What Injuries Are Covered Under Workers' Compensation in North Carolina?

Workers' compensation is an essential benefit for employees across North Carolina who have suffered an injury or illness related to their work duties. This insurance program, which is mandatory for most employers in our state, provides benefits that include medical coverage and wage replacement. However, not all injuries are covered under this program. This blog post outlines the types of injuries that typically qualify for workers' compensation in North Carolina.

What Injuries Are Covered Under Workers' Compensation in North Carolina?

Let's dive into what injuries are covered under workers' compensation in North Carolina.

1. Injuries Sustained at Work or Due to Work Duties

The fundamental principle of workers' compensation insurance is that it covers injuries that occur "in the course of employment". This means injuries that happen while an employee is doing something on behalf of their employer or during their work are usually covered. This can range from injuries sustained in a slip-and-fall accident at the office to injuries suffered while operating machinery on a factory floor.

2. Occupational Diseases

Workers' compensation in North Carolina also covers occupational diseases. These are illnesses that occur as a direct result of an employee's work activities. Examples could include lung disease from exposure to harmful chemicals or repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome resulting from continuous computer work. The crucial factor here is that the disease must be directly related to the nature of the employee's job.

3. Traumatic Injuries

Injuries resulting from sudden accidents or events at work, also known as traumatic injuries, are also covered under workers' compensation. This can include fractures, burns, and traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic injuries also cover incidents where an employee is injured by machinery, equipment, or other workplace hazards.

4. Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries, such as tendonitis or bursitis, which are caused by doing the same motion over and over again, are covered under workers' compensation. These injuries are common in jobs that require repetitive movements, such as typing, lifting, or assembly line work.

5. Injuries Suffered During Work-Related Travel

Injuries suffered during work-related travel are usually covered. However, this does not include commuting to and from work, unless the employee was on a special mission for the employer or was using a company vehicle.

The laws governing workers' compensation are complex, and every case is unique. Just because an injury falls under these categories does not automatically mean that it will be covered. Various factors, such as the employee's work status, whether safety rules were followed, and the exact circumstances of the injury, can affect eligibility.

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