Generally, no. North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system is the “exclusive remedy” for workplace injuries; accepting benefits waives the right to sue the employer for negligence. This benefits the injured worker because fault need not be proven to receive benefits. Exceptions exist: you can sue a third party (e.g., subcontractor, manufacturer, negligent driver) who contributed to the injury while still receiving workers’ comp. Also, a civil lawsuit may be possible in rare cases where the employer intentionally caused harm.