As an employee, your employer should be covering you with workers’ compensation insurance in case you get hurt or are killed on the job. Your employer is required to carry this compensation by law in North Carolina.

What if my employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance?

If you find out that your employer doesn’t carry workers’ compensation insurance, ask about self-insurance. Self-insurance is legally able to be used in place of workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer does not have either, then you can report the lack of insurance to the North Carolina Industrial Commission, which will then investigate the claim.

Is it illegal for my employer not to have insurance?

Yes, legally, your employer has to carry insurance on his employees. Without insurance, there may be little way for you to obtain compensation if you get hurt or die while on the job. It’s important that your employer is following state law and providing you with the coverage required.

How do you know which carrier is used by your employer?

Your employer should give you information or have information posted about workers’ compensation insurance and claims in the workplace. If there is no sign or you haven’t been told, you can also search online or talk to the North Carolina Industrial Commission directly. The state will have a record of which insurance carrier your employer uses, so you can contact the carrier if necessary.

Workers’ compensation claims can be complicated sometimes, and if you get hurt, your attorney may be able to help you file a claim against your employer.

Source: North Carolina Industrial Commission, “Frequently Asked Questions,” accessed March 18, 2016