What to Expect If Your North Carolina Workplace Injury Requires Surgery?

Sustaining a work-related injury can be a life-changing event, especially if the injury is severe enough to require surgery. In North Carolina, workers’ compensation is designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other benefits for injured workers. However, the process can feel overwhelming, particularly when dealing with the added stress of a surgical procedure.

At Ramsay Law Firm, P.A., our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys help you understand what to expect if your work injury requires surgery.

North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Coverage for Surgery

Workers’ compensation should cover the costs if your treating physician determines that surgery is medically necessary to treat your work-related injury.

This includes:

• Pre-surgical evaluations and diagnostic tests.
• Surgeon’s fees.
• Anesthesiologist’s fees.
• Hospital stays and associated costs.
• Post-operative care, including physical therapy.

It is crucial to have your treating physician, authorized by workers’ compensation, and issues an order for surgery. Failure to follow the approved medical provider process can jeopardize your benefits.

The Surgical Process in a North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Claim

Here’s what you can expect if your North Carolina work injury requires surgery:

• Pre-Surgery Evaluations

Before surgery, your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of action. This may include diagnostic tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. The goal is to confirm that surgery is necessary and to plan the procedure effectively.

• Insurance Approval

Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance must approve the surgery before it can proceed. While this is typically a straightforward process, disputes can arise if the insurer questions the procedure’s necessity or relation to the work injury. If this happens, our attorneys can help you navigate the appeals process to ensure you receive the necessary care.

• Recovery Period

After surgery, you may need significant time to recover. Workers’ compensation provides wage replacement benefits during this period, typically at two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to North Carolina’s maximum benefit limits. You may also require physical therapy or rehabilitation, which workers’ compensation should cover.

• Returning to Work

Your doctor will determine when you are medically cleared to return to work. In some cases, you may be able to resume your previous job, while in others, you may need modified duties or vocational retraining if your injury prevents you from returning to your former role.

Challenges You May Face

While workers’ compensation is meant to provide a safety net, challenges can arise, such as:

• Denialsor delays in surgery approval.
• Disputes over the extent of your disability.
• Pressure to return to work before you are ready.

These challenges can complicate your recovery and financial stability, making it essential to have experienced legal representation.

How Our Charlotte Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Ramsay Law Firm , P.A. Can Help

Our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys are dedicated to guiding injured workers through the complexities of the workers’ compensation system.

We can:

• Advocate for timely approval of necessary medical procedures.
• Ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to.
• Handle disputes with insurance companies and employers.

If your North Carolina work injury requires surgery, don’t face the process alone. Contact Ramsay Law Firm , P.A. at 704-376-1616 or online for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and fight to secure the medical care and financial support you need to recover. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life. A Voice For The Injured.  Here Every Step of The Way.