Short Answer

In North Carolina, workers’ compensation pays for medical treatment that is reasonably necessary to cure your work injury, give relief, or lessen disability. If your stitches came from a covered workplace accident, the follow-up visit to remove them is usually covered, so long as it is with an authorized provider. Emergency care can be covered even if you did not have prior authorization. Report the injury promptly and file your claim to protect coverage.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know if North Carolina workers’ compensation will pay for your follow-up appointment to have stitches removed after a shelving unit at work cut you. The decision point is whether that follow-up care is covered medical treatment for a work injury and whether the treating provider is authorized by the employer’s insurer. You have reported the accident at work, but you have not yet filed a workers’ compensation claim.

Apply the Law

Under North Carolina law, employers must provide and pay for medical treatment that is reasonably necessary to treat a compensable work injury. The employer or its insurance carrier generally directs medical care. Treatment without authorization can be denied unless it was emergency care or later approved by the North Carolina Industrial Commission. You must give your employer timely notice and file your claim with the Industrial Commission to preserve benefits. The Industrial Commission is the forum that oversees these claims.

Key Requirements

• Compensable injury: The cut must result from an accident arising out of and in the course of your employment.
• Reasonably necessary care: Follow-up visits to remove stitches typically qualify as necessary to complete treatment.
• Authorized provider: The employer/insurer usually chooses or approves the doctor. Emergency care can be covered without prior approval, and the Commission can approve care after the fact.
• Timely notice: Tell your employer about the injury as soon as possible and in writing within 30 days.
• File your claim: Submit a claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission to secure medical benefits; do not rely only on your employer’s internal report.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 97-25 (Employer must provide medical treatment) - requires the employer to furnish medical treatment reasonably necessary to effect a cure, give relief, or lessen disability.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 97-22 (Notice of accident) - requires prompt, written notice to the employer, generally within 30 days.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 97-24 (Time limit to file a claim) - sets the time limit to file a claim with the Industrial Commission, typically two years.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 97-2 (Definitions) - defines covered injuries and terms under the Workers’ Compensation Act.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Your cut happened when a shelving unit struck you at work, which points to an injury by accident on the job. Follow-up stitch removal is part of completing treatment and is ordinarily necessary. If the urgent care or scheduled follow-up is authorized by the employer/insurer, they should pay the bill. If it was emergency care without pre-approval, it can still be covered, but you should promptly notify your employer and file your claim with the Industrial Commission.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: Injured employee. Where: North Carolina Industrial Commission. What: File Form 18 (Notice of Accident to Employer and Claim of Employee) and give written notice to your employer. When: Give written notice within 30 days; file Form 18 as soon as possible and no later than two years from the accident.
2. The insurer will assign an adjuster, confirm or deny the claim, and direct you to an authorized provider. Expect initial contact within 1–3 weeks, but timing varies.
3. If authorized, the insurer pays the medical bills directly. Keep receipts and mileage; if your round trip for care exceeds 20 miles, you may request mileage reimbursement using the Industrial Commission’s travel form.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Seeing an unauthorized doctor for non-emergency care can risk nonpayment; ask the adjuster to authorize the provider or request approval from the Commission.
• Relying only on your employer’s accident report is risky; it does not replace filing Form 18.
• Missing the 30-day notice or two-year filing deadline can jeopardize benefits.
• Skipping follow-up appointments or ignoring work restrictions can interrupt coverage and slow recovery.
• If the claim is denied, you can request a hearing with the Industrial Commission to address medical treatment and compensability.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re dealing with medical bills and follow-up visits after a work injury, our firm can help you understand your options and timelines under North Carolina workers’ compensation. Call us today to discuss your next steps.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.