In North Carolina, the Industrial Commission disburses moneys from the Second Injury Fund. In order to qualify for compensation for a second injury, the original and the subsequent injury must be at least twenty percent (20%) of the entire body, and, the additional compensation cannot exceed the amount which would have been payable for both injuries had both been sustained in the subsequent accident.
The Fund may also pay compensation and medical expenses in cases of permanent and total disability resulting from an injury to the brain or spinal cord. In the claims that pertain to total and permanent disability due to paralysis or loss of mental capacity, the Fund may cover expenses related to medical, nursing, hospital, institutional, equipment, and other treatment expenses reasonable and necessary during the life of the injured employee.