Injuries Covered by Workers’ Comp in North Carolina

Are all injuries covered by workers’ comp in North Carolina? No matter how relatively harmless a job or workplace can be, there could still be instances when employees sustain one injury or the other. Workers’ compensation takes care of workers who are hurt while working.

In North Carolina, there are laws guiding employers and employees on workers’ compensation. If you have more than three employees as a North Carolina employer, you need to get workers’ compensation insurance.

If you are an employee under workers’ compensation insurance, you should know the limitations to receiving workers’ compensation. For example, in North Carolina, specific injuries are recognized as workplace injuries, and some are not.

In this article, we would be discussing eight injuries that North Carolina workers’ compensation covers. It is essential to get a North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer in your case if you were hurt while in the line of duty.

Eight Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina

North Carolina workers’ comp law does not cover all injuries. So, you need to ensure your injury is among the recognized ones. It would make you eligible for a workers’ compensation settlement. Below are eight injuries that workers’ comp in North Carolina accepts.

• Sprains and Strains

A sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments in the body. A ligament is a fibrous tissue that connects your joints and bones. A strain, on the other hand, is when you have a stretched or torn tendon. Tendons connect the muscle to the bone. Minor trauma causes strains and sprains in the body.

• Broken Bones or Fractures

If an employee has been overusing certain bones in their body, they could experience broken bones or fractures. Also, trauma to the bone could cause it to break. After a person’s bone breaks, they may experience bruising, swelling, or tenderness around the affected area. Broken bones and fractures need immediate medical care; else the situation could get worse.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Tingling or numbness in the arm or hand of the patient usually accompanies Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It happens when there is a pinched nerve in the individual’s wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway that has bones and ligaments surrounding it.

You can find this passageway on the palm side of your hand. In this tunnel, there is the median nerve. If there is pressure on this nerve, there would be a weakness, tingling, and numbness in the arm and hand. Repetitive hand motions could contribute to this condition.

• Electrical Shock

When there is exposure to live, naked wires, electric shocks could occur. This injury comes as a result of an individual’s body making direct contact with a high-voltage source. Sometimes, an electric shock could be life-threatening if not handled carefully. After an electric shock, the patient could suffer burns, seizures, muscle pain, unconsciousness, etc.

• Spinal Cord Injury

An injury to the spinal cord can cause long-term or even permanent damages to the patient. A spinal cord injury could occur due to a slip and fall incident while at work. Suppose you fall while at work; you have to be careful when getting up. If you are unable to do so, ask for help. This is because any sudden or careless movements could cause injury to your spine.

• Head and Brain Injury

Head and brain injuries are always highly severe, and they include concussions, traumatic brain injury, or post-concussion syndrome. These injuries are a result of severe trauma or a blow to the head. Head and brain injuries could lead to long-term complications, disability, and even death.

• Crush Injuries

A crush injury comes into play when a part or whole of an individual’s body is squeezed between two heavy objects. Injuries under this category include broken bones, damaged internal organs, and death.

• Inhalation of Toxic Fumes  

Some workers experience exposure to toxic fumes daily. When the employees in such businesses inhale these fumes, they would have occupational diseases like mesothelioma, asthma, etc.

Were You Hurt While at Work? Contact Charlotte Workers’ Comp Lawyers 

If you get hurt while at work, it can have its toll on you. For example, you would have to worry about paying for your medical bills, loss of wages, and even the possibility of losing your job. At our law firm, we understand the struggles that come with workplace injuries. Because of this, we do everything possible to fight for your rights.

Are you unsure your injury is on the approved list of injuries in North Carolina? Or do you not know the process involved in filing a claim? Our North Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys are more than willing to help you.

When you contact us, you get a free consultation and a guarantee of victory. So, do not delay, call us today.