Are you Covered Under Workers' Compensation?
If you have been injured on the job, you may be wondering whether or not you are covered under workers' compensation laws. Generally, all businesses which employ three or more employees, including corporations, sole proprietorships, limited liability companies, and partnerships obtain workers' compensation insurance or qualify as self-insured employers for purposes of paying workers' compensation benefits to their employees must carry workers' compensation insurance. There are a few exceptions, which can be found in more detail here.
Beginning the Workers' Comp Claim Process
When injured on the job in North Carolina, in order to begin a claim for workers' compensation, you must:
- File Form 18 with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. No other notification to your employer or any other entity can begin a claim for workers' compensation. The form can now be filled and filed electronically.
Previous to Filing Your Claim
Before you file your claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission, you should:
- Report your injury to your employer and seek out appropriate medical treatment
- Tell your healthcare provider that your injury is work related and the name of your employer
- Inform your manager at work
- Within 30 days of your injury, or the date you realized you had an injury, give written notice to your employer of your injury and keep a copy of the letter for your records
- Follow your treating physician's instructions for medical treatment
Consult a Workers' Comp Attorney
At the time you are filing for your claim, it is prudent to consult with an experienced workers' compensation attorney who is familiar with the workers' compensation claim system and can guide you through any unforeseen or unusual circumstances which may arise during the processing of your claim.
If you would like more information or you or a loved one has been injured on the job, contact the Law Offices Darrin M. Gamradt, P.C. as soon as possible for a free initial consultation.