How is a mediator selected for a North Carolina workers’ compensation case?

The parties in a North Carolina workers’ compensation case may select a mediator by mutual agreement, choosing a neutral certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission, typically within a set period after a request for hearing is filed. If the parties do not agree on a mediator within the time allowed, the Industrial Commission will appoint one. Because these cases turn on the specific rules and realities of workers’ compensation practice, parties often seek a mediator with genuine experience in this area — someone who understands how the Industrial Commission handles claims, how benefits and medical issues are evaluated, and how these cases realistically resolve. The choice of a knowledgeable mediator can make a meaningful difference in whether a difficult claim reaches settlement.