When Does Workers' Comp Start Paying Lost Wages?

Workplace injuries can be stressful and potentially life-altering, affecting your physical and financial well-being. If you cannot work due to an on-the-job injury in North Carolina, you might wonder, “When does workers’ comp start paying lost wages?” 

Although the workers’ compensation system does provide a portion of your lost wages to help you find some financial relief, the timeline for receiving benefits isn’t always straightforward. 

Does Workers’ Comp Pay for Lost Wages in NC? 

Yes, workers’ compensation does offer benefits that replace a portion of an injured worker’s lost income. Under the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act, injured employees who qualify for benefits are entitled to a portion of the wages they lost due to missed time at work after a work-related injury or illness. 

Workers’ Compensation Benefits Timeline in NC 

The timeline for receiving lost wage benefits through workers’ compensation in North Carolina typically includes three steps: 

• Waiting period – You will not receive compensation for the first seven calendar days of missed work unless your disability extends beyond 21 days.
• Benefits start date – After the waiting period, you can begin collecting compensation for subsequent missed days.
• Retroactive payment – If your disability lasts more than 21 days, you will receive retroactive payment for the initial seven-day waiting period.

Medical benefits, however, should begin immediately. 

How Often Will I Get a Workers’ Comp Check for Wage Loss? 

Once your benefits begin, you typically receive workers’ compensation payments weekly. In some situations, the employer or insurance carrier may provide a lump-sum payment instead of ongoing weekly workers’ comp payments. The amount injured workers receive depends on the nature and severity of the disability as follows: 

• Temporary total disability (TTD) – If you’re entirely unable to work, you’ll receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage (up to the maximum cap) until you can return to work or reach maximum medical improvement.
• Temporary partial disability (TPD) – If you can return to work in a limited capacity, you may receive two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury wages and your current light-duty wages.
• Permanent partial disability (PPD) – If you have a permanent impairment but can still work in another capacity, your benefits will be based on your impairment rating and the affected body part.
• Permanent total disability (PTD) – In rare cases of severe, permanent disabilities, you may be eligible for lifetime benefits at two-thirds of your pre-injury average weekly wage (up to the maximum cap).

The maximum duration for temporary disability payments is typically 500 weeks, although there are exceptions for certain severe injuries. 

Get Help from Our North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Now 

The workers’ compensation process for seeking disability benefits can be complicated, and disputes with employers or insurance carriers are not uncommon. To make sure you understand your rights and seek maximum benefits for your work-related injuries, you should consult an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. 

Contact Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, or call (888) 305-4086 today for a free consultation with a workers’ compensation attorney. We can assist you in calculating your average weekly wage correctly to maximize your benefits, guide you through the claims process so you understand your options, and represent your interests if any disputes arise. We are ready to fight for your right to maximum compensation for lost wages.