[Video] Permanent Disability After a Workplace Accident?

VIDEO SCRIPT — Permanent Disability After a Workplace Injury

You don’t expect to walk into work one day and leave with a life-changing injury. But it happens. A fall, a faulty piece of equipment, or years of exposure to hazardous materials—any of these can change everything. Suddenly, your job is gone, your body doesn’t work like it used to, and medical bills start piling up. It’s overwhelming, and no one hands you a roadmap.

When a workplace injury leads to permanent disability, your entire life gets rearranged. And in North Carolina, the way forward starts with understanding what help you’re actually entitled to.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits in North Carolina

Injured on the job? You’re usually covered under workers’ compensation. That system is designed to provide medical treatment and partial wage replacement while you recover. But when the recovery never really comes and your doctor determines the damage is permanent, things change. You may now qualify for long-term or even lifetime benefits.

Types of Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): If you can still work, but in a reduced capacity, PPD benefits may apply. These are based on how much your earning potential has been affected.

Permanent Total Disability (PTD): If you can’t return to any kind of meaningful work, you may be eligible for lifetime disability benefits.

Social Security Disability (SSDI)

If your disability prevents you from performing any kind of substantial work, you may also qualify for SSDI. This is a federal program and isn’t tied to your job. To qualify, your disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and you must have paid into the system through your past work.

Be aware: receiving workers’ comp can impact how much you receive in SSDI benefits. An attorney can help you coordinate both claims to maximize what you receive.

Other Sources of Compensation

Depending on your situation, there may be additional routes to compensation:

Third-party lawsuits: If someone other than your employer (like a subcontractor or manufacturer) contributed to your injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim.
Private disability insurance: If you have a private plan, either through work or purchased personally, this could provide added support.
Settlement agreements: Some workers’ comp cases result in lump-sum settlements. These should be evaluated carefully to ensure they cover long-term needs.

Questions We Hear All the Time

Can my employer fire me if I’m permanently disabled?
Not as retaliation. But if you can no longer perform the job—even with accommodations—they can legally fill the position.

How long do permanent disability benefits last?
Permanent total disability benefits can last a lifetime. Partial benefits are based on a schedule depending on your injury.

Can I receive workers’ comp and SSDI together?
Yes, but your SSDI may be reduced if the combined benefits exceed a certain threshold of your prior income.

What if my claim gets denied?
Both workers’ comp and SSDI claims can be denied. You have the right to appeal—and a lawyer can help.

Do I need a lawyer for SSDI?
It’s not required, but it helps. Many claims are denied for minor paperwork errors. A lawyer improves your chances of getting approved.