Legal Question in Workers Comp in North Carolina
workmans comp
I hurt my lower back in June 2007 at work. I've done everything that I am suppose to do from drs to physical therapy and work. The dr that wc has me seeing now is a rehabilatative back specialist. i have told him that I am still having pain in my lower back, tingling in my legs, muscle spasms in my back ect. I can not be on my feet or sit more then 2-3 hours without being in pain. The dr says that there is nothing he can do for, he does not know what is wrong and my next visit he will proably put me on permanent particial disability. What is permanent particial disability and what does it entail? Does this mean I can still continue working? I am full time and my job has a considerable amount of heavy lifting and I do not think I will be able to continue that position & the company I work for has very little hours to give their employees. Can someone just tell me what the law is to what I can & can not do?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: workmans comp
You really need to consult with an experienced work comp atty ASAP over the phone or in person. Most of us do not charge for an initial consultation.
At the very least, you need to go to NC Industrial Commission wesite, which can be linked to from our site, to get a Bulletin and more information on how wc works in NC. Our website can be found at ncworkcomp.com.
"PPD", or permanent partial disability, is a rating of a body part that translates into a certain amount of money for you under the Workers' Compensation Act. However, it should be assigned only at declaration of "MMI", or maximum medical improvement and you do have the right to a second opinion on the size of the rating from another doctor. Dr. Robert Wilson, of Triangle Ortho, or Dr. Craig Derian, both in Durham, NC, are good suggestions for second opinions.
PPD has nothing to do with your ability to work. Either your job has something for you (a real job) within your restrictions or they do not (in which case you keep getting your weekly TTD checks and maybe start vocational rehabilitation).
Best of luck!
S. Neal Camak
Lennon & Camak, PLLC
Raleigh, NC
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