What Are Workers’ Compensation Injury Notification Requirements in North Carolina?

At Waple & Houk, PLLC, our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys understand that one of the most critical factors in pursuing a successful North Carolina claim is reporting that a workplace injury occurred. Delayed reporting can lead to complications in the claims process, potentially affecting the compensation and support provided to the injured employee.

Quick reporting also allows employers to investigate the root causes of the accident promptly. Identifying and addressing these causes can help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, contributing to a safer work environment.

Here, we discuss five essential steps to report a work-related injury to follow the workers’ compensation protocol and increase the chances of benefits approval.

Step One: Inform the Appropriate Company Personnel You Have Suffered a Workplace Injury

If you have been hurt at work in North Carolina, immediately tell your employer or supervisor. Immediate reporting ensures accurate incident documentation, including details of the injuries, witnesses, and other relevant information. This documentation is crucial for regulatory compliance, internal investigations, and pursuing workers’ compensation benefits.

Step Two: Seek Medical Treatment

Your North Carolina employer may designate which healthcare provider you see to evaluate your work-related injuries outside of emergencies where it is impossible. If your employer does not designate a healthcare provider, appropriate healthcare may be obtained from your family doctor or a hospital emergency room.

Step Three: Tell the Healthcare Provider Your Injury is Work-Related

Information about the work-related nature of your injuries helps healthcare providers make an accurate diagnosis. Work-related injuries may have specific characteristics or causes relevant to the treatment plan.

Work-related injuries are typically eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Informing your healthcare provider allows them to document the details of the injury accurately, which is crucial for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Provide the physician with your employer’s name and contact information so the healthcare provider may bill the treatment as a workers’ compensation claim.

Step Four: Supply Your Employer with Written Notice of Your Injuries

You have 30 days to give your employer written notice of your workplace accident and injuries.

Providing written notice is beneficial in several ways. First, it helps preserve your legal rights. If you delay reporting the accident, it may be more challenging to establish a clear connection between your injuries and the workplace, potentially affecting your ability to claim compensation or benefits.

Next, a written notice creates a documented record of the incident, including details such as the accident’s date, time, location, and nature. This documentation can be essential for future reference, especially if legal or insurance issues arise.

Step Five: Follow All Healthcare Provider Instructions

A successful workers’ compensation claim requires medical proof that you suffered a workplace injury and are pursuing ongoing medical care, attending all appointments, and following all your physician’s treatment requirements.

These five steps will ensure that your injury is reported correctly, you receive appropriate healthcare quickly, and your employer can initiate workers’ compensation medical benefits.

Contact Our Dedicated Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Charlotte Today

If you have been hurt at work in North Carolina, contact our dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys in Charlotte today by phone at (704)-954-8697 or schedule a free consultation online to learn more about how we can help you pursue the best outcome for your claim.