Workers’ Comp Medical Care – What You Need To Know

In the private industry alone, United States workers reported more than 2.8 million workplace injuries in 2018. Behind many of these cases, you are likely to find a person struggling to navigate a complicated and sometimes frustrating workers’ compensation system. As North Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys, we want to help people with this process. Below are answers to some of the most common questions from injured workers.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a plan under which workers receive benefits after an injury occurs at work. Many people believe that workers’ compensation covers any and all injuries that occur at the workplace. To qualify for workers’ compensation in North Carolina, the situation must meet two criteria: 

• The injury happened as a result of an accident
• The worker was completing something within the “course and scope” of his or her job 

If a worker is injured under these circumstances, he or she should seek medical attention and report the injury to the employer. Most employers in North Carolina are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance policies. The employer reports the incident to the insurance company, who then should pay the employee for certain expenses.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

Workers’ compensation insurance should cover medical treatments and part of your lost wages. The insurance company should pay for any medical treatments you need in order to: 

• Cure the injury or illness
• Reduce pain
• Get back to work 

It’s vital for injured workers to keep receipts of all medical costs related to the injury. Often, injured workers must take time away from work in order to recover from the injury. In some cases, people are permanently disabled due to workplace accidents. For as long as workers must remain off-the-job, the insurance should pay 2/3rds of the worker’s average weekly pay.

Can I Choose My Own Doctor?

In North Carolina, employers have the first opportunity to choose a doctor for an injured worker. If you do not like or trust the doctor that your employer chooses, you may petition the state’s Industrial Commission for a change in doctors. You may also seek second opinions in some situations.

What If My Employer Refuses to Provide Care?

Unfortunately, employers and insurance companies sometimes refuse to pay for required care, even when the appropriate doctor authorizes the treatment. If this happens to you, know that you still have rights. With the help of an experienced North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney, you can file what’s known as a “Medical Motion” with the Industrial Commission. If approved, the employer or insurance company will have to pay for the treatment.

Should I Hire a North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

The workers’ compensation laws can be complicated. For example, insurance companies may fight claims regarding occupational diseases. They may also try other tricks in order to get out of paying employees what they are due. If this happens to you, a North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney can help. 

At King Law Firm, we have the experience and knowledge to take on big insurance companies. If you want us to be in your corner, contact us through our website or call (800) 635-1683.

Offices Conveniently Located Across Eastern North Carolina

Greenville Office
1035 Director Ct,
Suite A,
Greenville, NC 27834
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Rocky Mount Office
3186 Zebulon, Dr.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Pinehurst Office
4200 Morganton Road
Suite 200-6
Fayetteville, NC 28314
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