After an injury is reported, authorized medical treatment typically begins while Form 18 formally documents the claim with the Industrial Commission. The insurance carrier then reviews the claim and either approves it, partially denies it, or fully denies it. When a dispute arises, mediation often resolves the matter, though a hearing before a Deputy Commissioner becomes necessary in some cases before the claim reaches a final settlement or award.

Deadlines: How Far Out Each Milestone Falls

North Carolina law sets specific deadlines throughout a workers’ compensation claim, and missing one can create real complications for an otherwise valid case.

• Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, generally within 30 days.
• File Form 18 with the North Carolina Industrial Commission, generally within two years of the accident.
• Two years from the date of your injury or the date of your last medical compensation payment to officially contest a denied workers’ compensation claim. 
• File Form 33, the Request for Hearing, within the applicable window once a dispute arises.

Why Durham Workers Choose Bowman Law PLLC

Our firm concentrates exclusively on North Carolina workers’ compensation law, and that focus carries over to every claim we handle for clients in Durham and Durham County.

• Board Certified Specialist. Joe Bowman is a Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law by the North Carolina State Bar.
• Insurance Company Perspective. Before founding the firm, Joe Bowman represented insurance companies and employers, giving him insight into how carriers evaluate and defend claims.
• Direct Attorney Access. Clients work directly with an experienced attorney rather than a rotating case manager.
• Experience With Denied Claims. We regularly represent workers whose claims have been partially or fully denied.
• No Upfront Costs. We charge no fee unless we recover compensation, and attorney fees are governed by the North Carolina Industrial Commission.

Local Resources for Injured Workers in Durham

A workplace injury in Durham often means dealing with more than one organization at once. The resources below are commonly relevant to Durham and Durham County workers’ compensation claims. Contact details change from time to time, so we recommend confirming current information directly with each organization.

Hospitals and Trauma Care

Police and Accident Reporting

State and Legal Resources

Bowman Law PLLC is not affiliated with the organizations listed above. We provide this information as a general reference for injured workers in the Durham area.

Serving Durham and the Surrounding Research Triangle

In addition to Durham, we regularly assist injured workers throughout Durham County, including areas near Research Triangle Park, as well as nearby communities such as Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. Our Raleigh office puts us close by, and our Winston-Salem office allows us to serve clients across the broader Piedmont and Triangle regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

I was injured working on a pharmaceutical manufacturing line. What should I document?

Chemical exposure and equipment related injuries in pharmaceutical manufacturing often benefit from detailed documentation of the specific process, substance, or equipment involved, in addition to standard medical records. We can help identify what evidence will strengthen your claim.

I work in patient care at a Durham hospital. Are patient handling injuries commonly covered?

Yes. Patient handling and lifting injuries are among the most common workplace injuries in hospital settings, and they are generally covered under North Carolina workers’ compensation law when they occur in the course of employment.

I was hurt doing renovation work on one of Durham’s historic tobacco warehouse buildings. Does the age of the building matter?

The age of a building does not change whether an injury is covered, though older industrial buildings can present unique hazards such as structural issues or legacy materials. We evaluate the specific circumstances of construction and renovation injuries carefully.

I am a research technician at a university lab. Are exposure related injuries treated differently?

Exposure related injuries in a research setting can be covered under North Carolina workers’ compensation law, though they often require more detailed medical evidence connecting the exposure to specific job duties.

I work at a startup or shared office space in downtown Durham. Does a smaller employer change my rights?

Most North Carolina employers with three or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. The size of your employer does not generally change your right to pursue benefits after a workplace injury.

I live in Durham but was injured while working at a facility elsewhere in the Triangle. Where do I file my claim?

Jurisdiction generally depends on where your employment relationship is based and where the injury occurred, not where you currently live. We can evaluate whether your claim falls under the North Carolina Industrial Commission.

Speak With a Durham Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you were injured on the job in Durham or anywhere in Durham County, Bowman Law PLLC is ready to help. We offer a free consultation and work directly with every client from the first call through resolution of the claim.