All Worker’s Compensation claims in NC are handled through the North Carolina Industrial Commission.  Worker’s Compensation claims are not handled in the normal civil court system that most people are familiar with:  judges, juries, etc.  The Industrial Commission is comprised of multiple administrative levels of appeal.  When there are disputes, those issues are handled in front of Deputy Commissioners and Commissioners.  Most decisions are then made at a later time and are issued in paper form.  It goes without saying that this process is very unfamiliar to most people.  That is why it is important for injured workers to consult with an attorney before embarking on this process.