In accordance with the North Carolina Workers Compensation Act, compensation will be calculated at a fixed rate of two-thirds (2/3) of the staff member’s average weekly wage up to the maximum weekly benefit established by the North Carolina Industrial Commission.

A staff member with a salary in excess of the maximum weekly benefit as established by the North Carolina Industrial Commission, may supplement their compensation with the use of PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave, but only to the extent that the sum of the compensation payments and use of PTO, sick or vacation leave may not exceed the two-thirds (2/3) of the staff member’s weekly straight time salary.

**A Claim Specialist will discuss in detail with the staff member the specifics of their compensation. 

All payments of compensation will be made directly to the staff member, dependent, guardian or personal representative entitled to the payments. Payments will be disbursed at the Workers Compensation Office, 154 Trent Hall, Duke University. At the staff member's request, payment of compensation will be mailed by first class mail, postage pre-paid, to an address specified by the staff member, unless otherwise directed by the Industrial Commission.

Lost Work Time-7 Days or Less: No compensation will be paid for the first seven (7) calendar days of disability resulting from a compensable illness/injury. The lost time may be charged to accrued PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave.

Lost Work Time Greater Than 7 Days but Less Than 21: If a compensable illness/injury results in lost time lasting longer than 7 calendar days but less than 21 calendar days, Duke will pay the lost time up to the maximum average weekly wage established by the North Carolina Industrial Commission.

Lost Work Time 21 Days Or Greater: If a compensable illness/injury results in lost time lasting more than 21 days the 7-day waiting period is waived and Duke will pay the lost time up to the maximum average weekly wage established by the North Carolina Industrial Commission from the first date of disability.

A staff member who reports an on-the-job injury, and seeks professional medical treatment resulting in his or her absence for the remainder of that work shift, will be paid as if he or she had worked a full shift, i.e. at his or her regular rate of pay, including all premiums. Ongoing medical care requiring time away from the department during regular work hours will be regarded as time worked. This medical care must be authorized by entity Employee Health.

Compensation payments continue until the staff member is no longer disabled as that term is defined by the NC Workers Compensation Act. Partial disability compensation is paid in the event that the staff member is able to return to work on a reduced schedule basis.