A trip and fall. Injury by machinery. Exposure to asbestos leading to a diagnosis of mesothelioma. These are life-changing events for employees (and employers) that may lead to a slurry of workers’ compensation claims. When the worst happens to an injured employee and his or her family is left behind, the Workers’ Compensation Act details…
On July 26, 2022, the Full Commission issued another extended benefits decision, Messick v. Walmart Stores, Inc. The panel consisted of Vice-Chair Griffin, Commissioner Taylor and Commissioner Goodman. In this case, the Full Commission awarded the claimant extended benefits. The issue of extended benefits was not an issue at the Deputy Commissioner level. The Deputy…
Over the last year, we have seen an uptick in claimant attorneys requesting a second opinion on treatment options under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-25(b) and that defendants 1) issue a prepayment for that visit and 2) pay beyond the NCIC fee schedule amount for the visit. Claimant attorneys argue there are not any medical…
A recent May 2022 decision from the North Carolina Court of Appeals provides a refresher on the “eggshell plaintiff rule” and taking your claimant how you find them. In Kluttz-Ellison v. Noah’s Playloft Preschool, the claimant sustained two separate incidents to the knees while working as the owner and director of a preschool. One incident…
Commissioner Myra Griffin Reappointed Commissioner Myra Griffin was reappointed by Gov. Cooper to serve a second six-year term beginning July 1, 2022. Her reappointment is subject to confirmation by the North Carolina Gen. Assembly and had been approved by the House of Representatives as of June 29, but was still pending in the Senate. However,…
When employees in North Carolina sustain injuries by accident arising out of and in the course of their employment with employers, their ensuing workers’ compensation claims are generally compensable. However, what if the injured worker is a subcontractor? And, does it matter if the injured subcontractor is uninsured? What if the injured worker is a…
With many types of benefits available for injured and out of work employees, it can be difficult to remember who is entitled to a credit or offset when an employee is also receiving workers’ compensation benefits. In North Carolina, an out of work injured employee potentially could receive workers’ compensation benefits and Social Security disability…
On May 4, 2022, Commissioners Griffin, Gillen and Phillips affirmed Deputy Commissioner Howell’s August 11, 2021 decision to deny claimant’s request for extended benefits in George E. Tyson, Jr. v. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and CCMSI. The claimant sustained a compensable injury to his lower back on October 8, 2011, while…
In these challenging economic times, which include inflation and rising costs of workers’ compensation coverage, one way employers can reduce their workers compensation insurance coverage costs is to request the inclusion in their policies of deductible provisions. In addition to premium cost savings, deductible plans can improve employers’ cash flow, provide increased tax deductions, and…
The North Carolina Court of Appeals issued a new decision concerning medical treatment, and what evidence is necessary to prove causation and establish compensability. In Mahone v. Home Fix Custom Remodeling, the claimant worked for a home remodeling company. On July 24, 2018, the claimant climbed into the attic of a potential customer to take…