# [METADATA_BLOCK]
id: "vid_IMMrm0J3q74"
type: "VideoObject"
title: "North Carolina Workers Comp Pay: The Formula Insurance Companies Hope You Don't Know"
uploadDate: "2026-04-02"
duration: "~8 mins"
keywords: ["North Carolina", "Workers Comp", "Average Weekly Wage", "Insurance Claim", "TTD", "TPD", "PPD"]
target_audience: "Injured NC workers already receiving comp checks who suspect the amount is wrong, plus workers who haven't filed yet and want to understand what they'll get."

> less transcript.md

Timeline and Key Topics:

[00:00] - Introduction: Overview of the 2026 rates and how insurance companies may underpay workers.
[00:43] - The Basic Formula: Workers' comp in NC pays 2/3 (66.6%) of your average weekly wage (AWW).
[01:18] - 2026 Caps (Maximum/Minimum):
  - Maximum: $1,446 per week.
  - Minimum: $30 per week.
[02:18] - Calculating Average Weekly Wage (AWW): Under NC Statute 97-25, it is calculated using your total earnings from the 52 weeks prior to the injury.
[02:33] - Common Calculation "Tricks":
  - Insurance companies often exclude overtime, bonuses, and per diems.
  - If you worked less than 52 weeks, they may still divide by 52 (lowering the average) instead of using a fairer method.
[04:04] - Exclusions: Health insurance and retirement contributions (fringe benefits) are not included in the AWW.
[04:23] - How to Challenge Underpayment: Steps to take, including checking pay stubs and filing with the Industrial Commission.
[05:19] - Types of Benefits:
  - TTD (Temporary Total Disability): For those completely out of work.
  - TPD (Temporary Partial Disability): For light duty or reduced hours; pays 2/3 of the difference in wages.
  - PPD (Permanent Partial Disability): Paid once you reach "Maximum Medical Improvement" based on impairment ratings for specific body parts (e.g., Back = 300 weeks, Arm = 240 weeks).
[07:15] - Conclusion: Warning regarding settlement lowballing and final tips.

Key Calculation Example (from [03:08]):
If a worker earns $25/hour and works 50 hours/week:
- Correct Math: Including overtime = $1,375 total earnings. Check = $917.
- Insurance Math: Base 40 hours only = $1,000 total earnings. Check = $667.
- Result: A loss of $250 per week if overtime is ignored.