Hurricanes often devastate communities, and North Carolina frequently experiences these intense storms. If you sustain an injury while working during or after a hurricane, you may wonder how it affects your workers’ compensation claim. Knowing more about hurricane-related injuries can help you manage the claims process better.
Higher risk of workplace injuries
During hurricane season, workers face a higher risk of injuries. People working to protect buildings, fix damage or help in emergencies often work in unsafe conditions. Common injuries include:
- Slips, trips and falls: Workers often face wet surfaces, trash and weak structures that can cause accidents.
- Electrocution: Fallen power lines and flooded areas make electrical injuries more likely.
- Heat exhaustion: Many workers work in hot, wet weather, mostly during cleanup.
- Injuries from falling objects: During and after hurricanes, falling trash, tools or gear can hit workers.
- Chemical exposure: Cleanup work may bring contact with harmful chemicals or mold, mostly in flooded buildings.
Workers’ compensation often pays for these injuries, even if you do tasks outside your regular duties.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim
If you sustain an injury while doing hurricane-related work, follow these steps to file a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina:
- Report the injury: Tell your employer right away. North Carolina law says you must report your injury within 30 days.
- Get medical help: See a doctor as soon as possible. Inform the doctor that your injury occurred at work.
- File a claim: Send Form 18 to the North Carolina Industrial Commission to start your workers’ compensation claim.
Following these steps can help ensure your claim goes smoothly and you get the benefits you should.
Problems with hurricane-related claims
Filing a workers’ compensation claim during hurricane season can be more challenging. Employers might dispute claims, arguing that the injury did not happen at work or resulted from the storm. The mess after a hurricane can also slow down the claims process.
Knowing these problems can help you prepare and stand up for your rights.