North Carolina Workers' Compensation Laws

Written notice to the employer within 30 days of the injury or as soon as practicable.

File Form 18 (Employee's Notice of Accident) with the NC Industrial Commission within 2 years. No filing fee for workers' comp claims.

All employers with 3 or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance. Exceptions include certain farm laborers, domestic servants, and casual employees.

Temporary total disability pays 66 2/3% of average weekly wage, maximum $1,380/week (2025), minimum $30/week. There is a 7-day waiting period; if disability exceeds 21 days, the waiting period is paid retroactively.

Permanent partial disability benefits are paid per a schedule: 200 weeks for loss of a leg, 240 weeks for an arm, 75 weeks for a thumb. Payment is the PPD rating percentage times the compensation rate times the scheduled weeks.

Workers' compensation is the exclusive remedy against the employer. Exceptions: employer failed to carry insurance, injury caused by intentional act, or third-party claims against non-employers.

Contributory negligence is generally not a defense in workers' comp. Benefits may be reduced or barred only for willful intoxication, willful failure to use safety devices, or willful violation of safety rules.