The lmportance of Reporting Your Workplace lnjury on Time in North Carolina

Suffering a North Carolina workplace injury can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Still, one of the most critical steps is to report your injury as soon as possible. Notifying your employer promptly can jeopardize your ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits.

At Ramsay Law Firm, our experienced Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys are committed to helping injured workers protect their rights and secure the benefits they deserve.

Why Timely Reporting Matters

North Carolina law requires employees to report workplace injuries promptly. Delaying or failing to report your injury can result in claim denial, lost benefits, or even job-related consequences.

Here’s why timely reporting is critical:

• Compliance with North Carolina Law

According to North Carolina workers’ compensation laws, injured workers must notify their employer of the injury within 30 days of the incident. While verbal notification is allowed, providing written notice is strongly recommended to create a clear record of your claim.

• Preserving Your Right to Benefits

Workers’ compensation benefits cover medical expenses, lost wages, and disability payments, but a delay in reporting can give the insurance company grounds to deny your claim. Insurers often argue that late reporting raises doubts about whether the injury was work-related.

• Avoiding Employer or Insurance Challenges

If you wait too long to report your injury, your employer or their insurance provider may dispute your claim by arguing:

• The injury did not happen at work.
• The injury was not serious enough to require immediate reporting.
• Another incident outside of work caused the injury.

Reporting your injury on time eliminates opportunities for the insurance company to challenge your claim’s validity.

Steps to Properly Report Your Workplace Injury

To ensure that your workers’ compensation claim is processed smoothly, follow these key steps:

• Notify Your Employer Immediately

When you are injured or notice a work-related condition, inform your supervisor, manager, or HR department. Written notification, such as an email or a formal injury report, can help protect your claim.

• Seek Medical Treatment

Even if your injury seems minor, see a medical professional immediately. Documenting your injury with medical records helps establish that it is work-related.

• Complete the Necessary Forms

Your employer should provide a Form 18 (Notice of Accident to Employer) to formally file your claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). Submitting this form as soon as possible strengthens your case. Our attorneys are experienced in developing the information needed to properly complete and file Form 18.

• Follow Up on Your Claim

After reporting your injury, communicate with your employer and insurance provider to ensure your claim progresses. If you experience delays or denials, consult a workers’ compensation attorney immediately.

What If Your Employer Fails to Report Your Injury?

According to NCIC, every North Carolina “employer must immediately report to its Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier any injury or occupational disease, or allegation by an employee of an injury or occupational disease, sustained in the course of employment for which the attention of a physician is needed or actually sought.” However, some employers may neglect or refuse to report workplace injuries to their insurance provider.

If this happens, you still have options:

• File a Form 18 directly with the NCIC.
• Seek legal assistance from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to protect your rights and secure your benefits.

Get Legal Help From Ramsay Law Firm

If you have suffered a workplace injury in Charlotte or anywhere in North Carolina, reporting it on time is critical to securing your workers’ compensation benefits. At Ramsay Law Firm, we understand the challenges injured workers face and are dedicated to helping you through the process.

Contact our Mecklenburg County workers’ compensation attorneys at 704-376-1616 or online today for a free consultation if your claim has been denied, delayed, or disputed. We will fight to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

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