Legal Question in Workers Comp in North Carolina
I was injured at work last week. I have been to the doctor and was originally diagnosed with a fractured coccyx and severe contusions of the back. Now tey believe it may not be a fracture and will take another xray this week. My job says it will take care of my medical bills but says i'll receive no other pay because I'm only a part time employee. is this correct? I thought I'd receive a portion of my pay while on doctors leave even though I was only part time...I don't know what to do! Please help me know what the legal answer is. Thank you!
1 Answer from Attorneys
You are likely correct in your belief, but I need more facts to know for sure. Part-time status should NOT make a difference in your ability to collect wage loss benefits under workers' comp unless you fall into a few narrow exceptions. Are you sure your employer has WC insurance?
At a minimum, you need to file a Form 18 at the NC Industrial Commission ASAP. Also request a Bulletin that gives you lots of good information. You can even check to see if your employer has WC insurance by calling their statistics department. You can link to the NCIC from our website at ncworkcomp.com. Form 18 and Bulletin can be printed from NCIC website as well.
Best,
S. Neal Camak
Lennon & Camak, PLLC
Raleigh, NC