Working in Greenville, North Carolina is a great way to support your family while still having time to enjoy the many activities that the city has to offer. However, if you are an injured worker, you may be wondering how long you can receive workers’ compensation benefits.
The good news is that most workers can receive benefits for a while after their injury. However, the amount of time you can receive benefits will depend on the severity of your injury and other factors.
If you have been injured at work, it is important to contact an experienced workers’ comp lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today. A lawyer can help you file a workers’ compensation claim, understand your rights and options, and can fight for the full benefits that you are entitled to.
Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina
Workers’ compensation is a system of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits. North Carolina workers’ compensation laws require employers with more than three employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Benefits Cover in Greenville, NC?
In general, workers’ compensation benefits will cover all medical expenses related to your injury or illness. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation. Workers’ compensation will also provide income replacement (lost wages) if you cannot work due to your injury or illness. Income replacement benefits are typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
Finally, workers’ compensation will provide death benefits to the surviving spouse and dependent children of an employee who dies due to their job.
How Long Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Greenville, NC?
The amount of time you can receive workers’ compensation benefits will depend on your injury or illness severity. For example, if you have a minor injury that heals quickly, you may only receive benefits for a few weeks. However, if you have a more serious injury that requires long-term treatment or prevents you from returning to work, you may be eligible for benefits for a longer period.
In general, workers’ compensation benefits are available as long as you need them. However, there are some circumstances in which your benefits may be cut off. For example, if you return to work before your injury is fully healed, you may no longer be eligible for income replacement benefits. Additionally, if you refuse a job offer within your medical restrictions, you may no longer be eligible for benefits.
Statute of Limitations for Workers’ Compensation Claims in Greenville, NC
In North Carolina, you have two years from your injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. If you do not file your claim within this time frame, you will be unable to receive benefits. This is why it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after sustaining a work-related injury.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you navigate the claim process and ensure that you receive the benefits you need and deserve.
Workers’ Compensation Disability Benefit Levels in Greenville, NC
The amount of income replacement benefits you receive will depend on your disability level. There are four disability levels in North Carolina:
- Temporary Partial Disability: You can work but earn less than you did before your injury.
- Temporary Total Disability: You are unable to work due to your injury.
- Permanent Partial Disability: You can work but have a permanent disability that prevents you from earning as much as you did before your injury.
- Permanent Total Disability: You cannot work and have a permanent disability that prevents you from ever returning to work.
It’s important to note that the workers’ compensation insurance company may try to classify you as having a lower disability level than you are. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you appeal your classification and ensure that you receive your deserved benefits.
How Are Payments Calculated?
In North Carolina, workers’ compensation benefits are typically paid every two weeks. The amount of each payment will depend on your disability level and average weekly wage.
In addition to income replacement benefits, you may also be eligible for medical benefits. These benefits will cover the cost of your medical treatment related to your work-related injury or illness.
What Happens if You Refuse to Return to Work?
If you refuse to return to work when your doctor releases you, you may lose your workers’ compensation benefits eligibility. However, if you have a valid reason for not returning to work, such as a lack of available jobs or fear of reinjury, you may still be eligible for benefits.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you determine if you are eligible for benefits and assist you in filing a claim.
Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Benefits in Greenville, North Carolina?
No, accepted workers’ compensation payments are not taxable in North Carolina.
How Can a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Help Me with My Workers’ Comp Claim?
If you suffered a workplace injury, it’s important to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you navigate the claim process and ensure that you receive the benefits you need and deserve.
The workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor have helped countless injured workers in Greenville and throughout North Carolina. We are here to help you every step, from filing your claim to appealing a denial of benefits.
Contact a Greenville, NC Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
You deserve to get the full benefits that you are entitled to under workers’ compensation. If you have been injured at work, and need help with your workers’ comp case, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced attorney. At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor in Greenville, we work hard to get North and South Carolina workers the compensation they need so they can focus on recovery and get back to work as soon as possible. Contact us today for a free consultation.
