Did you know that if you’re injured on the job in North Carolina, you may be entitled to partial disability benefits? These benefits can provide financial support for those who are unable to work at their previous level due to a work-related injury or illness. However, many people don’t realize they are eligible for these benefits and end up leaving money on the table.
If you’ve been injured on the job and are experiencing limitations in your ability to work, it’s important to understand your rights and options. In this article, we’ll explore NC partial disability benefits, including who is eligible. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of whether you may be leaving money on the table and how to take action to secure the benefits you deserve.
What is NC Partial Disability Benefits?
An employee is injured at work. A claim is accepted. Medical treatment is provided—and work restrictions are honored. Eventually, he or she reaches maximum medical improvement and heads back to work.
What most people don’t realize is that they may be eligible for scheduled benefits under N.C. Gen. Stat §97-31—a partial impairment rating that determines employees who are not fully healed may receive additional benefits.
Partial Disability Benefits is a type of compensation that is available to individuals who have suffered a work-related injury or illness that has resulted in a permanent partial disability. This means that while the individual is still able to work, their injury or illness has caused a permanent impairment that affects their ability to perform certain tasks or activities.
Partial disability benefits are not permanent and may be subject to review. If a worker’s condition improves and they are able to return to work at their pre-injury level, their benefits may be reduced or terminated. However, if their condition worsens, they may be eligible for additional benefits.
Who is Eligible for Partial Disability Benefits?
NC Partial Disability Benefits are available for individuals who have suffered an injury or illness that has resulted in a partial loss of their ability to work. To be eligible for these benefits, you must have sustained an injury or illness that has left you with a permanent impairment, but you are still able to work in some capacity. This means that you can still perform some work-related tasks, but your earning capacity has been reduced due to your disability.
To qualify for NC Partial Disability Benefits, you must also have worked for a certain period of time and paid into the Social Security system. Specifically, you must have earned enough work credits to be considered “insured” under Social Security.
Additionally, your disability must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. You must also be under the age of 65 to qualify for Partial Disability Benefits, as this is the age at which you become eligible for full Social Security retirement benefits.
It’s important to note that even if you do not qualify for Partial Disability Benefits, you may still be eligible for other types of benefits, such as workers’ compensation or long-term disability insurance. It’s important to explore all available options to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of benefits possible.
How Much Money Can You Receive from Partial Disability Benefits?
When it comes to Partial Disability Benefits, the amount of money you can receive will depend on a few different factors. Firstly, it will depend on the severity of your disability and how much it affects your ability to work. Secondly, it will depend on your average weekly wage before your injury or illness occurred.
If you are eligible for NC Partial Disability Benefits, you can receive up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to a maximum weekly limit set by the state.
The amount of money you receive from Partial Disability Benefits may not be enough to cover all of your expenses, especially if you were earning a high salary before your injury or illness. That’s why it’s important to also consider other sources of income, such as workers’ compensation or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Should You Seek the Help of an Attorney?
If you are considering filing for partial disability benefits, you may be wondering if you should hire an attorney to assist you. While it is not required by law, seeking the help of an attorney can be a wise decision.
An experienced attorney can guide you through the complex legal process, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and on time. They can also help you gather the necessary medical evidence to support your claim, which can increase your chances of being approved for benefits.
Additionally, an attorney can help you understand your rights and the benefits you are entitled to receive. They can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, which can be incredibly beneficial if your claim is denied or if you are not receiving the full amount of benefits you are entitled to.
Overall, seeking the help of an attorney can be a wise decision when filing for NC partial disability benefits. They can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the process, ensuring that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
