Understanding Claims & Benefits

Workers' compensation was created to cover medical bills, death benefits, rehabilitation, funeral expenses, and disability payments if you are unable to work for a period of time. In North Carolina, workers’ compensation claims must be filed within two years of the date your accident and/or injury occurred. You should not wait to report your injury to an employer. The injury must be work-related, although not all injuries are covered. There are different types of workers’ compensation disability benefits, including the following: total permanent disability, partial permanent disability, temporary total disability, medical only benefits and death benefits.

Total Permanent Disability

This type of disability is distinguished by an individual’s complete and total loss of the ability to work due to the injury sustained in the workers’ compensation claim. An insurance company may offer this type of disability if an individual’s injury will not improve over time or respond to treatments.

Partial Permanent Disability

This type of disability is typically given to individuals who were injured in a work-related situation, but can still work to a certain degree. A doctor will determine the extent of the injuries sustained by the individual.

Temporary Total Disability

This type of disability is generally awarded to individuals who are temporarily unable to work in any capacity. A doctor will determine the extent of the injuries and report that a full recovery is expected.

Medical-Only Benefits

This type of benefit only covers costs associated with medical bills.

Death Benefits

This disability is awarded to the family or dependents of an individual who died as a result of a work-related injury or illness. Death benefits typically cover funeral expenses and lost income to the deceased individual’s dependents.