On an accepted workers' comp claim, the employer is required to pay for medical expenses and treatment that is required to provide a cure or give relief, or lessen the period of disability. The employee may be entitled to medical expenses even if there is no disability. If the injury from the workmans' comp claim resulted in the employee being totally and permanently disabled he may be entitled to lifetime medical compensation, including expenses related to fitting a home to be handicapped accessible.

The employer has the right to select the doctor or hospital to treat the employee. The employee may not refuse such a selection without just cause. An employee may not obtain his own medical treatment without the employer's knowledge and consent. If an employee refuses medical treatment as ordered by the Industrial Commission he has no further right to compensation under the North Carolina Workers' Compensation Act.

While typically a patient would enjoy a doctor/patient privilege regarding anything communicated between the doctor and patient, this privilege is waived in workers' compensation cases. Any fact learned by a doctor, hospital, or hospital employee is not subject to the doctor/patient privilege.

Employees are also eligible to receive reimbursement for medical travel expenses when the travel is necessary for medical purposes, and the destination is more than 20 miles away, round trip. This includes lodging, parking, and meal expenses. Serving the injured in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and across North Carolina, the attorneys at Everett Law Firm, P. A. can assist you in evaluating your North Carolina workers' comp claim. Call today at (919) 942-8002.