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North Carolina Workers’ Compensation
The workers’ compensation system is designed to support injured workers in North Carolina, including both those involved in workplace accidents and those who suffer from occupational diseases. The North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act aims to compensate employees in the event of an injury that prevents them from working. The North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) administers the state’s workers’ compensation laws.
Every employer should have workers’ compensation coverage in the form of insurance or authorization to act as a “self insured” employer. By law, employers with three or more employees are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. It provides benefits for medical treatment, medication, medical supplies, travel to and from medical appointments, and a portion of your wages while you are unable to work. It can also cover funeral costs and future wages for the families of workers who were killed in occupational accidents.
Comp benefits cover all medical care and expenses related to a workplace injury claim; however, the employer can mandate where an injured employee is treated.
Since workers’ compensation in North Carolina is a “no-fault” system, a worker doesn’t have to prove who is at fault in order to qualify. The injured worker needs only to show an accident occurred while he or she was working. In return for guaranteed benefits, injured employees give up the right to sue their employers.
An injured worker must provide both oral and written notice of the injury to their employer within 30 days. They must also file an official claim using a Form 18, Notice of Accident to Employer and Claim of Employee. If an employer does not file the forms, the employee can submit the Form 18 directly to the Industrial Commission. You have two years from the date of the injury to submit the form.
Workers Compensation Lawyers
If you have been injured on the job, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The trial lawyers of Whitfield Bryson LLP help injured workers get the compensation they need and the medical care they deserve. If your claim is denied, you should contact an experienced North Carolina attorney.
Whitfield Bryson
Our trial lawyers were specifically chosen for the depth of their experience and the breadth of their knowledge. Among the group are attorneys who have been recognized for excellence by industry associations and have gained national recognition for significant victories in challenging cases.
John Whitfield has been significant in his management of a suit involving the death of my son in a motorcycle accident. His professionalism, compassion, support, and especially his knowledge base in this suit has been above reproach. He has communicated well and kept all parties apprised of the status of the suit. I feel he negotiated effectively to reach the best possible settlement for my son's estate. He certainly assures his clients are represented well. I am grateful for his successfully bringing this suit to a satisfactory conclusion. In short, John's expertise has been awesome.
I am very grateful to Whitfield Bryson for taking the initiative in filing suit against the manufacturers of defective CSST pipe. I am sure that this successful litigation will now help Maryland homeowners become aware of the danger of old style CSST pipe and to let them know what steps they may take to protect themselves against those dangers. Who knows how many lives and homes may be saved as a result of his efforts. Thank you for your important work in this litigation.
