North Carolina Workers' Compensation Insurance

How to File a Workers' Compensation Claim in North Carolina

Filing a workers' compensation claim in North Carolina involves several important steps. It is crucial for both employees and employers to understand the process to ensure that claims are handled efficiently and fairly.

Step 1: Report the Injury

The first step in filing a workers' compensation claim is to report the injury to the employer. Employees should notify their employer as soon as possible, ideally within 30 days of the injury. This notification can be verbal or written, but a written report is recommended for documentation purposes.

Employers are responsible for providing the injured employee with a Form 18, which is the official notice of accident to the employer and claim of employee. This form must be completed and submitted to the NCIC to initiate the claims process.

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention

After reporting the injury, the employee should seek medical attention from an approved healthcare provider. In North Carolina, employers have the right to direct medical care, meaning they can choose the healthcare provider for the injured employee. It is important for employees to follow the treatment plan prescribed by the approved provider to ensure their claim remains valid.

If the injury is an emergency, employees should seek immediate medical attention and notify their employer as soon as possible. Employers are required to cover the costs of emergency treatment, even if it is provided by an out-of-network provider.

Step 3: Complete and Submit Necessary Forms

Once medical treatment has been initiated, the employee must complete and submit Form 18 to the NCIC. This form serves as the official claim for workers' compensation benefits. It is important to complete this form accurately and thoroughly to avoid delays in the claims process.

Employers are also required to submit Form 19, the employer's report of employee's injury or occupational disease, to the NCIC. This form provides details about the injury and the circumstances surrounding it, helping the NCIC assess the validity of the claim.