The following is a list of 10 of the most frequent questions asked by employees in regards to workers’ compensation.
What if my employer does not offer workers’ compensation?
It is in the best interest of the employee to report the absence of workers’ comp insurance or approved self-insurance to the NCIC Fraud section. If the employee is injured, he or she should file a Form 18 with the Commission and email the completed form to forms@ic.nc.gov.
How can I determine the insurance carrier of my employer?
You can find information concerning the workers’ comp for your employer from the Industrial Commission by either:
- Filing a Form 18 claim against the employer
- Searching the Insurance Coverage Search System
- The employer has filed a Form 19 reporting your injury.
When a Form 18 is processed, the Industrial Commission sends out an acknowledgement letter. If you have not received the acknowledgment letter, you can also contact the Industrial Commission. If you do not have the proper information necessary, it is not required that you provide insurance carrier information when completing a Form 18.
What should an employee do in the event of an injury?
Report the injury to the employer immediately. It must be reported orally and in writing. If unable to do so immediately, it may be filed within 30 days.
What if my employer refuses or fails to report my injury?
The employee can file a Form18 or 18B claim with the Industrial Commission within two years of the accident. The completed forms can be emailed to forms@ic.nc.gov
When is an employee eligible for lost wage compensation?
For the first seven days of lost time, no compensation is due unless the disability surpasses 21 days. The first check doesn’t include the first seven days of payment, but will be granted so long as the disability continues beyond 21 days.
How often will I receive compensation payments?
Weekly in most cases, but the Commission can authorize monthly payments in some circumstances. An employee is eligible to receive lost-time weekly benefits until he or she is fit to return to work.
What is permanent partial disability?
If an employee suffers partial or total loss of an appendage or an inability to earn the same wages as earned at the time of the injury.
How is permanent partial disability determined?
The Commission determines permanent partial disability based on the impairment ratings of a physician or evidence of wage earning capacity.
What should I do if my employer refuses to acknowledge my claim?
The Commission, the claimant, his or her attorney, and all known healthcare providers must be notified of the reason for the denial when the liability for payment of compensation is refused. The exact reason for denial must be described in detail in Form 61. The employee may request a hearing before the Industrial Commission if the insurance company or self-insurer denies a claim. (Form 33, Request for Hearing)
If the workers compensation claim is deemed not compensable, medical providers may bill the employee.
What are the rules for chiropractic treatment?
The employee may receive up to 20 chiropractor visits if the employer grants permission and if medically necessary. The chiropractor will request authorization from the employer is additional visits are needed.