Why Treatment Timing and Documentation Matter
In a North Carolina personal injury claim, lost wages are part of your damages. But the insurer usually wants two things: (1) proof you actually missed work and what you would have earned, and (2) a clear link between the accident and why you missed that time.
When you miss work before you see a doctor, the wage loss is not automatically “invalid.” It just tends to be more heavily scrutinized. The goal is to document the reason for the absence in a way that lines up with the rest of the evidence—especially your later medical records and any work restrictions.
Common Scenarios and What They Often Mean
- Missed work immediately, but first appointment was later: You may still be able to include that week, but you should expect questions like “Why didn’t you seek care sooner?” and “Was the time off for injury symptoms or something else?”
- Employer requires a doctor’s note: Some employers will only “approve” time off as medical leave with a provider note. That doesn’t necessarily decide your legal claim, but it can affect how easy it is to verify the wage loss.
- You returned to work, then symptoms worsened: That can happen. The important part is keeping your timeline consistent (accident date, symptom onset, days missed, and when you first sought care).
Practical Documentation Tips (Non‑Medical)
- Write down the timeline now: accident date, when symptoms started, the exact dates you missed, and the date you returned.
- Use objective work records: pay stubs, timecards, attendance records, and any written communication with your supervisor or HR about why you were out.
- Be careful with the wording on wage forms: If the form asks “reason for absence,” keep it simple and accurate (for example, “missed work due to accident-related symptoms”). Don’t guess at medical diagnoses.
- Ask your employer for a wage verification statement: Many claims use an employer-completed form or letter confirming dates missed, rate of pay, and whether you used sick/vacation time.
- Don’t exaggerate or minimize: Inconsistencies (like telling work one thing and telling the insurer another) can hurt credibility.
About the Medical-Records Authorization You Received
In North Carolina, medical information is generally confidential and usually gets released only with the patient’s authorization (or a court order in litigation). Signing a medical-records authorization typically allows the law firm to request records and billing from your treating providers to document your injuries and connect them to the accident.
Before you sign, it is reasonable to confirm the authorization is limited to what’s relevant (time period and provider types) and that it allows the firm to obtain the records needed for the claim. North Carolina’s medical privacy statute is commonly cited in this context: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 8-53.
How This Applies
Apply to the facts: Since you received paperwork to claim lost wages, you can usually list the week you missed right after the accident, but you’ll want your dates and pay information to match what your employer can verify. Because you also received a medical-records authorization, signing it generally allows the firm to obtain treatment records that can help support that the missed week was tied to accident-related symptoms—especially if the insurer questions the gap before the first visit.
Conclusion
You can often include the first week of missed work in a North Carolina injury claim even if your first doctor visit happened later, but you should expect the insurer to look closely at the “why” and the documentation. The most helpful next step is to gather objective proof—your missed-work dates, pay records, and an employer verification—so the wage claim matches what can be confirmed.
