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Fired or underpaid in North Carolina? Wage and workplace rules
Pay rules and injury-claim deadlines for workers in North Carolina, each checked against the state code or labor agency. Federal law also applies and some cities set higher minimums.
The North Carolina rules, checked against the source
Overtime
Time and one half of the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek, subject to exemptions.
Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-25.4(a) · checked November 6, 2026
Total disability pay
66 2/3 percent of the average weekly wage, subject to the statutory maximum.
Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-29 · checked November 6, 2026
Telling your employer about a work injury
Written notice within 30 days after the accident, unless a reasonable excuse is accepted.
Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-22 · checked November 6, 2026
Filing the comp claim
The right to compensation is barred unless a claim is filed within two years, with the exceptions in the statute.
Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-24 · checked November 6, 2026
Rules not listed here were left out because we could not check them against an official North Carolina source. That does not mean no rule exists.
What this means for you
Keep your own records
Write down your hours, pay stubs, schedules and the names of supervisors involved. Records made at the time carry weight.
Check both state and federal rules
Federal law (the Fair Labor Standards Act) sets a floor. Where a state rule below is more protective, the state rule generally matters too.
Deadlines apply to wage and leave claims
Agency complaints and lawsuits have time limits. A lawyer licensed in the state can tell you which one applies to you.
Cities in North Carolina
For attorneys licensed in North Carolina
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One firm per state guide, named in a labeled Sponsored placement. Sponsors must be licensed in North Carolina and review the advertising for compliance with their own state bar rules. We reply by email. This form is for attorneys only.
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