Workers' Compensation: North Carolina

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Nicole Farley, Fisher Phillips.

Summary

• All North Carolina employers that have workers' compensation insurance or who qualify as "self-insured" are required to post the North Carolina Workers' Compensation Notice to Injured Workers and Employers Poster in the workplace. See Notice Requirements.
• Workers' compensation is mandatory, employer-financed, no-fault insurance. Many North Carolina employers are required to provide coverage, with few exceptions. See Covered Employers.
• All employees of covered employers are protected by workers' compensation insurance, with some notable exceptions. See Covered Employees.
• Injuries and occupational illnesses arising out of and in the course of employment are generally considered compensable. See Compensable Injuries.
• When an employee is injured on the job, all reasonable surgical and medical services and expenses are due to be paid by an approved workers' compensation carrier or self-insured employer. See Medical Benefits.
• In addition to medical benefits, some injured workers are eligible for partial wage replacement under workers' compensation. See Other Benefits.
• Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who file workers' compensation claims. See Retaliation and Interference.
• North Carolina law provides an avenue to resolve claim disputes, including rules and regulations for filing motions and appeals with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). See Disputes and Administrative Proceedings.