×
Author Avatar

Vernon Sumwalt

Vernon Sumwalt is the Founding Partner of The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers in Charlotte, North Carolina. He practices workers’ compensation law and has more than 25 years of experience. He is admitted to the North Carolina State Bar (1998) and the South Carolina Bar (1998). A graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, he has been recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers, including multiple “Lawyer of the Year” honors in Charlotte.

Categories

Archives

LATEST ARTICLES BY: Vernon Sumwalt

Career Ending Work Injuries and Vocational Rehabilitation in North Carolina

  |    |  
Last Modified on Aug 15, 2026

Having a work injury can be difficult. Beyond dealing with the physical pain associated with an accident and the recovery process, serious injuries can make it difficult or impossible to return to work. Fortunately, North Carolina’s workers’ compensation law provides guidance regarding career-ending work injuries…

Can You Refuse Light Duty Work on Workers Comp in North Carolina?

  |    |  
Last Modified on Aug 13, 2026

After suffering a workplace injury, an employee may wonder, “Can you refuse light duty work on workers’ comp in North Carolina?” The answer is that refusing light duty work can sometimes affect workers’ comp eligibility, but not always. Simply refusing an appropriate light-duty assignment can…

Occupational Disease Workers’ Comp in North Carolina

  |    |  
Last Modified on Jun 11, 2026

Workers across North Carolina may face many job-related hazards, but not all workplace injuries are caused by a single accident. Some conditions develop gradually after repeated exposure to harmful substances, repetitive tasks, or dangerous work environments. When an illness is caused by workplace conditions, workers…

Return to Work After Workers’ Comp Injury in North Carolina

  |    |  
Last Modified on May 11, 2026

Returning to work following an injury can prove challenging and raise certain questions that you probably never expected you’d find yourself asking. Whether you were injured at a construction site in Gastonia or while working at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, understanding how to return to…

Can You Be Fired While on Workers Compensation in North Carolina? 2026

  |    |  
Last Modified on Apr 11, 2026

After a workplace injury, many clients ask us, ‘Can you be fired while on workers' compensation in North Carolina?’ Qualifying for workers' comp does not automatically mean your job is safe. While it may be reassuring to know that workers’ comp can supply medical coverage…

Average Workers’ Compensation Settlement in North Carolina

  |    |  
Last Modified on Mar 11, 2026

Many people want to know the average workers’ compensation settlement in North Carolina after suffering a workplace injury. It’s very important for employees who have to support themselves and their families, as they need this settlement to do so. However, every injury is different, so…

Workers Compensation for Independent Contractors in North Carolina

  |    |  
Last Modified on Feb 11, 2026

As an independent contractor in North Carolina, there are many things that you are responsible for that other types of employees are not. One of these includes benefits and insurance. If you are hurt on the job, you may need to make sure you receive…

When Will Workers’ Comp Offer a Settlement in North Carolina?

  |    |  
Last Modified on Nov 11, 2025

After experiencing a workplace injury, many employees may not understand the full extent of the workers’ compensation process. They may begin to wonder, “When will workers' comp offer a settlement in North Carolina?” Consulting with a lawyer can help you determine if a settlement is…