How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in NC (Form 18 Guide)
Filing correctly at the beginning of a workers' compensation claim can prevent delays, disputes, and lost benefits. This guide explains the two key steps: notifying your employer and filing Form 18 with the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
Step One: Report the Injury to Your Employer
North Carolina law requires injured workers to provide notice of the accident to their employer, generally within 30 days. Reporting the injury promptly helps protect your right to benefits.
When reporting:
- Describe how the injury happened.
- Identify the body part affected.
- Confirm the date and location of the incident.
Even if a supervisor witnesses the accident, it is still important to make sure the injury is formally reported. Do not assume that informal knowledge means the claim is reported. People at work are busy and often forget, or worse--they purposefully ignore a claim.
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Step Two:
File NC Form 18 With the Industrial Commission
Form 18 is titled "Notice of Accident to Employer and Claim of Employee." It is the official notice of accident form used to file a claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
Filing Form 18 confirms that your claim is formally opened within the state system. Relying only on your employer's internal report is not the same as filing your own claim.

Common questions include:
What is A Form 18 in North Carolina?
It is the standardized claim form used to notify the NC Industrial Commission of your work injury or occupational disease.
Do I have to file A Form 18 even if my employer knows I got hurt?
Yes. Employer awareness does not replace filing your own claim form with the Commission. Confirming that the Form 18 is submitted helps avoid preventable claim delays.
Where do I submit workers' comp forms in NC?
Forms are submitted to the North Carolina Industrial Commission. The Commission maintains an official forms library and filing instructions, including electronic filing options in many cases.
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How to Access the Official NCIC Forms
The North Carolina Industrial Commission provides a public forms page where you can download:
NC Form 18
Form 33 (Request for Hearing)
Other claim-related documents
Using the official version of each form helps ensure accuracy. If electronic filing (eFile) is available for your situation, follow the Commission's instructions carefully. Always confirm that your submission was received.
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Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long to report the injury.
- Assuming the employer's paperwork is enough.
- Failing to file a Form 18 directly with the Commission.
- Providing inconsistent descriptions of how the injury occurred.
- Missing required information on the form.
Because workers' compensation is a form-driven system, small procedural errors can create larger delays. Getting the first filing step right matters.
What Happens After You File?
After Form 18 is filed:
The claim is opened with the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
The employer's insurance carrier reviews the claim.
The carrier may accept the claim, deny it, or request additional information.
Medical treatment and wage benefits may begin if the claim is accepted.
If the claim is denied or benefits are delayed, formal procedures are available through the Commission.
For an overview of how the system works, visit the Workers' Comp Basics page.
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File Carefully. Protect Your Benefits.
If you are worried about missing a deadline, filing the wrong paperwork, or assuming your employer handled everything, clarity now can prevent complications later.

Reid Acree represents injured workers across North Carolina from the Salisbury office, helping ensure that claims are filed correctly and protected from the start.
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