7 day waiting period for NC workers' comp.

• kbunn's blog

Unfortunately, injured workers' do not receive compensation for lost wages for the first seven days they are out of work after a workers' comp injury, unless they remain disabled for at least 21 days.  The days do not have to be consecutive and if a worker is out of work for only part of a day that day is still counted.  By law, after seven days the employer or their workers' compensation insurance company must begin paying the injured employee weekly pursuant to their comp rate, which is 2/3rds of the employee's average weekly wage (AWW).  After 21 days the employer must pay for the first seven days of disability.  The worker may use sick leave or vacation while waiting for workers' compensation to kick in.  Medical benefits should be paid from the date of the injury.  See N.C. General Statute 97-28.

Please call or email for a free consultation with a North Carolina workers' (workman's) compensation attorney.