Workers’ compensation is a critical protection for employees who suffer workplace injury or illness and guarantees them assistance in order for them to recover and regain normal functioning.
Furthermore, workers’ compensation is known for safety net features such as a shield for medical expenses and partial wage reimbursement.
However, North Carolina’s WC system provides provisions that are not well understood or implemented by many employees.
These perks, ranging from vocational rehabilitation to a longer duration of compensation for catastrophic injuries, among others, can go a long way in offsetting a number of financial and emotional strains.
Thus, knowledge of these benefits, in a way, prepares the workers to fight for what they need and what they are entitled to.
Below, we will describe five lesser-known yet valuable benefits NC workers’ compensation claimants can utilize in order to maximize their recovery process and overall well-being.
1. Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Among the various services offered by NC worker comp, vocational rehabilitation is meant to assist the injured worker in regaining employment. This benefit is significant in cases when the injury is severe enough to bar the worker from coming back to their regular occupation or line of business.
How It Works
In NC, some of the expenses that may be covered under workers’ compensation include career recommendations, job retraining, education, and even help in searching for a new job. The objective is for the worker to obtain suitable employment, thereby supporting the interests of the limited medical capabilities.
Why It Matters
This benefit acknowledges the fact that recovery encompasses not only the physical aspect but the economic as well. Through re-orienting the injured workers for other employment or training, it reduces the employment hazards of the latter.
2. Compensation for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
Employees who experience irreversible impairment of a body part but remain physically capable of working may be eligible for PPD benefits. Such payments are meant to cater to the long-term consequences of the injury.
How It Works
The amount and tenure of payments depend on a certain degree of disability that is addressed by a doctor. For example, loss of the ability to use a hand or any limb and body part is adjusted according to a framework under the NC law.
Why It Matters
People assume that compensation ends when they are able to go back to work, but PPD guarantees money for permanent disability.
3. Mileage Reimbursement for Medical Appointments
North Carolina workers’ compensation entitles compensation for the reimbursement of the cost of travel incurred for the purpose of medical care of the employee.
How It Works
The injured worker is allowed reimbursement of mileage if they have to travel more than 20 miles round trip to seek treatment. This includes medical visits to physicians, therapists, a pharmacy or any health care provider.
Why It Matters
Traveling costs may be high, more so if the employee is stationed many miles away from the workplace in a rural setting. This benefit removes a covert financial burden that people usually do not consider.
4. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits
TPD benefits assist those workers who can attend work but are paid less due to their disability. These payments are meant to close the wage differential between the employee’s salary before and after the injury.
How It Works
It is equal to two-thirds of the difference between the wages receivable by the worker at the time of the injury and the wages they would be able to earn in suitable work after the injury. These payments are possible for each type of injury up to 500 weeks.
Why It Matters
Most employees do not know they can be paid for wage differential even if they return to work at a lower position. TPD also makes sure that the companies are in a sound financial status provided the transition period it offers.
5. Death Benefits for Dependents
If a workplace injury or illness leads to death, workers’ compensation pays death benefits to the dependents of the worker. They include financial provisions and funeral expenses.
How It Works
A spouse is eligible for two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wages for up to 500 weeks; children or other dependent family members are also eligible for the amount. Moreover, the company provides insurance to its employees for funeral expenses not exceeding $10,000.
Why It Matters
This noteworthy benefit helps protect the family circumstances of the worker in the event of some kind of tragedy.
How to Maximize NC Worker Comp Benefits?
It may be challenging to navigate the workers’ compensation system, and many employees may be unaware of essential advantages they could be missing. The following advice can help you maximize your entitlements:
- Report injuries as soon as possible: In order to prevent delays or rejection of compensation, notify your employer as soon as an accident arises.
- Recognize Your Rights: Learn about the workers’ compensation rules in North Carolina to ensure you qualify for all benefits.
- Speak with an attorney: To safeguard your interests, get legal counsel if your claim is rejected or contested.
- Maintain Detailed Records: Record every medical procedure, cost, and correspondence to your accident.
- Ask for Assistance: If you require help reentering the workforce, use vocational rehabilitation resources.
Bottomline
In North Carolina, workers’ compensation provides far more than just replacement of lost wages and essential medical benefits.
Workers can get the assistance they require to heal and start over by being aware of and using these opportunities.
So, carefully investigate these advantages if you have been hurt on the job or know someone navigating the workers’ compensation system.
You can maximize the help you receive by speaking with an experienced lawyer or workers’ compensation specialist.