Your employer’s refusal does not eliminate your rights. You can, and should, file your own claim directly with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) by submitting Form 18 (Notice of Accident) within 30 days of the injury. You can file Form 18 online or by mail through the NCIC. Keep a copy of everything you submit and document the date you sent it. If your employer obstructs your claim (e.g., pressuring you not to report the injury or failing to notify the insurer), contact a workers’ compensation attorney immediately. Employer retaliation for filing claims is illegal in North Carolina, and an attorney can protect your rights and ensure accountability.