How Much Is My Workers’ Comp Claim in North Carolina?

Getting injured while doing your job can be a nightmarish experience. Workers’ comp exists to deal with this problem. A lot of people do not give much thought to the possibility of getting an on-the-job injury. If you’re one of such people, you are not alone. It is normal.

Imagine if a firefighter was anxious about getting injured while putting out a fire. I bet you wouldn’t want such a firefighter to come to you in an emergency. Unfortunately, getting hurt while working is inevitable. But it should not deter you from giving your best at your job.

The smart thing to do is to ensure you get a workers’ comp settlement should you get injured while working. Work-related injuries cause major disruptions in the health, finances, and general wellbeing of workers and their loved ones. Employers also get affected by the loss of human resources, the financial implications of hiring and training new staff, etc.

That is why having a North Carolina workers’ comp lawyer is essential. Workers in North Carolina do not have to worry about the cost of medical treatment or damages if they have a workers’ comp attorney working with them.

What Is a North Carolina Workers’ Comp Claim?

Most people who get hurt while doing their jobs have lots of questions. They are unsure about what to expect. There is nothing wrong with being uncertain about whether you are to file a claim or not. Being worried about the potential of the job injury and whether a claim exists for your injuries are normal.

A North Carolina workers’ comp claim is a formal demand given by an employee to their employer following an on-the-job injury. Depending on the type of injury, the employee will demand compensation.

According to the North Carolina Industrial Commission, there are steps to take when filing for a North Carolina workers’ compensation claim:

  1. Report the injury to your employer and seek medical treatment immediately. Alternatively, you could have a loved one do that if your employer is not on site.
  2. Inform your health care provider that the injury is work-related.
  3. Give written notice to your employer within the 30 days following the workers’ injury.
  4. Follow your doctor’s advice and take your treatments as instructed.

Types of Workers’ Comp Settlement

Most North Carolina workers comp claims will move to settlements. It would help if you didn’t decide without working with a Charlotte Workers’ comp attorney. Some injuries may require lifelong treatments or medical attention, and it’s not advisable to settle in such cases.

However, you may decide to settle to get a lump sum to pay bills or avoid the hassle of a lengthy claims hearing.  Whatever be the case, here are the types of North Carolina workers’ comp settlements:

  • Compromise Settlement Agreements

A compromise settlement agreement or clincher settlement is a final and full settlement of your workers’ comp claims. That is to say that you agree to give up all your workers’ comp claims totally in exchange for a lump sum. You can decide to have the lump sum paid as a single settlement or in the form of structured payments.

  • Form 21 and Form 26A Settlements

Form 26A is the Employer’s Admission of Employee’s Right to Permanent Partial Disability Benefits form. You fill this if your insurance company agrees to your permanent disability rating. You get to receive the rate of your permanent disability benefits in weekly installments. And you give up the right to file for further disability benefits.

Form 21 is almost the same as Form 26A. The only difference is that you can resolve claims for temporary disability benefits in the future.

How Much Is My Worker’s Comp Claim Worth?

It is normal to ascertain how much your workers’ comp claim is worth in North Carolina. Not only will it put your mind at rest, but you’d also be able to know how to make your plans if you ever want to settle. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an average North Carolina workers’ Comp settlement.

Every injury differs, and how individuals react to injuries and subsequent medical treatments are not similar. However, the kind of injury, circumstances that led to the injury, type of disability, age, and your ability to return to work or not are part of the factors that affect the worth of your claim.

Get a Charlotte Workers’ Comp Lawyer

Getting a licensed workers‘ comp lawyer in North Carolina will help you get the best representation. You do not have to worry about getting the most out of your workers’ comp claim or settle if you don’t have to. An experienced Charlotte workers’ comp attorney will work with you to get what you deserve. Contact us today for a free case review.