Do I have to fill out Form 18 myself, or will my employer do it?

You, the employee, must file Form 18. Don’t rely on your employer’s Form 19—it’s their report, not your claim. We can file Form 18 for you.

I missed the 30-day notice—am I out of luck?

Not necessarily. If you have a valid reason for the delay and file within 2 years, you can still pursue your claim. We can help overcome late notice issues.

My employer won’t give me the forms—what now?

You can download Form 18 directly from the NCIC website or let us handle it for you. You do not need your employer’s permission to file.

If I file for workers’ comp, can I use my own health insurance?

Workers’ comp insurance should cover all authorized treatment. Using your health insurance could cause complications or reimbursement demands later.

Can I sue my employer instead of filing for workers’ comp?

Almost always, no. Workers’ comp is your primary remedy for work-related injuries, except in rare cases of intentional harm.

How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in NC – Guide for Injured Workers

Filing a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina can feel overwhelming when you’re already dealing with pain and stress from a job injury. Whether you’re hurt in Halifax, Roanoke Rapids, Enfield, or anywhere in Northampton County, knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference. This guide explains how to file for workers’ comp in North Carolina, the key forms (like Form 18), deadlines you must meet, and how our team can help streamline the workers’ comp process in Halifax.

Report Your Injury Immediately

The first step after a workplace injury is notifying your employer as soon as possible—ideally on the same day. North Carolina law requires notice within 30 days, though you should never wait that long.

While verbal notice is a start, it’s best to submit it in writing for proof. Include details like the date, time, location, and how the injury occurred. For example:
“On July 2, 2025, I hurt my knee lifting heavy pallets in the warehouse.”

Prompt reporting prevents the employer or insurer from later arguing that your injury didn’t happen at work.

File Form 18 with the Industrial Commission

To officially file a workers’ compensation claim in NC, you need to complete Form 18 – Notice of Accident to Employer and Claim of Employee. Send the form to:

North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC)
Your employer (keep a copy for your records)

Important timelines:

Ideally submit Form 18 within 30 days.
Legally, you have up to 2 years, but delays can complicate your case and result in lost benefits.

For occupational illnesses (like repetitive stress injuries or chemical exposure), you may need to use Form 18B instead. We assist clients in filling these forms correctly so that insurers can’t reject claims on technicalities.

Employer’s and Insurer’s Responsibilities

After you report your injury:

Your employer must notify their workers’ comp insurer, often by filing Form 19 – Employer’s Report of Employee’s Injury.
The insurer investigates your claim. They may schedule you with a company-approved doctor and request statements from you.
Within 14 days, the insurer should either:
Approve your benefits and begin payment, or
Send a denial (Form 61) explaining why they’re not paying, or
Issue a “Payment Without Prejudice” (Form 63), where they start paying benefits but reserve the right to deny later.

This process can be confusing. Our team monitors every step, ensuring forms are filed on time and that you receive updates without delays.

FAQs: Filing & Early Claim Stage

Do I have to fill out Form 18 myself, or will my employer do it?
You, the employee, must file Form 18. Don’t rely on your employer’s Form 19—it’s their report, not your claim. We can file Form 18 for you.
I missed the 30-day notice—am I out of luck?
Not necessarily. If you have a valid reason for the delay and file within 2 years, you can still pursue your claim. We can help overcome late notice issues.
My employer won’t give me the forms—what now?
You can download Form 18 directly from the NCIC website or let us handle it for you. You do not need your employer’s permission to file.
If I file for workers’ comp, can I use my own health insurance?
Workers’ comp insurance should cover all authorized treatment. Using your health insurance could cause complications or reimbursement demands later.
Can I sue my employer instead of filing for workers’ comp?
Almost always, no. Workers’ comp is your primary remedy for work-related injuries, except in rare cases of intentional harm.