{"id":375499,"date":"2016-10-27T18:33:33","date_gmt":"2016-10-27T23:33:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-workers-compensation-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-08-24T17:00:13","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T22:00:13","slug":"north-carolina-workers-compensation-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-workers-compensation-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"North Carolina Workers&#8217; Compensation Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">North Carolina Workers&#039; Compensation Laws<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/susan-buckner-j-d\/\">Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/catherine-hodder-esq\/\">Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            August 24, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>The <span data-term-id=\"53089612\">North Carolina Workers\u2019 Compensation Act<\/span> provides medical coverage and <span data-term-id=\"53089663\">wage replacement<\/span> benefits for all eligible employees in North Carolina. Under state law, nearly all businesses with the required <span data-term-id=\"53089654\">number of employees<\/span> must have <span data-term-id=\"53089607\">workers\u2019 compensation insurance<\/span>. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ic.nc.gov\/wcinsrqmt.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"53089608\">North Carolina Industrial Commission<\/span><\/a> (NCIC) is responsible for all <span data-term-id=\"53089609\">workers\u2019 compensation claims<\/span> and appeals. If you are an <span data-term-id=\"53089620\">injured employee<\/span> and need help making a claim, you can find the forms at their website.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"fl-rich-text\">\n<div><p>The <span data-term-id=\"53089612\">North Carolina Workers\u2019 Compensation Act<\/span> requires all employers with three or more employees to have <span data-term-id=\"53089607\">workers\u2019 compensation <\/span><span data-term-id=\"53089660\">insurance<\/span><span data-term-id=\"53089660\"> coverage<\/span>. Companies must either provide this coverage or qualify as <span data-term-id=\"53089658\">self-insured employers<\/span> to pay medical and <span data-term-id=\"53089632\">disability benefits<\/span> to their employees. Employers who must have insurance include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sole proprietorships, unless the owner is the only employee<\/li>\n<li>LLCs and partnerships<\/li>\n<li>Corporations<\/li>\n<li>Agricultural agencies and farms, unless they have fewer than 10 <span data-term-id=\"53089642\">full-time<\/span> non-seasonal laborers<\/li>\n<li>State and local government agencies<\/li>\n<li>Any business where employees use or are in the presence of radioactive material<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Providing <span data-term-id=\"53089646\">workers\u2019 comp<\/span><span data-term-id=\"53089646\"> insurance<\/span> is an expected part of owning a business.<\/p>\n<h2>Exceptions to Workers\u2019 Compensation Requirements<\/h2>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"53089641\">Sole proprietors<\/span> are not required to have <span data-term-id=\"53089613\">workers\u2019 comp<\/span> for themselves unless they have more than three employees. LLC and partnership members are not included in the \u201cemployee\u201d count, so a partnership with three members and two employees does not need coverage. Corporate officers are included when determining whether the business needs\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"53089613\">workers\u2019 comp<\/span>, so a small corporation with five officers and four employees needs coverage, even if the officers opt out.<\/p>\n<p>Other exceptions include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Some railroad employees, since railroad workers have a separate type of <span data-term-id=\"53089621\">workers\u2019 compensation coverage<\/span><\/li>\n<li>\u201c<span data-term-id=\"53089629\">Casual employees<\/span>,\u201d employees hired for work not in the usual course of trade for the employer, such as a day laborer hired to paint the lobby<\/li>\n<li>Farm or agricultural workers, in situations when fewer than ten <span data-term-id=\"53089642\">full-time<\/span> non-seasonal <span data-term-id=\"53089664\">farm laborers<\/span> are hired by an employer, as when extra workers are needed in the off-season<\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"53089636\">Federal <\/span><span data-term-id=\"53089631\">government<\/span><span data-term-id=\"53089631\"> employees<\/span> working in the <span data-term-id=\"53089665\">state of North Carolina<\/span> and compensated by the <span data-term-id=\"53089636\">federal government<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"53089618\">Independent contractors<\/span> are self-employed or freelance workers who are not considered regular employees of the company and not covered by <span data-term-id=\"53089607\">workers\u2019 compensation insurance<\/span>. Employers may not avoid their responsibility to pay <span data-term-id=\"53089613\">workers\u2019 comp<\/span> benefits by misclassifying actual employees as <span data-term-id=\"53089618\">independent contractors<\/span>. If the Industrial Commission finds that an employee was intentionally misclassified as an <span data-term-id=\"53089618\">independent contractor<\/span> based on an analysis of work-related factors, the employer may be subject to fines and penalties.<\/p>\n<h2><span data-term-id=\"53089616\">Workers\u2019 Compensation Benefits<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>North Carolina\u2019s <span data-term-id=\"53089613\">workers\u2019 comp<\/span> benefits cover all \u201creasonable <span data-term-id=\"53089644\">medical care<\/span>\u201d needed for a <span data-term-id=\"53089619\">work-related injury<\/span> or illness. If you are unable to work after an injury or <span data-term-id=\"53089647\">occupational disease<\/span>, you\u2019ll receive partial <span data-term-id=\"53089663\">wage replacement<\/span> (about 67% of your <span data-term-id=\"53089622\">average weekly wage<\/span>) until you can return to <span data-term-id=\"53089642\">full-time<\/span> work. Let\u2019s take a closer look at what <span data-term-id=\"53089613\">workers\u2019 comp<\/span> may cover.