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Last Modified on Mar 11, 2026
Many people want to know the average workers’ compensation settlement in North Carolina after suffering a workplace injury. It’s very important for employees who have to support themselves and their families, as they need this settlement to do so. However, every injury is different, so there isn’t one average that explains what you can recover. Many aspects of your injury and claim affect the benefits you are owed, along with whether you can recover a full settlement.
The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers has evaluated numerous workers’ comp claims over the years. There are several factors to consider that influence the compensation you can recover in a workers’ compensation claim, including:
The Cause and Severity of the Injury
Different causes of injuries and levels of severity have different average costs. Many injuries can result in medical costs, such as:
- Hospital transportation
- Surgeries
- Hospital overnights
- Doctor’s visits
- Medications
- Medical devices
- Mobility aids
- Other prescription needs
- Physical therapy
Each injury is unique, and many factors influence how costly treatment is.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), unintentional falls in the U.S. had an average medical bill cost of $8,869 and an average work loss cost of $2,397 per person in 2023 for injuries resulting in an emergency department (ED) visit. A more severe injury likely has much higher costs. When these same injuries resulted in hospitalization, the average costs increased to $53,889 for medical bills and $7,906 for work loss costs per person.
Comparatively, ED visits caused by machinery injuries the same year cost an average of $4,075 in medical bills and $1,593 in work loss costs per person. Hospitalization for the same injuries increased these costs to $51,931 for medical bill expenses and $9,673 for work loss costs. Some causes of accidents can cause more serious and, therefore, more costly injuries on average.
Employee Income
Workers’ compensation claims can include a portion of your average weekly wages if you must take time off work to recover and heal from your injury. In North Carolina, this is often ⅔ of your average weekly wages. Because of this, the amount you recover in a claim for these benefits depends on:
- How long you cannot work
- Whether you can work part-time or not
- What your average weekly wages usually are
This also relies on the injury’s severity, as more serious injuries are more likely to require long periods of time off work.
Disability Benefits in North Carolina
Another factor that influences workers’ compensation claims is whether your workplace injury resulted in a disability, and what that disability is. Under North Carolina law, there is an expected level of compensation for certain injuries. Compensation for certain disabilities and injuries includes the following:
- Loss of an index finger results in ⅔ of average weekly wages for 45 weeks.
- Loss of a big toe results in ⅔ of average weekly wages for 35 weeks.
- Loss of a hand results in ⅔ of average weekly wages for 200 weeks.
- Loss of an arm results in ⅔ of average weekly wages for 240 weeks.
In North Carolina, there were 23 severe injury reports made to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration throughout 2024 from the state’s workplaces, and these injuries included six amputations.
Do I Need the Support of an Attorney in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
You may be owed these benefits, but it can sometimes be difficult to recover them. Employers and their workers’ compensation insurance companies may dispute your claim or offer a settlement that is much lower than what you are owed. When you hire a workers’ compensation attorney, they can assess all your damages and advocate for your right to receive fair benefits. This can make you more likely to recover more damages.
FAQs
What Is the NC Average Workers’ Comp Settlement?
The average workers’ comp settlement in North Carolina depends on your wages, your injury, and other factors. Most workers’ compensation settlements include the cost of your medical treatment and ⅔ of your average weekly wages. A settlement depends on:
- What your average weekly wages are
- How seriously you were injured
- The cost of your medical treatment
You are more likely to secure the full and fair benefits you are owed when you work with an attorney.
How Much Is a Workers’ Comp Settlement in North Carolina?
A good workers’ comp settlement in North Carolina is one that covers the benefits you are owed, including:
- Immediate and expected medical costs for treatment
- A portion of your lost wages
- Disability benefits when relevant
When you have legal representation, they can clearly calculate your losses and what benefits you should recover. Your attorney can also negotiate on your behalf with workers’ compensation insurers to seek a fair settlement.
Why Do You Need to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in North Carolina?
While it isn’t required, it’s highly recommended that you hire a workers’ compensation lawyer in North Carolina. They can make your case much easier and more likely to be successful. Your attorney can review your case to determine if you have a claim and gather crucial information and documentation to support that claim. If your employer offers a bad settlement, your attorney can advocate for what you are owed, potentially appealing your claim if needed.
What If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied in North Carolina?
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied in North Carolina, there are options to appeal a denied workers’ compensation claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). Your employer or their insurance company can dispute your claim, but the NCIC has the final say on workers’ compensation benefits.
Based on the reason for the dispute, your attorney can create a strategy for your NCIC appeal, request a hearing, and represent you in mediation or an NCIC hearing.
Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in North Carolina
When you hire a workers’ compensation lawyer, you want to find the right team with the experience and resources to support you. At The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers, we can provide the guidance and representation you need.
Our attorneys have over 45 years of collective legal experience, and our firm has supported North Carolina employees for the past 20 years. We know the needs of North Carolina workers, and we can work to recover the benefits you need to support yourself and your family. Reach out to our team today to learn how we can help.
