Call Us 919-240-4054Last week, the North Carolina Court of Appeals issued two decisions on workers’ compensation. In the first case, Jones v. Steve Jones Auto Group, the plaintiff was a general manager at auto dealerships who sought benefits due to mold exposure – an unlisted occupational disease. Due to the dangerous mold in his office, the plaintiff developed […]
Personal Injury
Costs of workers’ compensation declining for companies
Despite employers’ continual complaints that workers’ compensation costs too much, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin has approved a nearly 10 percent decrease in workers’ compensation insurance policy rates. This demonstrates that a good workers’ compensation system, such as North Carolina’s, can both fairly compensate injured workers and be affordable for companies.
Fourth Circuit reverses the Board in Longshoreman Act case
In Green-Brown v. Sealand Service, the Fourth Circuit held that under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), hearing loss determinations can only be accepted under the Act if they are done according to the AMA Guides. The plaintiff was a long-term shipping container repairman, who was exposed to loud noises from air hammers, impact […]
Ann speaks to Charlotte cycling group
Ann Groninger spoke last night with Charlotte’s Dirt Divas, a womens’ mountain biking group whose members ride together and provide service to the community. Many of the women also ride on the road and wanted to understand their legal rights and responsibilities as cyclists. Ann spoke and answered questions about the rules of the road, insurance […]
Today’s workers’ compensation decisions by the NC Court of Appeals
Alston v. Federal Express is another decision on workers’ compensation liens, and how they are handled by superior courts under N.C.G.S. 97-10.2(j). In a 10.2(j) action, “the judge shall determine, in his discretion, the amount, if any, of the employer’s lien, whether based on accrued or prospective workers’ compensation benefits, and the amount of cost of […]
This week’s personal injury case from the NC Court of Appeals
The court issued an unpublished opinion about a pedestrian-vehicle auto accident in Hill v. Thompson this week. In the case, the 15-year-old plaintiff crossed a highway near her home, not at a crosswalk, and was struck by defendants’ vehicle. Defendants argued that plaintiff could not recover at all because she was contributorily negligent (partially at fault) for […]