Legal Question in Workers Comp in North Carolina
My jaw was broken in two places by a co-worker. Workers comp paid for the surgery however, I suffered permanent nerve damage and have no feeling in my lip and chin. Should I be compensated and by whom?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Workers' compensation owes you for the permanent damage done. One way to approach it would be to request payment for permanent partial disability for permanent partial impairment to the nerve that inervates that part of the face. Discuss it with your treating physician and make sure he/she notes it (permanent impairment) in the records. Then you can proceed under NCGS 97-31(24) for up to $20k. Maybe more if scarring and more medical benefits available as well.
Go to North Carolina Industrial Commission website for more information (Rating Guide, Bulletin, Forms (file Form 18 ASAP), etc.). Also recommend calling an experienced attorney for more direction. Best of luck!
S. Neal Camak
Lennon & Camak, PLLC
Raleigh, NC
Board Certified Specialist in NC Workers' Compensation Law