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Raleigh Workers' Comp FAQs

The rules around workers’ compensation in North Carolina are built for structure, not necessarily speed. If you’ve been hurt on the job, you need clear answers to questions the system doesn’t always make easy to ask. These FAQs are written to help you understand what really matters after a workplace injury. If you want to talk it through, call Dodge Jones Injury Law Firm in Raleigh at 877-622-6671.

1. What Should I Do After a Workplace Injury?

After a workplace injury in NC, make sure to tell your supervisor what happened right away and get immediate medical attention. Follow up with written notice within 30 days. Your Work Comp lawyer can help you with filing a Form 18 Notice of Accident to Employer.

2. How Does North Carolina’s Workers’ Comp System Handle Fault?

It doesn’t require fault. You can often qualify for benefits even if the injury was partly your own fault. Negligence normally doesn’t play a role in most Workers’ Comp claims in North Carolina.

3. Do I Have To Go to the Doctor My Employer Chooses?

In most cases, yes, you’ll need to see the company doctor. The insurance company controls medical treatment unless the Industrial Commission approves a change in treatment.

4. What Injuries Are Not Covered by Workers’ Comp?

Injuries that occur during personal errands, horseplay, or intoxication are generally not compensable under the NC Workers Comp laws.

5. What Happens if My Comp Claim Gets Denied by the Insurance Company?

You may have the right to request a hearing before the North Carolina Industrial Commission and present evidence in your favor, challenging an improper denial of Workers Comp benefits.

6. Can I Get Compensation if My Injury Developed Over Time?

Possibly. In some circumstances, repetitive stress injuries, like tendonitis or disc problems, may be covered if connected to your work duties..

7. Does North Carolina Workers’ Comp Cover Long COVID?

Possibly, but only if you can prove it was contracted through job-related exposure under specific, documented circumstances. It’s relatively rare to make a comp claim in North Carolina related to COVID-19 and the coronavirus.

8. Can You Get Wage Replacement While I’m Recovering From an On-the-Job Accident?

If your injury keeps you out more than seven days, you may receive temporary total disability benefits at two-thirds of your weekly wage. It’s a good idea to talk to an experienced Raleigh Workers’ Compensation lawyer about the specifics of your legal matter.

9. Can My Employer Fire Me for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim?

No, employers are not supposed to fire employees for making a claim in North Carolina. It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for exercising your rights under the Workers’ Compensation Act. Unfortunately, some employers break the law. That’s where legal advice can help.

10. Is There a Time Limit To File a Workers’ Comp Claim in NC?

You should give written notice of the injury, typically using Form 18, within 30 days, and you must formally file your claim with the Industrial Commission within two years of the injury or the last payment of compensation, whichever is later.

11. Can You Get Reimbursed for Prescriptions and Travel to Medical Appointments?

Yes, prescriptions and travel are ordinarily covered as part of a Work Com. As long as the treatment is authorized, you may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket costs and mileage.

12. What Is a Permanent Partial Disability Rating?

Permanent Partial Disability is a percentage assigned by your doctor when you reach maximum medical improvement, used to calculate further compensation. Disability payments after a workplace accident often depend on the extent of the injury.

13. What Does “Maximum Medical Improvement” Mean?

Maximum medical improvement refers to a condition that has stabilized and is unlikely to improve significantly, even with continued treatment.

14. Can I Negotiate a Settlement for My Workers’ Comp Case?

Yes, but once you settle, you typically waive future benefits, so any agreement should be reviewed carefully. It’s a good idea to talk to an experienced Workers Comp lawyer in Raleigh to discuss your legal rights and options.

15. What’s the Difference Between a Denied Claim and a Disputed Claim in NC?

A denied Workers’ Comp claim is outright rejected. A disputed claim for Work Comp in NC may involve disagreements over treatment, disability status, or return-to-work terms.

16. What Happens if I Can’t Do My Old Job Anymore Due to an On-the-Job Injury?

If you are hurt in a workplace accident and can no longer do your job, you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation or extended wage benefits. The employer may, in appropriate circumstances, require you to do other types of work if you cannot return to your prior position.

17. Can I Keep Getting Benefits if My Doctor Says I Can Do Light Duty?

Workers Comp benefits only continue if the employer fails to offer a suitable light-duty position that meets your restrictions. Before rejecting a job or refusing to work, talk to a lawyer.

18. Are Psychological Injuries Covered by Workers’ Comp in North Carolina?

Some psychological injuries are covered under Workers Comp in NC, but only when directly linked to a specific traumatic event on the job.

19. Does Workers’ Comp Cover Heart Attacks or Strokes at Work?

Heart attacks and strokes at work are only covered in limited cases where you can prove the condition was caused by unusual job-related stress or exertion.

20. What Happens if I Refuse an Independent Medical Examination?

Refusal to submit to an IME - Independent Medical Examination related to a Workers' Comp claim in North Carolina may result in suspended benefits.

21. Do I Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Already Accepted My Claim?

Even accepted claims can involve problems with medical care or compensation. The Dodge Jones Injury Law Firm in Raleigh would like to help answer your questions if problems arise.

22. Can Undocumented Workers Receive Workers’ Comp in North Carolina?

Yes, immigration status does not disqualify you from workers’ compensation coverage under the NC Workers’ Compensation law.

23. Are Temporary Workers Covered Under Workers’ Comp?

Yes, temporary workers may be covered under Workers Comp in NC as long as the employer is required to carry coverage and the injury occurred as part of employment.

24. Should I Accept the First Settlement Offer From the Insurance Company?

Before accepting any offer of settlement, it’s a good idea to be cautious to make sure the terms and conditions reflect the full value of your Work Comp claim. Call the Dodge Jones Injury Law Firm in Raleigh at 877-622-6671 to review your options.

25. How Long Can I Receive Workers Comp Benefits Under North Carolina Law?

You may be eligible for wage benefits for up to 500 weeks, with extensions possible in cases of total and permanent disability.


Raleigh Workers’ Comp FAQs: Dodge Jones Injury Law Firm

Every job carries risk, but not every injury gets treated fairly. Knowing your rights—and when the law entitles you to more than you’re being offered—can help you protect your health and your paycheck. If you’re uncertain about the next step, a short conversation with the Dodge Jones Injury Law Firm in Raleigh NC could make a difference. Call now: 877-622-6671.


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