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Worker's Compensation Law

Workers’ Compensation Law Specialization Examination
• 6 hours long (two 3-hour sessions)
• 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Morning Session –
• includes approximately 90 objective (multiple choice or true/false) questions.
• Allow approximately 2 minutes per question.

Two-hour lunch break

Afternoon session –
• includes approximately 9 essay questions.
• Allow approximately 20 minutes per question.

All questions are allocated "points" and require responses that demonstrate accuracy, clarity, sound reasoning, recognition of the problem presented, knowledge of the principle of law involved and correct application of those principles. Full or partial credit for answers may be given.

The open book exam materials include North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 97, Worker’s Compensation Act and Workers’ Compensation Rules of the North Carolina Industrial Commission. These materials are provided by the North Carolina State Bar. Applicants are not permitted to bring any materials with them into the exam sessions unless otherwise specifically allowed.

Subject Matter - The examination may cover the applicant's knowledge and application of the law in the following topics:

(A) Chapter 97 of the NC General Statutes and the case law interpreting Chapter 97

(B) Workers' Compensation Rules of the NC Industrial Commission

(C) Rules for Utilization of Rehabilitation Professionals of the NC Industrial Commission

(D) Rules for Mediated Settlement and Neutral Evaluation Conferences of the NC Industrial Commission

Study Tips: Read Chapter 97 and Annotations; Read the Industrial Commissions’ Rules; Read the appellate case law which interprets the major issues, including but not limited to:

Accident Cases
Appeal Procedures
Average Weekly Wage
Attorney Fees
Burdens of Proof and Presumptions
Change of Condition
Compensation from Sources Outside the Workers’ Compensation Act
Conditions Precedents and Statutes of Limitations
Death Benefits
Disability Compensation
Forms and Form Agreements
Independent Contractors and Subcontractors
Industrial Commission Procedures
Medical Compensation
Medical Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation
Occupational Disease
Return to Work Issues
Settlements

Sample Questions/Answers

(Please note that sample questions were taken from previous exams and are included only as a reference for types of questions and suggested answers. They are not intended for use as legal authority.)

1. Question Plaintiff has prevailed through the appellate chain. Interest is:

A. Not Payable
B. Payable on the indemnity compensation accrued
C. Payable on medical compensation accrued
D. B and C

Answer: D

2. Question If all parties agree, can they utilize neutral evaluation instead of a mediation without the consent of the North Carolina Industrial Commission

A. No
B. Yes, as long as it is concluded within the time allowed for mediation
C. Yes, as long as they notify the Dispute Resolution Coordinator prior to the appointment of a mediator
D. Yes, if they comply with (B) and (C).

Answer: A

3. Question An employee who sustains an injury to the low back which results in dysfunction in the leg may be legally entitled to receive permanent partial impairment benefits for both the back and the leg. True or False?

Answer: True