Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers | November 11, 2025 | Workers' Compensation
The North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act governs claims involving workplace injuries and occupational illnesses. Most employers are legally required to provide workers’ compensation insurance to protect employees hurt on the job.
Knowing what documents you need to file—and how to submit them correctly—can make a major difference in the outcome of your claim.
Form 18: The Essential Starting Point
The foundation of any workers’ compensation claim in Raleigh, North Carolina, is Form 18 (Notice of Accident to Employer and Claim of Employee). This form officially notifies both your employer and the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) that you suffered a work-related injury and are seeking benefits.
Form 18 requires the following details:
- Your personal and employer contact information
- The date, time, and location of the incident
- A description of how the injury occurred
- Your wage and employment information
- Names of witnesses, if applicable
Filing Form 18 promptly helps protect your right to compensation. Although you have up to two years from the date of your injury to file, you must notify your employer within 30 days—preferably in writing—to avoid losing eligibility.
Supporting Documentation for a Strong Claim
Beyond Form 18, gather the following key records to demonstrate how the injury occurred, verify your medical condition, and confirm your employment details. A complete paper trail strengthens your claim and helps avoid unnecessary delays.
Important supporting documents include:
- Medical records and doctors’ reports: Include all exams, treatments, prescriptions, and follow-up visits. Make sure your doctor knows the injury is work-related.
- Employer’s Form 19: Filed by your employer or insurer with the NCIC. Confirm it has been submitted and request a copy for your records.
- Accident reports and witness statements: Obtain internal reports and written statements from coworkers or supervisors who witnessed the accident.
- Wage and employment records: Provide pay stubs, W-2s, or employment contracts to confirm income and calculate benefits accurately.
- Correspondence and additional evidence: Keep all communication with your employer, insurer, and medical providers, along with photos or videos of the accident scene.
Maintaining organized, detailed documentation supports your claim and increases the likelihood of a timely, favorable outcome.
Overview of the Filing Process in North Carolina
The workers’ compensation process in North Carolina follows a predictable structure. Knowing what to expect can help you stay organized and avoid missteps that could slow down your claim.
The basic steps include:
- Report the injury: Notify your employer as soon as possible, and always within 30 days.
- Seek medical treatment: Visit an authorized provider and follow all medical advice.
- Complete and file Form 18: Submit it to the NCIC and provide a copy to your employer.
- Employer files Form 19: Your employer or insurer completes this step with the NCIC.
- Await a decision: The insurer usually has 30 days to accept or deny your claim.
Once these steps are complete, you’ll receive notification of approval or denial. If approved, you’ll begin receiving wage replacement and medical benefits. If denied, you have the right to appeal through the NCIC.
Tips for Workers’ Compensation Claimants
Filing for workers’ compensation can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from an injury. Staying proactive and informed can help protect your claim and your benefits.
Here are some practical tips:
- Keep copies of all paperwork and medical documentation in one secure place.
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all scheduled appointments.
- Verify that your employer submitted Form 19 to the NCIC.
- Mark important deadlines on your calendar to avoid missing them.
- Speak with a lawyer before providing written or recorded statements to an insurer.
These steps help you maintain control of your claim and avoid common pitfalls that can cause delays or disputes.
Get Help From a Raleigh Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system is designed to help injured employees, but the process can be complicated. If your claim has been denied or delayed—or if you’re unsure which forms to file—professional legal guidance can make all the difference.
Contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyer. We provide compassionate guidance and strong advocacy to help injured workers get the benefits they deserve.
For more information, contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer in North Carolina today. We have twelve convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Raleigh Office
4600 Marriott Dr STE 500, Raleigh, NC 27612
(919) 876-3020
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Durham Office
100 E Parrish St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 728-1770
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Goldsboro Office
601 N Spence Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534
(919) 778-9700
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Charlotte Office
1914 J N Pease Pl Suite 142, Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 486-5824
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greenville Office
300 E Arlington Blvd Suite 2A #110, Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 397-8620
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Fayetteville Office
2517 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305
(910) 387-9186
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greensboro Office
7B Corporate Center Ct Suite 15, Greensboro, NC 27408
(336) 516-9066
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville Office
3391 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546
(910) 455-5599
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Garner Office
500 Benson Rd Suite 111, Garner, NC 27529
(800) 525-7111
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Kinston Office
807 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 397-8624
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Wilmington Office
1608 Queen St Suite 12, Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 889-4064
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Winston-Salem Office
102 W 3rd St, Ste 1007, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 516-9042