Raleigh Workers’ Compensation for Teachers

How Common Are Work-Related Injuries Among Teachers?

Work-related injuries and illnesses affect thousands of teachers each year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that public elementary and secondary schools had over 175,000 work-related injuries and illnesses in a recent year, a 40 percent increase from the year before.

Teachers are at risk for a variety of workplace injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), slips, trips, and falls are most common. They often result from wet floors, loose cords, or uneven surfaces on school grounds. Strains and sprains can occur if teachers lift heavy objects or make repetitive motions. School violence-related injuries, such as from student or parent assaults and breaking up fights, also pose risks.

Additionally, teachers commonly suffer from respiratory illnesses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, there were 10,600 job-related illnesses in schools, including 6,200 respiratory illnesses involving conditions like COVID-19. The respiratory illness rate among teachers rose from 1.1 cases per 10,000 workers in 2019 to 12.3 in 2021.

Do Teachers Get Workers’ Comp in North Carolina?

Most North Carolina teachers qualify for workers’ compensation, but coverage depends on who employs them and how they are paid:

Public School Teachers

Public school teachers paid with state funds receive workers’ compensation through the State Board of Education. The state is responsible for claims only for injuries that happen during the state-operated school term and only for the portion of the teacher’s salary paid by the state.

Public school teachers paid with local or special funds must file claims through their local school administrative units, which might provide workers’ comp for teachers through private insurance. This includes lunchroom workers and other school employees paid by the district.

Private School Teachers

Private school teachers do not receive state-funded workers’ compensation. However, private schools with three or more employees must provide workers’ compensation insurance under North Carolina law. Part-time, temporary, and substitute teachers could also qualify if their employment meets the legal definition of a covered worker.

How Can Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Help?

The board-certified workers’ compensation law specialists at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. fight for injured teachers to recover the benefits they deserve. We have secured millions of dollars in workers’ compensation settlements and understand the challenges teachers face after work-related injuries.

Our firm provides personalized legal support backed by a state-of-the-art case tracking system that keeps you informed throughout the process. Our staff includes fluent English and Spanish speakers, so we can communicate with you clearly in your preferred language.

A workers’ compensation attorney from our firm can gather medical evidence, file claims, negotiate settlements, and represent you in hearings before the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) as necessary. If your school district or the state disputes a claim, we can appeal the denial and demand the compensation you are owed.

If you suffer a work-related injury, you should not handle your claim alone. Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. can provide the legal support you need to seek full benefits.

How Can Teachers Get Workers’ Comp?

You must follow specific steps to file a workers’ compensation claim as a teacher in North Carolina:

Report the injury. You must notify your employer immediately after a work-related injury or illness. North Carolina law requires written notice within 30 days of the injury, with some exceptions.
Seek medical treatment. Your employer may direct you to an approved doctor for treatment. You should follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep records of all visits and expenses.
File Form 18. You must submit a completed Form 18 to the NCIC to start your workers’ comp claim. You must file the form within two years of your injury.
Wait for a response. Your employer or its insurance company must approve or deny your claim after you submit it. If your employer denies your claim, you can appeal through the NCIC.

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Is a Teacher Entitled To?

If you suffer a job-related injury or illness as a teacher in North Carolina, you might qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. The benefits available depend on the severity of your condition and how it affects your ability to work:

Temporary total disability (TTD) – If you cannot work at all during recovery, you could be entitled to weekly payments of TTD benefits. These benefits equal two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to state-set minimum and maximum limits.
Temporary partial disability (TPD) – If you can return to work in a reduced capacity, you could receive TPD benefits, which cover two-thirds of the difference between your previous wages and your current earnings.
Permanent partial disability (PPD) – If you suffer a permanent injury, you might qualify for PPD benefits. The amount depends on the body part affected and the severity.
Permanent total disability (PTD) – In severe cases, you could be entitled to PTD benefits, which could continue for life.
Medical benefits – Workers’ compensation also covers reasonably necessary medical expenses related to your injury, including doctor visits, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
Vocational rehabilitation – You might qualify for vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to your previous job.

North Carolina law provides additional protections for full-time public school teachers who are injured at work due to violence. They may be paid their full salary for their period of disability, until they can return to work, or up to a year, whichever comes first. A North Carolina workers’ comp lawyer can determine what benefits you are entitled to and fight for everything you are owed.

Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in North Carolina Are Ready to Help You

If you are a teacher dealing with a work-related injury, you should not have to handle your workers’ comp claim alone. The process can be stressful, and a mistake could delay or reduce your benefits.

The Raleigh workers’ comp specialists at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. has 90 years of combined experience helping injured workers like you recover the compensation they need. In one recent case, we secured $2.625 million for a workers’ comp settlement. Ultimately, we measure our success not in dollars but in the positive outcomes we obtain for our clients, who praise our legal advocacy, such as this one:

“Very professional. They articulate things in a way you’ll understand, and show empathy and compassion for your situation.” – Russell

Call our team now at (919) 661-9000 or reach out online for a free consultation to find out how we can help you.

Workers’ Compensation for Teachers in Raleigh, NC