Is your employer required to carry workers’ compensation?

Were you injured on the job? It can happen, and it can cause you a lot of financial problems. Do you know how your state handles workers’ compensation? Do you know if you can collect benefits if you are hurt at work?

Workers’ compensation laws and employer requirements are different from state to state. Here is a rundown on North Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws. 

Who is required to have workers’ comp insurance?

According to the state’s Workers’ Compensation Act, most employers must carry work comp insurance. There are a few exceptions, however. Certain types of employers are not required to have workers’ compensation insurance. Employees and workers for those companies often include:

• Railroad employees
• Farm laborers (in certain situations)
• Employees of those that have less than three employees
• Domestic servants
• Federal government employees

Different types of benefits are available for some of these workers.

Which types of benefits are available under workers’ compensation laws?

If you suffered an illness or injury in North Carolina while working for a boss who carries workers’ comp insurance, you have legal rights. You may be eligible to receive:

• Wage replacement compensation equal to 66% of your normal weekly wage
• Vocational rehabilitation services
• Medical care and ongoing treatment

There is a state-imposed maximum payment, however, that cannot be overridden.

Do not be discouraged if your claim is initially denied

Many work comp claims are denied by the insurance carriers. Don’t take no for an answer. This is a tactic insurance companies often use to pay injured workers less than they deserve. Learn about your legal options, and fight back.