be wondering how to file a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina. Businesses with three or more employees are required by state law to maintain this important form of insurance for workers. The benefits are not given out automatically.

The burden is on the injured worker to request forms, make doctor visits, notify certain parties, and file complicated forms on time. Many workers turn to attorneys to handle the claim process to avoid a delayed or rejected claim.

How to File a Workman’s Comp Claim

The steps for filing a workers’ compensation claim are provided by the North Carolina Industrial Commission. According to the guidelines, the injured worker should seek immediate medical attention. The employer is responsible for providing information about a designated healthcare provider if they do not have an on-site medical facility.

If the injury is urgent or life-threatening, the workers should go to the closest hospital. In North Carolina, workers generally need to see a doctor authorized by the employer or the workers’ compensation insurance company.

If the injured worker is not satisfied with the care, they can request a change of physician. This typically requires approval from the North Carolina Industrial Commission or the insurance company.

The injured worker should notify their boss or employer about the injury as soon as possible. This notice should include the date of the accident and a description of the injury. This creates an important paper trail. The workers should keep a copy of the written notice for their records as well.

The standard form for filing a claim is called Form 18. This form must be filled out completely and submitted to the Industrial Commission

What Happens if I Make a Mistake When Filing My Claim?

If you make a mistake when filling out the form, it could delay the processing of your claim. In some cases, an error on your form could lead to a rejection. Workers’ compensation insurance carriers are in the business of making profits. They may see an incomplete application as grounds for rejecting your claim.

The form must make it clear that your injury is substantial and caused by work-related activities. If you are unable to make this clear, the insurance provider may find grounds for rejecting your claim.

If you realize the mistake before submitting the form, you should correct it and resubmit the corrected version promptly. However, if the form has already been submitted with an error, you must contact the North Carolina Industrial Commission as soon as possible.

They can provide guidance on how to proceed, which may involve submitting an amended Form 18 with the correct information.

How Can a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Help?

If you have been seriously hurt on the job, you are likely facing multiple challenges. You may be wondering how you will be compensated for your injury and whether your claim will be accepted or rejected.

Many people in North Carolina work with workers’ compensation attorneys who have experience helping clients receive settlements and fair compensation for their injuries. Workers’ compensation attorneys understand the complex laws, rules, and regulations that govern the insurance program.

A workers’ compensation attorney can fill out your Form 18 or any other forms needed to ensure compliance with the claims process guidelines. By using specific language, your attorney can make sure that the insurance carrier recognizes the severity of your injury and the relation between that injury and your place of work.

While you focus on recovering, your lawyer can monitor the claims process and provide updates as needed. If the settlement or payment offers are not sufficient to pay for your treatments, your lawyer can take steps to protect your right to access fair compensation for your injury.

FAQs

Q: How Do I File a Workers’ Comp Claim in North Carolina?

A: You can file a workers’ compensation claim by asking your boss or employer for the paperwork needed to file the claim. Your employer is required by law to help you by providing the correct forms.

Beyond filling out the paperwork and filing it with the insurance carrier, you will need to schedule visits with a doctor. You typically need to see a doctor authorized by your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance company for your workers’ comp claim.

Q: How Does Workman’s Comp Work in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, workman’s comp is a program regulated by the state but self-funded by individual companies. Any business with three or more workers must maintain a workers’ comp policy for its employees. When a worker is injured, they can apply for benefits by completing several steps. There are important deadlines that must be met along the way.

Q: How Long Do You Have to File Workers’ Comp in North Carolina?

A: Injured workers are expected to notify their employer about the injury as soon as possible and within 30 days. The deadline for filing workers’ compensation in North Carolina is two years. Anyone who fails to meet state deadlines risks losing access to important forms of compensation through the state’s workers’ compensation program.

Q: How Difficult Is the Claim Filing Process?

A: If you have never filed a workers’ compensation claim, you may be surprised by how difficult the process can be. There are many steps that must be completed in the correct order and by specific deadlines. Any mistakes along the way could lead to delayed or denied benefits. To avoid delays in compensation, many workers hire attorneys to handle the claim process for them.

Schedule Your Workers’ Compensation Consultation Today

If you were hurt on the job, you shouldn’t risk a delayed or rejected claim. You can greatly improve the chances that your claim will be approved on time by allowing an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to handle the paperwork for you.

At Bridgman Gantt Law Offices, our lawyers bring years of experience helping injured workers navigate the often complex workers’ compensation program. We can take care of the busy work so you can focus on resting and recovering. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.