Common Questions About the Benefits Available for Permanent Workplace Injuries in North Carolina

A permanent workplace injury can upend your life—physically, emotionally, and financially. When your injury leads to lasting impairment, returning to work may no longer be an option, and the future can feel uncertain. Fortunately, North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system provides benefits for employees who suffer permanent injuries on the job. But the system is complex, and many injured workers aren’t sure what they’re entitled to—or how to claim it.

At Ramsay Law Firm, our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys help injured workers across North Carolina understand their rights and fight for the full benefits they deserve. Below, we address some of the most common questions from clients with permanent workplace injuries.

What Types of Permanent Injuries Qualify for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Not every injury heals fully. Some workplace injuries result in lasting impairment or permanent loss of function, even after medical treatment has ended. When a doctor determines that your condition is stable but unlikely to improve significantly, you may be considered to have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), a critical milestone for permanent injury claims.

Common examples of permanent workplace injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries.
• Spinal cord damage or paralysis.
• Amputations or loss of limb function.
• Loss of hearing or vision.
• Severe burns or disfigurement.
• Joint damage or chronic mobility loss.

These injuries may qualify for long-term benefits through North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system.

What Is a Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Rating?

When your injury results in permanent loss of use or function in a specific body part, your physician may assign a Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) rating. This rating helps quantify the level of impairment and determines how much compensation you may be eligible to receive under state law.

PPD ratings are based on a percentage of loss to a particular body part, such as a 30% loss of function in an arm or a 15% loss in a leg. North Carolina law has a statutory schedule sets out how many weeks of compensation apply to each body part. Your rating is then used to calculate your benefits.

What Benefits Are Available for Permanent Injuries?

When you suffer a permanent injury at work, your benefits will depend on the nature and severity of the disability. North Carolina workers’ compensation laws provide several benefits to support you financially and medically after a life-changing injury.

These benefits may include:

• Wage replacement – Partial or total disability payments based on reduced or lost earning capacity.
• Scheduled loss benefits – Compensation for permanent loss or reduced function of a specific body part.
• Medical treatment – Ongoing care, including surgeries, therapy, medication, assistive devices, and more.
• Vocational rehabilitation – Job retraining or placement assistance if you can’t return to your previous role.

These benefits aim to help injured workers maintain stability and independence after a permanent loss.

Why Legal Help Matters for Permanent Injury Claims

Navigating a workers’ compensation claim for a permanent injury is not something you should do alone. Insurance companies may challenge your disability rating, delay your benefits, or push you to settle for less than your case is worth. The system is designed to be complex, so experienced legal guidance makes all the difference.

At Ramsay Law Firm, we advocate for injured workers across North Carolina. Our team works with medical providers, vocational experts, and financial planners to ensure your claim reflects the full impact of your injury, now and into the future.

Contact Ramsay Law Firm Today

If you’ve suffered a permanent injury at work, don’t leave your future to chance. Contact our Mecklenburg County attorneys at Ramsay Law Firm at 704-376-1616 or online for a free consultation today. We’re here to answer your questions, protect your rights, and help you secure the benefits you need to rebuild your life.

A Voice For The Injured.  Here Every Step of The Way.

Related Links:

• Who Pays My Medical Bills After a North Carolina Workplace Injury?
• 5 Things to Know If You’re Injured in the North Carolina Workplace
• What to Do If a Third Party Caused Your Workplace Injury in North Carolina
• What to Expect If Your North Carolina Workplace Injury Requires Surgery?
• Common Causes and Treatment Options for Managing Chronic Pain After a North Carolina Workplace Injury