How Much Does Workers’ Comp Pay in North Carolina?

If you’re wondering, “How much does workers’ comp pay in North Carolina?” you may be surprised to learn the answer is simpler and more complicated than you think. While the rate of one’s weekly compensation benefits generally follows a standard formula, how long you may qualify for workers’ comp depends on numerous factors. To ensure you receive the maximum benefits possible, let a skilled and qualified workers’ comp lawyer work on your case.

What Benefits Does Workers’ Comp Include in NC?

Workers’ compensation is a system in place for employees who get injured on the job that allows them to receive benefits while they recover. Numerous forms of injury are eligible for workers’ comp coverage, such as occupational illnesses, psychological stress, slip-and-fall injuries, brain and spinal damage, and repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. You can ask a qualified workers’ comp lawyer about whether your situation qualifies for benefits.

These are some of the benefits that an employee can receive after a successful workers’ comp claim:

• Medical costs. Past or future medical expenses related to your workplace injury, including emergency treatment and inpatient care, medical tests, surgeries or other procedures, medication, physical therapy, ongoing care, etc.
• Missed wages. Lost wages, also called disability or indemnity benefits, cover a percent of the income an injured worker lost due to missing work while recovering.
• Vocational rehabilitation. If a worker’s ability to return to their job has been impacted, workers’ comp benefits can include services to retrain the employee or provide new career options and skill development.
• Funeral expenses and compensation for workplace death. Known as “death benefits,” the family members of a deceased worker can receive compensation to cover the medical, funeral and burial costs brought on by the death. Additionally, the family may receive benefits that cover the loss of income the deceased would have earned.

Factors That Influence How Much Workers’ Comp Is

How much an employee may receive in workers’ comp pay varies from case to case. Your disability benefits are influenced by your average income before injury, your area of occupation, history of past injury claims, and your employer’s insurance provider. Most importantly, the severity of your injuries and how long it takes for you to reach maximum medical improvement have a significant impact on how much you’ll receive in workers’ comp pay.

For example, workers’ comp lost wage benefits don’t cover the first seven days that you miss work due to injury. Additionally, you won’t be compensated for these first seven days unless you miss more than 21 days of work, but your medical costs are covered regardless. When you seek compensation for a workplace injury, the extent of disability must be evaluated and assigned an impairment rating.

An impairment rating, expressed as a percentage, is determined by a medical professional once the injured worker has reached the maximum recovery possible but still requires some compensatory benefits. This severity rating is found by assessing the level of impairment to the affected body part and multiplying this value by the Industrial Commission’s predetermined value associated with the specific body part.

Your weekly compensation rate is calculated by multiplying your average weekly wage by 66.67% (two-thirds). How long you may receive weekly benefits depends on whether you’re determined to have partial or total disability and whether this disability temporarily or permanently keeps you from returning to work. Be sure to work with a competent workers’ comp lawyer to ensure you receive the maximum amount of benefits possible given your injury.

FAQs

Q: How Is Workers’ Comp Calculated in North Carolina?

A: The rate of workers’ compensation benefits is calculated by multiplying your average weekly wage by 66 ⅔%. You may receive temporary or permanent benefits, depending on the severity of the injury.

Temporary partial disability is granted if you’re able to work at a lesser capacity than before. Temporary total disability is granted for injuries that temporarily prevent you from working completely. Permanent partial or total disability may be awarded for more severe injuries. These classifications determine how long you receive benefits.

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

A: Unlike personal injury cases, workers’ comp in North Carolina doesn’t cover pain and suffering brought to the injured worker. Pain and suffering include unquantifiable damages such as emotional distress and diminished quality of life.

In order to seek pain and suffering compensation, you’d need to file a personal injury claim against a third party. You generally can’t file against your employer if they provide workers’ comp, but you can ask a lawyer about your options if there’s another liable party.

Q: What Does a Worker’ Comp Lawyer Do in NC?

A: A North Carolina workers’ comp lawyer assists you with obtaining and maintaining your workers’ compensation benefits. Your lawyer can help you file with the Industrial Commission, ensuring you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

If your claim is denied, your lawyer can help file an appeal and guide you through the legal process. Your lawyer is there to streamline the process by handling paperwork, communicating with your employer and their insurance provider on your behalf, and keeping track of deadlines.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Workers’ Comp Case?

A: How long it may take to settle your workers’ comp case can vary depending on numerous factors. Your case is likely to take longer if it’s particularly complex, such as if multiple concurrent injuries or the circumstances leading to your injury are disputed.

If your employer or their insurer denies your claim, this can also prolong the case. Other influencing factors are how long it takes for you to reach maximum recovery and whether you’re left with permanent or long-term impairment.

Our Workers’ Comp Lawyers Are Here for You

At The Bollinger Law Firm, PC, our experienced workers’ comp lawyers are well-equipped to represent your case no matter how complicated it may be. Reach out to our team today to schedule a consultation with a kind and knowledgeable workers’ comp lawyer. We’re prepared to work with you every step of the way, answering your questions and addressing any concerns or issues as they arise.