Going through a workers’ comp claim in North Carolina isn’t as easy as it seems. Aside from the physical pain from the injury, you’ll also have to bear, the process of getting an acceptable amount of compensation can be quite demanding. 

Plus, the recovery from severe injuries doesn’t always go as planned. Many people have to experience impediments along the way that can trigger a negative influence on their daily routine and their ability to work in the future.

If you have suffered a workplace injury and are getting workers’ compensation benefits from it, a minute negative alteration in your condition will require that your compensation assistance should continue for a prolonged duration.

In some cases, the change in condition occurs after the compensation claim has been settled and closed because the worker was thought to be fully recovered from their injury or to have reached MMI (maximum medical improvement).  MMI implies that your condition has steadied, and additional treatment wouldn’t essentially further improve your work-related injuries. 

Moreover, it is when you’ve reached MMI, the extent of damage your injury caused becomes obvious.

But because of changes in the condition, the worker may receive compensation benefits once again. The claim has to be re-opened and filed again. It can be tiresome to open a settled claim, and that’s why you need assistance from a qualified workers’ compensation attorney.

Workers’ compensation lawyers will confirm that you get the best compensation possible for your injury or change in condition.

What Does A Change In Condition Mean?

A “change in condition” can be simply expressed as worsening of your work-related injury, typically after reaching MMI and returning to work. In that case, the aggravated health conditions may inhibit you from resuming your job, resulting in loss of income. 

For the change in condition claim to be validated, you have to specify that your condition depreciated and such change occurred due to the initial injury. The worsening of the condition and inability to resume work is because of an initial work-related injury.

You must provide effective evidence to designate that there’s a contributing connection between your previous injury and your worsened conditions. Medical evidence or a description from an experienced doctor can support your claims.

It is challenging to re-open a settled workers’ compensation claim in Wilmington, North Carolina without competent legal help. The employers and insurers are also unwilling to spend more incidentals on a case that has already been closed. But a recovering worker with an actual requirement for continuous medical treatment compensation or time off from work has the right to be supported by the law.

If you want to re-open a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina due to a change in condition, proficient workers’ compensation attorneys can guide you through the process and discover all the assistance you deserve.

Why Is Change In Condition Important For NC Workers’ Comp?

The workers’ compensation for workplace-related injuries can cover medical bills and a percentage of total weekly wages as the worker cannot resume their job. The main aim is to support the worker until they reach MMI and are well enough to get back to work.

Ultimately, the doctor treating the injured worker will conclude whether the patient has reached the maximum medical improvement (MMI) or not. It signifies the workers have reached the recovery limits, or the condition won’t recover or worsen any further.

At this point, the workers’ comp insurance providers will settle and close the worker’s claim and stop paying any benefits.

The workers can return to their jobs just as before the injury.

But closing the claim can be problematic if the worker returns to work and their medical illness takes a turn for the worse. A worker in need of medical care or time off from work for a change in condition is directly related to their original workers’ compensation and deserves sustained benefits.

Does A Change In Condition For The Worse Affect Compensation?

In Wilmington, North Carolina, the injured workers can only re-open the settled workers’ compensation claim within two years from the previous reimbursement date. Plus, if the claim is a medical-only case, the injured workers can open the case within a one-year time limit. 

The earlier compensation didn’t cover the worsened conditions; the case has to start again to accommodate changes in condition. An approved claim will allow you to get additional financial and medical benefits along with the initial compensation. 

Though, the qualified workers must consider the time limitation for re-opening their claims. You can lose your right to attain additional compensation if you don’t apply for it within the designated time duration.

Get Legal Help Immediately By Contacting Us Now!

It is possible to open an already settled work compensation claim if your condition changes for the worse. But you’ll require some legal assistance by a competent workers compensation attorney to enjoy additional benefits for your worsened condition positively.

The NC Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition, with our dedicated attorneys, has effectively protected supplementary compensation for abundant injured employees, and we’ll be pleased to help you as well!