Amicus Brief for the Opinion in Cunningham v. Goodyear Tire and Rubber by the Supreme Court of North Carolina On Friday May 6, 2022, the Supreme Court of North Carolina filed its opinion in Cunningham v. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. Vernon Sumwalt and Michael Bertics...
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NC Public Safety Employees Death Benefits Act (TSG)
The Public Safety Employees' Death Benefits Act in North Carolina In addition to workers' compensation claims, the North Carolina Industrial Commission has jurisdiction to decide claims under The Public Safety Employees' Death Benefits Act. This law supplements...
NC Pro Bono Honor Society
2021 North Carolina Attorney Pro Bono Honor Society Vernon Sumwalt was one of 546 lawyers included in the 2021 North Carolina Attorney Pro Bono Honor Society. This group includes lawyers reporting at least 50 hours of pro bono legal services in 2021. Mr. Sumwalt...
“In Person” Hearings at the North Carolina Industrial Commission (Take 2!)
On January 1, 2022, our Industrial Commission will resume live or “ in person” hearings at the deputy commissioner and Full Commission levels. Deputy Commissioners can still allow video hearings upon a showing of good cause. In-person hearings will...
Electronic Submission of Claims Forms to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission
Starting on September 1, 2021, the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission is requiring the submission of claims forms for work injuries and occupational diseases electronically. The Commission has also given formatting requirements for emails, forms, and...
Vernon Sumwalt Recognized in the 28th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America
The Sumwalt Group – August 19, 2021 We are pleased to share that Vernon Sumwalt has been chosen to be recognized in this year’s The Best Lawyers in America in the area of “Workers’ Compensation Law—Claimants.” Vernon has been selected for Best Lawyers in this area of...
Basics of Workers’ Compensation (North Carolina Bar Association’s 2021 Fall Program)
Vernon Sumwalt will present at the North Carolina Bar Association’s 2021 Fall Workers’ Compensation Program entitled “The Basics of Workers’ Compensation.” His live video presentation will discuss “Challenges Faced on Both Sides of a Claim.” To learn more about the...
North Carolina Industrial Commission Will Start In-Person Hearings in Workers’ Compensation Cases on October 1, 2021
Deputy Commissioner hearings will be conducted in-person, unless the Deputy Commissioner grants a video conference hearing upon the parties' showing of "good cause." The Commission did not give any guidance on what would make "good cause" or not. The Full Commission...
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:...