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"53089640\">Medical Benefits<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Workers\u2019 compensation in North Carolina covers all authorized doctor visits, including surgery, hospital care, and rehabilitation. <span data-term-id=\"53089633\">Medical bills<\/span> are sent directly to the <span data-term-id=\"53089615\">insurance company<\/span> at no out-of-pocket cost to you. Your employer chooses the\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"53089657\">healthcare<\/span>\u00a0provider, but you can attempt to use one of your preference by petitioning the Industrial Commission and showing good cause.<\/p>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"53089640\">Medical benefits<\/span> include mental health treatment and chiropractic care. They also cover <span data-term-id=\"53089648\">medical expenses<\/span> like prescription drugs, equipment like crutches or braces, and mileage to and from the doctor or hospital in excess of 20 miles round trip.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"53089663\">Wage Replacement<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you can\u2019t work for more than seven consecutive days, you\u2019ll qualify for <span data-term-id=\"53089663\">wage replacement<\/span>. A seven-day waiting period applies before weekly payment checks arrive. If you\u2019re unable to work for more than 21 days, you\u2019ll receive the first seven days retroactively.<\/p>\n<p>Wages are based on your <span data-term-id=\"53089622\">average weekly wage<\/span> for the previous year. If you have been working for at least a full year, your total earnings, including any overtime and bonuses, are added together and divided by 52 weeks. If you\u2019ve worked less than a full year, your total earnings are divided by your actual number of weeks worked. The maximum payment in 2026 is $1446 per week, and the lowest allowable state payment is $30, unless your <span data-term-id=\"53089622\">average weekly wage<\/span> is less than that. In that case, you receive your full wage.<\/p>\n<h3>Temporary Partial Disability<\/h3>\n<p>Temporary partial disability means you can return to work with some limitations, such as reduced hours or longer breaks. If your employer can provide \u201clight work,\u201d you must accept it or risk losing your <span data-term-id=\"53089663\">wage replacement<\/span> benefits. Temporary benefits can last up to 500 weeks, or until you reach \u201cmaximum <span data-term-id=\"53089652\">medical improvement<\/span>.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While you are on temporary partial disability, your <span data-term-id=\"53089640\">medical benefits<\/span> remain uninterrupted. You can continue <span data-term-id=\"53089610\">medical treatment<\/span> until your doctor feels you no longer need <span data-term-id=\"53089644\">medical care<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h3>Permanent Disability<\/h3>\n<p>If you reach \u201cmaximum <span data-term-id=\"53089652\">medical improvement<\/span>\u201d and remain partially or wholly impaired, you may be declared permanently disabled. <span data-term-id=\"53089639\">Permanent partial disability<\/span> means total loss of part of the body, partial loss of use of part of the body, or an injury leading to an inability to earn the same wages in any employment as earned at the time of the injury. If you won\u2019t be able to ever return to your former occupation, you\u2019ll have access to <span data-term-id=\"53089625\">vocational rehabilitation<\/span> to help you find employment in a new position or job.<\/p>\n<p>Permanent total disability means you\u2019re no longer able to earn gainful employment due to the injury or illness caused by your work-related accident. Under North Carolina <span data-term-id=\"53089661\">general statutes<\/span>, this rating is limited to catastrophic brain damage, loss of both eyes, or major paralysis.<\/p>\n<p>Permanent total disability can result in lifetime payments or lump-sum settlements. In cases where an injury is this severe, the worker and their family should consider consulting a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/workers-compensation-law\/north-carolina\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"53089638\">workers\u2019 compensation attorney<\/span><\/a> to discuss their best course of action.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"53089656\">Death Benefits<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"53089656\">Death benefits<\/span> provide the worker\u2019s survivors with financial support and help cover burial expenses. Weekly <span data-term-id=\"53089663\">wage replacement<\/span> payments are calculated at two-thirds of the worker\u2019s <span data-term-id=\"53089622\">average weekly wage<\/span>, similar to the worker\u2019s <span data-term-id=\"53089623\">lost wages<\/span>. Spouses may receive benefits for life or until remarriage. Minor children can receive benefits until they reach the age of 18.<\/p>\n<p>Funeral and burial expenses are covered up to $10,000. The employer must cover all <span data-term-id=\"53089633\">medical bills<\/span> related to the worker\u2019s final treatment. The family should have no outstanding costs.<\/p>\n<h2>How To File a <span data-term-id=\"53089609\">Workers\u2019 Compensation Claim<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re injured on the job, your <strong>first step<\/strong> should be to report the injury to your employer in writing. This is something all <span data-term-id=\"53089611\">injured workers<\/span> should do, even if they\u2019re treated at the on-site nurse\u2019s office or transported from the office. You must file an official report for\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"53089613\">workers\u2019 comp<\/span>\u00a0coverage, which also ensures your boss is informed of the incident.<\/p>\n<p>If your job requires you to see a specific <span data-term-id=\"53089657\">healthcare<\/span> provider, do so. For injuries that required emergency <span data-term-id=\"53089610\">medical treatment<\/span>, visit the company doctor after you leave the ER.