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Last Modified on Sep 14, 2026
Almost every private employer in North Carolina is required to have workers’ compensation insurance, and most regular employees are eligible to file claims when they are hurt at work. But how long does a workers’ comp claim take in North Carolina? It’s understandable to be concerned about how long you must wait for the compensation you need to help with your recovery, and a skilled attorney can help you navigate the claim-filing process efficiently.
How Long Does A Workers’ Comp Claim Take In North Carolina?
The aftermath of a workplace accident can be confusing and traumatic, especially when you have suffered any type of catastrophic injury. You have a short time to claim workers’ compensation benefits, and the first steps you take after your accident are important to your recovery. After you receive medical attention, you should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer at your first opportunity to help you file your claim.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded about 64,200 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses from private sector employers in North Carolina during 2024. When you are hurt at work, you are likely covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance, but there are several procedural rules you will need to follow to obtain benefits. First, you need to report the injury or illness to your employer within 30 days; otherwise, you could be denied benefits.
After reporting the injury to your employer, they are required to provide you with the materials you need to file your claim for benefits. As part of your claim review, you will likely need to have a workers’ compensation doctor assess the severity of your injury in a functional capacity evaluation. This doctor will assign you a disability rating that will be a major factor in the insurance company’s determination of benefits.
If you hire a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible after your injury, they may be able to help you resolve your claim relatively quickly. A straightforward case may only take a few weeks to a few months to resolve before you receive benefits. However, there is always a chance for complications to arise, and you may also have grounds to pursue legal action outside of the workers’ compensation system.
Benefits of Hiring a North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney
You are not only more likely to obtain a fair determination of benefits if you hire a workers’ compensation lawyer, but also more likely to resolve your claim within a reasonable timeframe. A skilled local attorney can help with every step of the claim-filing process, and you will have a reliable legal advocate on your side if you encounter any unexpected complications with your case.
Depending on how your injury occurred, you may have grounds to pursue additional compensation with a personal injury case. While workers’ compensation insurance typically protects the employer from civil liability, if a third party injured you, then you could potentially recover compensation for the damages that workers’ compensation insurance won’t cover, such as your pain and suffering.
Ultimately, the time it takes to resolve a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina varies based on several factors. Every case is unique, and every injured worker will encounter different challenges as they pursue their benefits. The team at The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers has the skills and experience you need in this situation, so reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how we can help.
FAQs
Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Cover Pain and Suffering in North Carolina?
No, workers’ compensation insurance does not cover pain and suffering in North Carolina, even if you suffered an extremely painful and permanently disabling injury. You would only be able to claim pain and suffering compensation for a workplace injury if your employer directly caused the injury in some way or if you have grounds to file a personal injury claim against a third party.
How Much Can I Receive in Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
The amount you can receive in workers’ compensation benefits largely depends on the severity of the injury and the scope of its long-term or permanent effects. A successful claim could yield full coverage of all medical treatment costs for your work injury, and the amount you receive in disability benefits will vary based on your remaining functional capacity to work and your anticipated recovery time.
When Should I Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
You should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer at your first opportunity after your injury. The sooner you consult an attorney, the sooner they can start building your case, and you will be better prepared to confront any unexpected challenges in your case with their assistance. You are also more likely to resolve your claim in a reasonable timeframe with an attorney’s assistance.
What Happens if My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, your North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney can determine the cause of the denial, review correspondence with the insurance carrier, and explain the next steps you can take. The claim may have been denied due to missing paperwork or errors on your submitted claim forms, but if the denial was in bad faith, you will need an attorney’s help to respond accordingly.
Why Do I Need to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
You need to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to have a better chance of navigating your case successfully and to be prepared in case you encounter unexpected issues from your employer and/or their insurance carrier. Even if your employer is agreeable and you believe your case is straightforward, it is crucial to have legal counsel you can trust on your side to help you secure a fair determination of benefits.
The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers has more than 45 combined years of proven experience handling all types of workers’ compensation claims in North Carolina. Our goal in every case we accept is to help our client secure appropriate benefits as swiftly as possible so they can recover with peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney and learn how we can help.
