RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina Industrial Commission is cracking down on companies that fail to carry insurance to pay the claims of injured workers.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported (http://bit.ly/J3VGKy) that more than a dozen businesses have been ordered to attend a hearing next month and settle claims.

The commission plans to send employers to jail if they can't settle at least part of the claim.

Officials say police will be sent to find companies that fail to attend the May 22 hearing.

The newspaper reported earlier this month that thousands of businesses fail to provide the required insurance.

The panel plans other hearings to deal with lingering injury cases.

The panel also plans to contact more than 100 employers who have refused to follow orders to pay claims.

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Information from: The News & Observer, http://www.newsobserver.com