If you work outdoors in North Carolina, you know the summer months can be uncomfortable as temperatures begin to rise. In addition to sweating more and possibly experiencing sunburn, the summer months can also pose a risk to your physical safety as well. During the...
Helping Make The Law Make Sense
Month: July 2021
Teaching the Appellate Case Law Review at the 26th Annual North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference
Vernon Sumwalt and Bruce Hamilton will once again close out the Industrial Commission’s workers’ compensation educational conference this year on Friday, October 8, 2021, teaching about the appellate court opinions published since last year’s conference. Vernon and...
Teaching at “Workers’ Compensation 2021: Quirky Issues in Workers’ Comp”
Vernon Sumwalt—with co-counsel and colleague Heidi Chapman—will teach "When Death Claims Don't Die" at the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (formerly the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers) continuing legal education seminar, "Workers' Compensation 2021:...
North Carolina Lawyer Mike McKay Becomes the Director of Claims Administration at the Industrial Commission
North Carolina attorney Mike McKay has joined the Industrial Commission as the Director of Claims Administration, one of the integral parts of the Commission. Mr. McKay is a Board Certified Specialist in Workers' Compensation Law by the North Carolina State Bar Board...
OSHA warns of fatal construction injuries
North Carolina construction workers continue to face life threatening risks every time they show up for a shift. Fatal construction injuries are not at all uncommon, accounting for 20% of all private industry worker deaths in 2019 alone. There are also tens of...
Deputy Commissioners Robert Harris, Lori Gaines, and Jesse “Jay” Tillman Reappointed at the Industrial Commission for Second Terms
The North Carolina Industrial Commission has reappointed Robert Harris, Lori Gaines, and Jay Tillman to second terms as deputy commissioners. Deputy Commissioners are the equivalent of "judges" in workers' compensation claims and State Tort Claims actions tried...
The North Carolina Legislature Confirms Lawyer Adrian A. Phillips as a Commissioner of the Industrial Commission
On June 3, 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly confirmed attorney Adrian A. Phillips as the next Commissioner at the North Carolina Industrial Commission. The Industrial Commission is the State agency that oversees all State workers' compensation claims and...
Getting help for third party workplace injuries
Workers’ compensation benefits are often vital for victims who are recovering from serious workplace accidents. However, your situation might be a little different. While your workplace injury likely qualifies you for workers’ comp, you might also be able to hold a...