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step two<\/strong>\u00a0is to tell the treating physician or nurse that your injury is work-related. Give them your employer\u2019s name and address. The treating <span data-term-id=\"53089657\">healthcare<\/span> provider must complete certain documents and bill workers\u2019 compensation for the treatment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step Three<\/strong> requires you to notify your employer in writing within 30 days of the injury. This should state that you were injured on the job and received <span data-term-id=\"53089610\">medical treatment<\/span>. Your employer has a limited amount of time to file their own documents regarding your claim, so do this sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n<p>Your <span data-term-id=\"53089649\">work injury<\/span> notice should include the date of the accident, where it happened, and as many details as you can recall. If you can\u2019t do it yourself, have a friend or family member write it for you. Keep a copy for yourself.<\/p>\n<p>Following the doctor\u2019s instructions carefully is part of <strong>step four<\/strong>. Whether they tell you to return to work immediately or stay away until they clear you, get it in writing. Make sure to fully understand any instructions or directives a physician gives you before leaving their office.<\/p>\n<p>You must give notice to your employer within 30 days of the date of your injury and have up to two years to file a claim. If you miss either of these deadlines, your claim could be denied. Ff that happens, you could lose your right to file a <span data-term-id=\"53089634\">workers\u2019 compensation case<\/span> for this injury.<\/p>\n<h2>What if My Claim Is Denied?<\/h2>\n<p>Your claim can be denied for many reasons. The most common reason for claim denial is missing a filing deadline. In some cases, a missed deadline can be extended. If you receive a claim denial letter, contact a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/workers-compensation-law\/north-carolina\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"53089627\">workers\u2019 compensation lawyer<\/span><\/a>. They can review the denial letter with you and determine the actual cause of the denial.<\/p>\n<p>Some common reasons for denials include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Missing or unclear medical evidence<\/strong>: The second most common reason for denials is a lack of supporting evidence. The doctor may have failed to attach important documentation, or you could have misread what was needed. In some cases, required forms may not have been completed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lack of connection between your job and your injury<\/strong>: It may have been unclear how your injury was related to your employment. The reviewer could have lacked evidence that showed how the accident caused your particular injury or illness.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pre-existing conditions<\/strong>: <span data-term-id=\"53089615\">Insurance companies<\/span> may claim you had a pre-existing condition unrelated to your job injury. Insurers can\u2019t deny coverage for pre-existing conditions if you can show that your accident aggravated the problem. Make sure your employer knows about any pre-existing conditions you may have, as claiming one after an injury or aggravation is extremely difficult.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Injured outside of work<\/strong>: <span data-term-id=\"53089615\">Insurance companies<\/span> likely won\u2019t pay if there\u2019s a question about whether the injury happened at work or was due to a third party\u2019s liability. In this case, your attorney may need to file a <span data-term-id=\"53089630\">personal injury<\/span> claim on your behalf.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The appeals process goes through the NCIC. You must file a \u201c<span data-term-id=\"53089659\">Notice of Accident<\/span>\u201d form and a Request for Hearing form. Your attorney can explain the process for these documents and what they must include. In most cases, you can\u2019t submit new evidence with this request. It\u2019s strictly a review of the original claim.<\/p>\n<p>NCIC has mandatory mediation before the case goes to a hearing. You may have your attorney represent you. The goal of mediation is to resolve your case before it goes to a hearing.<\/p>\n<p>If you can\u2019t come to a <span data-term-id=\"53089650\">settlement agreement<\/span> at mediation, you\u2019ll have a hearing with the Deputy Commissioner. The Commission will issue a ruling on your claim. Your attorney can present evidence in this case, but usually not new evidence. You may appeal to the NCIC and the state Court of Appeals. If you need to appeal a denial of your claim, consider speaking with a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/workers-compensation-law\/north-carolina\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">North Carolina <span data-term-id=\"53089638\">workers\u2019 compensation attorney<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Legal Advice From a North Carolina <span data-term-id=\"53089638\">Workers\u2019 Compensation Attorney<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>After a <span data-term-id=\"53089614\">workplace injury<\/span>, you may find yourself buried in paperwork and facing questions. Although <span data-term-id=\"53089613\">workers\u2019 comp<\/span> is a \u201c<span data-term-id=\"53089635\">no-fault<\/span>\u201d system, you still need to explain how you were hurt and the impact it has on your life. A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/workers-compensation-law\/north-carolina\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">North Carolina <span data-term-id=\"53089638\">workers\u2019 compensation attorney<\/span><\/a> can help you resolve these questions and deal with the paperwork while you recover from your injuries.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i 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class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                 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was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button 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<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>North Carolina workers&#8217; compensation laws offer protection and income for those injured on the job. learn about filing a claim, what to do if you&#8217;re denied, and much more at FindLaw.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":375363,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":["SEO Title Length","Alt Text for All Images","Category Assigned","External 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