Different Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in North Carolina 2024

North Carolina has comprehensive workers’ compensation laws that can really help employees who need such benefits in the event that they suffer a workplace injury. There are a variety of ways in which employees can experience injuries at work. Understanding the different types of workers’ compensation benefits in North Carolina can help you pay for the recovery you need in order to return to work and continue earning an income for you and your family.

Different Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in North Carolina

The North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act outlines all the benefits that full-time employees may be eligible to receive, as well as responsibilities employers are required to provide for their employees. Under North Carolina state law, any business in the state that employs at least three people is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance helps to pay for the recovery employees need to return to work.

There are several different types of workers’ compensation benefits you may qualify for, depending on your situation. The kind of workers’ comp benefits you may receive will largely be dependent on the severity of your injuries and the length of your recovery. Many of the benefits you may qualify for include:

• Medical benefits. Depending on your situation following a workplace accident, you may require substantial medical assistance in your recovery. Your workers’ comp benefits package will likely be able to cover most, if not all, of your medical costs. This could include surgeries, physical therapy, medications, emergency room visits, diagnostic tests, and rehabilitation services, and other medical needs.
• Vocational rehabilitation benefits. If your injury is so severe that you are unable to continue working at your current job, you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation benefits. These benefits provide you with the necessary training to learn a new trade and find a new job that fits your current situation. These benefits may include on-the-job training, resume and interviewing training, assistance with job searching, and tuition expenses.
• Disability benefits. If your doctor determines that you will be unable to return to your job, either temporarily or permanently, you may qualify for disability benefits. These benefits could be offered to totally or partially cover your disability. If you qualify for total disability benefits, you will be unable to earn a living due to your disability. If you qualify for partial disability, you cannot return to your current job but may be able to do something else.
• Death benefits. In the unfortunate event that your loved one dies in a workplace accident, you may be able to earn death benefits through their workers’ comp benefits package. The amount you receive will be a certain percentage of their weekly income plus a possible cost-of-living bonus. Death benefits may be paid for up to 500 weeks, and they may include burial expenses as a gesture of goodwill.

The type of benefits and the amount of compensation you receive will be dependent on the circumstances of your injury. Knowing that your employer holds insurance specifically for workers’ comp claims, however, can help ensure that any injury you suffer should be brought to your employer’s attention. If you are denied qualifying benefits, you should speak with an attorney who can review your case and file a claim against your employer.

FAQs

Q: What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, workers’ compensation covers a considerable range of significant benefits for employees who are in serious need of financial assistance due to a workplace injury. Depending on the severity of your injuries, the nature of your company’s coverage, and what you apply for, you may be able to receive assistance with your medical costs, possible training for a new job, disability adjustments, and even disfigurement. A workers’ comp lawyer can help make sure you maximize your benefits.

Q: What Is the Highest Workers’ Comp Settlement in North Carolina?

A: The settlement amount for a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina is dependent on the circumstances of the claim. Every worker’s comp case is different and has its own specific set of details and circumstances. Certain factors need to be considered, such as the severity of your injuries, the nature of your accident, and your company’s insurance coverage.

Q: What Type of Workers’ Compensation Is the Most Common?

A: The most common form of workers’ compensation benefits that is taken by injured workers is disability. Disability benefits cover a wide range of injuries, conditions, and recovery periods and can help newly injured workers with their adjustment period as they are unable to work. Disability benefits, particularly temporary disability benefits (TPD), are paid to workers during their recovery period. The amount you may receive depends largely on your pre-injury income.

Q: Does Workers’ Comp Pay for Pain and Suffering in North Carolina?

A: Workers’ comp benefits do not pay for pain and suffering in North Carolina. Non-economic damages are not part of a workers’ comp benefits package. If you opt to seek out the assistance of a personal injury lawyer, however, you may be able to pursue damages for pain and suffering. It depends on the nature of your accident, the amount of damage you have suffered, and whether you want to file.

North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Trying to ensure you receive the maximum amount in workers’ comp that you qualify for can be frustrating and confusing to handle on your own. With the help of an experienced workers’ comp lawyer, you can know exactly how much in benefits you deserve. Your lawyer can help watch over your case, give you advice when needed, and ensure you aren’t taken advantage of by your employer, who may seek to guilt you into turning down benefits.

The legal team at Bridgman Gantt Law Offices knows the kind of important legal advice you need during this difficult time. We can help you develop your case, advocate for your interests, and protect you from insurance companies who seek to deny your claim. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our team members.