RALEIGH, NC – On Monday, February 20, 2023, the Industrial Commission began emailing Report of Mediator fee invoices at the time the mediator is appointed. The Report of Mediator invoice will be sent to defense counsel by email shortly after the Appointment of Mediator Order is emailed.
This new procedure, which was created in response to stakeholder feedback, will give employers and carriers additional time to process and pay Report of Mediator fees. Upon receipt of the Report of Mediator invoice, the $200 fee can be paid online via credit card (MasterCard or Visa) or e-Check. A link for online payment will be provided in the email. The $200 fee also may be paid by paper check mailed to the Industrial Commission.
While the Industrial Commission strongly encourages early payment of Report of Mediator fees to avoid past due invoices, this new procedure does not change the Report of Mediator fee due date (i.e., payment of the $200 Report of Mediator fee is due no later than seven (7) days from the deadline for completing mediation or seven (7) days from the date mediation is completed, whichever is earlier). With the ability to pay Report of Mediator fees early, however, employers and carriers can avoid the risk of late payment (which may subject them to statutory penalties and interest) and can more efficiently manage and bring closure to their case files.
Discuss with your attorney whether to pay the fee at the time it is charged or wait until after the report of mediator is filed. Full details available on the Commission website N.C. Industrial Commission Home Page (nc.gov)