How Much Does Workers’ Comp Pay in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, workers’ compensation insurance benefits provide wage replacement benefits, which typically cover about two-thirds of an employee’s average weekly wage. This amount is capped at a maximum amount set annually by the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC).

You might have additional questions and may wonder how much does workers’ comp pay in North Carolina. We can provide some additional information and resources.

What Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system of insurance coverage designed to provide benefits to employees who are injured on the job or who become ill as a direct result of their job duties. In North Carolina, it is a state-mandated insurance to cover medical bills, wage loss, and other benefits for workers who have been hurt or who suffer work-related illnesses.

North Carolina employers are typically responsible for paying the premiums for workers’ comp insurance, and their employees generally do not contribute to workers’ comp costs.

How Much Does Workers’ Compensation Pay in North Carolina

Statewide, North Carolina workers can file for workers’ compensation. There were 52,703 workers’ comp claims opened in North Carolina during the fiscal year 2022-2023, with an overall settlement rate of 74%.

The benefits cover all treatment that is deemed medically necessary following a work-related accident or illness, including doctor visits, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, etc.

Also, state law provides disability compensation following a work-related injury or illness. This amount includes a weekly compensation amount for the time you lose from work, which pays 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage up to a maximum amount established each year by the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC).

The amount you might get in wage replacement benefits is determined based on your disability determination, as noted:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If you are unable to work on a temporary basis after a work injury that is temporary, you may get benefits equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to the maximum amount set each year by the NCIC.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you are unable to work in some capacity but not at your same level of pre-injury work, you can get benefits equal to two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury wages and your current wages.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): If you have a permanent disability that results in a loss of your capacity to earn a living, you can get benefits based on the extent of your disability impairment and the number of weeks allowed for your bodily injury.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD): In some rare instances, if you become totally disabled after your workplace accident or work-related illness and you are unable to return to your job, you might get lifetime benefits calculated at two-thirds of your average weekly wages earned pre-injury at your workplace.
• Death Benefits: If your loved one passed away because of an injury sustained at work or a work-related illness, workers’ comp in NC can give death benefits to the beneficiaries of the deceased employee (including compensation for incurred medical bills before they passed, funeral expenses, and an amount for lost financial support).

If you are pursuing benefits after the death of a loved one, consider discussing your workers’ comp claim with an attorney who can help maximize the amount of your recovery of death benefits.

As a result, employers should remain committed to workplace safety, which the law in our state requires. Employees injured at work or who sustain work-related illnesses are generally entitled to workers’ comp benefits in an amount determined by your salary and North Carolina Industrial Commission guidelines. If you have been denied workers’ comp or feel you have not received the full amount to which you are entitled, contact a trusted Worker compensation attorney to discuss your legal options.

FAQs

Q: What Amount Can I Get if My Employer Does Not Have Workers’ Comp Insurance?

A: If you are an employee who works for an employer who is required to provide workers’ comp benefits, you should report the lack of your employer’s insurance to the NCIC Criminal Investigations & Employee Classification Division. If you were hurt on the job or suffered from a work-related illness, it is important to file a Form 18 and Form 33 with the NCIC.

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

A: No, typically, North Carolina workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering because it focuses on economic damages like medical bills and wage loss rather than non-economic damages such as emotional distress.

However, if you believe you have experienced significant pain and suffering from your work-related injury, consult an experienced North Carolina workers’ comp attorney to discuss whether a legal claim could help to go beyond what is usually provided within the framework of workers’ comp benefits.

Q: What Happens if My Employer Refuses to Acknowledge My Workers’ Comp Claim?

A: If your workers’ comp claim is ignored, the NCIC can help. If an employer denies payments, you, the NCIC, your attorney, and all known medical care providers receive notice of the reason for the denial of compensation payments.

If you have any issues with any payment denial, you can request a hearing before the NCIC by submitting Form 33, Request for Hearing.

If you need help with workers’ comp questions, it is important to consult an experienced attorney.

Contact Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler to Discuss the Amount You Deserve for Workers’ Comp Benefits

As an experienced North Carolina workers’ comp law firm, Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler understand the process of filing for benefits and maximizing your recovery. Our knowledgeable legal team can help address your important questions or explore whether you are getting the full and fair amount of benefits to which you are entitled.

Our workers’ comp law firm is near I-277 – right in the heart of the city of Charlotte. Our office is quite close to the Charlotte Area Transit System and the other mass transit option of the LYNX Blue Line.

Contact our office to consult with an experienced and compassionate attorney at an initial consultation.