When Does Workers’ Comp Start Paying in North Carolina? 2024

If you have been injured at work and intend to file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer, it is natural to wonder, “When does workers’ comp start paying in North Carolina?” The purpose of this insurance is to help you recover from an unexpected work injury, but you must know what to expect when it comes to the eligibility requirements for filing a claim and the waiting period that applies to your case.

When Does Workers’ Comp Start Paying in North Carolina?

Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler can provide the legal support you need in the aftermath of a work injury in North Carolina. You’re likely to have many difficult legal questions in this situation that you will not be able to answer for yourself, and you need support from an attorney you trust if you are going to maximize the results of your claim. There is a waiting period that applies to most workers’ compensation cases, as well as other eligibility criteria you should know.

The standard waiting period for workers’ compensation benefits in North Carolina is seven days. However, if the injury results in disability that lasts no longer than 21 days, it is possible for the claimant to receive compensation for those first seven days. In most cases, compensation will begin on the eighth day following the date the injury happened. If the disability lasts more than 21 days, the first seven days are then retroactively paid.

Filing Your Claim for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in North Carolina

If you want to start receiving your workers’ compensation benefits soon after your injury, it is vital that you begin the claim filing process as soon as you can. Report the injury to your employer immediately so they will have an incident report on file, and then you should speak to an experienced attorney who can help you meet the initial requirements for your claim. Failure to report the injury on time could mean disqualification from benefits.

You may have concerns about fault for your injury, but workers’ compensation in North Carolina functions on a no-fault basis. You do not need to prove that a specific party is directly responsible for causing your injury, but if this is the case for your injury, it could open an additional avenue of recovery under certain conditions. It is also possible to have caused your own injury and still receive benefits, but there are caveats to this rule.

If you intentionally violated workplace safety policies, if you engaged in horseplay at work, or if you were working while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, these issues are likely to disqualify you from receiving workers’ compensation benefits. If you have concerns about any such issues, it is vital to consult a workers’ compensation lawyer quickly.

Generally, you can start receiving workers’ compensation benefits relatively quickly in North Carolina, but if you want to cut down your waiting time as much as possible, you should consult an attorney who can help you navigate your claim as efficiently as possible. The attorneys at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler are ready to provide the legal support you need for your work injury case in North Carolina.

FAQs

Q: How Much Can You Receive in Workers’ Compensation Benefits in North Carolina?

A: The amount you can receive in workers’ compensation benefits in North Carolina typically depends on the overall severity of your injury, the scope of the medical treatment you need to recover, and the level of functional capacity you retain after initial recovery. A successful claim can yield medical expense coverage as well as disability benefits for the time you are unable to work. An experienced attorney is a great asset for maximizing your benefits.

Q: When Should I Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

A: You should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer in North Carolina soon after your injury. You must report the injury to your employer immediately and begin the claim filing process quickly to shorten the time you will need to wait to begin receiving benefits. Hiring an attorney right away will mean you will have a legal advocate ready to build your case, address any unexpected complications that arise, and resolve any issues you encounter.

Q: Does Workers’ Compensation Pay for Pain and Suffering?

A: No, workers’ compensation does not pay for pain and suffering in North Carolina. You can receive compensation for medical expenses and disability benefits while you are unable to work. However, if you have grounds to file a third-party personal injury suit, it is possible to recover compensation for your pain and suffering from the defendant responsible for causing your injury. This could significantly increase your total recovery.

Q: What Is the Coming and Going Rule for Workers’ Comp?

A: In North Carolina, the coming-and-going rule applies to accidents that happen when commuting to or from work. If you are hurt in a vehicle accident or any other accident on your way to work or on your way home from work, you are not eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim as this will not qualify as a work-related injury. However, if you are injured in a vehicle accident while performing your job duties, it would be a covered event.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

A: You should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer because, with their help, you will be significantly more likely to succeed with your claim, more likely to resolve your case in a timely manner, and will be properly prepared for any additional legal recourse you are eligible to pursue following your injury. Hiring an experienced attorney can make every aspect of your case easier to manage and more likely to yield the results you hope to see.

The team at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler can provide the compassionate legal counsel you need in the aftermath of a work-related injury in North Carolina. If you are asking when workers’ comp starts paying in North Carolina, you are more likely to resolve your case quickly with our team’s assistance. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our firm and learn how we can streamline your recovery efforts.