The feeling you get after being injured at work can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure whether you’ll receive the compensation you deserve. The good news is that several factors come into play when it comes to calculating your worker’s compensation claim. That means you won’t have to grapple with the uncertainty and stress of a workplace injury.
Since the law will be on your side, your injuries will be taken seriously and you’ll be treated with the fairness and respect you deserve. This article explores the four crucial factors that influence the calculation of your worker’s compensation claim. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of what lies ahead and the steps you need to take when reporting your injury for compensation. Keep reading.
Severity Of The Injury
When it comes to calculating worker’s compensation claims in North Carolina, the severity of the injury is a crucial factor that carries significant weight. It’s not just about a few bumps and bruises; it’s about injuries that have a real impact on your life, your ability to work, and your overall well-being.
For example, if you’re working on a construction site, and a heavy object falls on your foot, causing a severe fracture, it’s certainly going to affect your ability to carry out your job. The best thing to do will be to get a doctor to check your situation so that your claim can be correctly valued. A lawyer will refer you to the best doctor who will assess the severity of your injury ad come up with medical reports, treatment duration, and the long-term effects on your health and work capacity.
Wage Loss And Impairment
When you’re injured at work, you’ll have to deal with the physical pain and the financial implications that result from your injury. Worker’s compensation takes into account the wage loss you experience due to your injury.
Your pre-injury earnings and your potential future earnings play a significant role in determining the compensation amount. If your injury prevents you from earning the same income you did before, you deserve to be compensated for that loss.
Moreover, impairment ratings also come into play. These ratings assess the extent to which your injury affects your overall ability to function and work. They can impact the compensation amount you receive.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational rehabilitation, including services such as retraining and job placement assistance, will also be considered. This is aimed at helping you to get back on your feet and find suitable employment if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous occupation.
Time Frame And Statutory Limitations
Reporting and filing your worker’s compensation claim within the right time frame is crucial. In North Carolina, there are specific deadlines you need to be aware of to ensure your claim is valid. Failing to meet these deadlines can have serious implications on your ability to receive compensation.
The statute of limitations is a legal concept that sets a maximum time limit for filing a claim. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for worker’s compensation claims is typically two years from the date of the injury or the last payment of compensation. It’s important to understand these time frames and act promptly to protect your rights.
The Bottom Line
The above four crucial factors will help you navigate the worker’s compensation process with confidence. Contact a workers’ compensation lawyer today to assist you through all the steps so you can receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
