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Understanding the Different Types of Disability Related to Workers’ Compensation Claims in North Carolina

If you’ve suffered an on-the-job injury or workplace accident, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits under the NC Workers’ Compensation Law.

Workers’ compensation aims to provide financial assistance to help an injured employee cover the costs of medical care and lost wages resulting from their injury or illness.

In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of some of the different types of disability claims related to workers’ compensation claims in North Carolina, including temporary and permanent benefits.

One of the important aspects of workers’ compensation in North Carolina involves wage replacement benefits for injured workers – Kevin Jones, Greenville Workers’ Comp Lawyer

Temporary Total Disability or “TTD”

TTD – Temporary Total Disability is a type of disability that may be necessary when an employee is unable to work for a limited time due to an on-the-job injury or work-related illness.

During this period, the employee may become eligible for wage-loss benefits, calculated as two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage.

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Temporary Total Disability benefits are ordinarily paid until the employee can return to work or until such time as you reach “MMI” or maximum medical improvement.

MMI is the point where the medical condition or disability is not expected to improve further, even with additional medical care and treatment.

Treating physicians are responsible for determining when an employee has reached MMI.

Temporary Partial Disability or “TPD”

TPD – Temporary Partial Disability is one of the types of workers’ compensation benefits where an employee is able to return to work after their injury or illness but is only able to perform limited work duties.

Temporary Partial Disability may result in a reduction in earnings in North Carolina. Temporary Partial Disability Benefits are intended to reflect the reduction in the average weekly wage of the injured employee.

During this period, the employee is eligible for wage-loss benefits, which are calculated as two-thirds of the difference between their pre-injury average weekly wage and their post-injury earning capacity.

Permanent Total Disability or “PTD”

Workers’ compensation benefits may also be available for PTD – Permanent Total Disability.

PTD is a type of disability that reflects coverage when an employee is permanently unable to work due to an on-the-job injury or illness.

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Benefits for PTD are payable until death and include the compensation of two-thirds of their average weekly compensation rate, subject to annual cost of living increases.

Once again, PTD is a type of workers’ compensation claim that relates to maximum medical improvement.

Permanent Partial Disability or “PPD”

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) is a type of disability where the employee experiences a permanent loss of function in one or more parts of their body.

In North Carolina, PPD – Permanent Partial Disability benefits are calculated based on a pre-determined schedule that assigns a number of weeks of compensation for specific types of injuries, such as loss of a limb or loss of vision.

The NC Workers’ Compensation Act 

It is important to note that these four types of disability are just some of the types of disability that can result from a workplace-related injury or illness.

Each case is unique and can result in different types of disability depending on the circumstances.

Are you required to see the Company Doctor?

In North Carolina, workers’ compensation laws require that employers provide access to health care for employees who have been injured or become ill on the job.

In some cases, employers may require their employees to be seen by a company-designated physician.

This is called “direction of care.”

It is important for injured workers to be aware of their rights and obligations when it comes to medical care under the workers’ compensation system.

If you have any questions or concerns about your rights and responsibilities, contact Kevin Jones, a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist workers’ compensation attorney in North Carolina for more information.

Can I get a second opinion?

Injured workers may be entitled to a second opinion from another doctor if they disagree with the evaluation provided by their company-designated physician.

The employee can seek out and consult with additional medical providers at their own expense.

What is Average Weekly Wage?

Average Weekly Wage (AWW) is a calculation used to determine the amount of compensation an injured worker can receive under the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation system.

Are Salary Employees covered under Work Comp?

Yes, in North Carolina, many, if not most employees are covered by workers’ compensation regardless of whether they are salaried or hourly.

Do I need a Worker’s Compensation Attorney?

Whether you’re filing a claim for temporary partial disability benefits, temporary total disability, permanent total disability, or any other type of workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina, having an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer on your side is important.

A worker’s compensation lawyer can help you navigate the complicated process of filing a claim and help ensure that all benefits available are secured.

We are dedicated to helping you get the maximum amount of compensation available for your claim and can provide the legal guidance necessary.

When should you call a Work Comp Lawyer?

If you have been injured on the job, it is important immediately to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to help you navigate the complex laws and regulations surrounding workers’ compensation in North Carolina.

An attorney can help you understand your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Does Workers Comp cover fatalities in North Carolina?

Yes, workers’ compensation in North Carolina covers fatalities.

What you need to know about Workplace Fatalities

In the event of a workplace fatality, surviving family members may be eligible for death benefits, including funeral and burial costs, weekly payments for lost wages, money for medical bills incurred before the employee’s death, and other benefits.

If you have lost a loved one in a workplace accident, contact Kevin Jones, a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist Workers’ compensation attorney in North Carolina, to learn more about your legal options.

We are here to help you every step of the way in your pursuit of justice and maximum compensation.

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