How Do You Get Paid for Your Time Out of Work in North Carolina?

At the Ramsay Law Firm, P.A., our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys know that getting hurt at work can change our North Carolina clients’ lives, starting when they report the injury and seek medical care. Once they understand the extent of their injuries, their next concern is, how do I get paid for the time I must take off to heal? How do I recover those lost wages?

Our Mecklenburg County workers’ compensation attorneys have answers.

Does My North Carolina Employer’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Pay for My Time Out of Work?

If you’ve had a compensable injury, the private insurance company — your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier — must pay you for your time out of work.

Generally, you must have a doctor’s note taking you out of work before any benefits can be paid. That doctor’s message must be sent to your employer, who sends it to the insurance company, who reviews it and then makes payment.

When Will My North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Pay Benefits Begin?

You’re not entitled to be paid for the first seven days you’re out of work. But if you’re out of work for more than 21 days, the workers’ compensation carrier must come back and pay you for the first seven days.

How Much Workers’ Comp Are You Paid When You Are Out of Work in North Carolina?

The North Carolina workers’ compensation law says you are not entitled to 100% of your wages, but you are entitled to receive 67%, or 2/3’s, of your average weekly wage. Your average weekly wage includes any bonuses, overtime, or additional money you earned for the year before your injury.

When Would Your North Carolina Workers’ Comp Checks Stop?

There are five reasons, once your checks get started that they could stop:

• First, you go back to work.
• Second, the doctor says you can return to work without restrictions.
• Third, you settle your workers’ compensation case.
• The Industrial Commission permits the insurance company to stop your checks.
• The 500-week limitation has expired without extension.

Why Would You Stop Receiving North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Checks?

Perhaps you’ve refused suitable employment; you’re working under the table; you are claiming that your injuries are more severe than they are; or you’re refusing to get the medical treatment your doctors ordered.

Have You Been Injured at Work in North Carolina?

Our dedicated Charlotte workers’ compensation law firm provides free consultations to all employees who have suffered a workplace injury in North Carolina by calling 704-376-1616 or contacting us online.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way.