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Hedrick Gardner Included in 2025 Edition of Best Law Firms 

Hedrick Gardner is pleased to announce our inclusion in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms®, published by Best Lawyers®.  The firm earned the following 15 metropolitan rankings:   Metropolitan Tier 1  Charlotte  Raleigh  Columbia  Metropolitan Tier 2  Raleigh  Metropolitan Tier 3  Charlotte  Raleigh  Asheville  The rankings are based on client feedback, peer reviews from attorneys, […]

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Tricia Shields Receives John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award

We are proud to announce that Tricia Shields has been selected to receive the prestigious John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award from the North Carolina State Bar. Established in 2009, this distinguished award recognizes current and retired members of the State Bar who have demonstrated exemplary service to the legal profession and their communities. Recipients […]

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Full Commission Ruling in COVID-19 Workers’ Compensation Case

The North Carolina Industrial Commission (Full Commission) recently reached a decision in a COVID-19 occupational disease workers’ compensation claim.  This decision has not been appealed, giving guidance as to handling and defending of similar claims. Case Overview Key Facts Commission’s Ruling The Full Commission determined that the plaintiff failed to prove: Significance of the Ruling […]

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Providing Death Benefits to Children Born Out of Wedlock: A “Legitimate” Issue

by Salvatore Popolillo III Children born out of wedlock is a growing trend in the United States.1 According to recent statistics published by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Safety, from January through March 2024 more than 40% of children born in North Carolina were born out of wedlock.2 Given this statistic, it is foreseeable that, […]

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Contractor Beware: The Hidden Risks of Uninsured Subcontractors in North Carolina

by Salvatore Popolillo III Contractors and businesses that subcontract work need to exercise caution in choosing subcontractors, and failure to do so could result in liability for on-the-job injuries of a subcontractor’s employees. Although employers are required to obtain a valid and current Workers’ Compensation policy, some employers, particularly smaller subcontractors, do not. Generally, under […]

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Court of Appeals Reaches Unanimous Decision in Favor of Firm Client

The NC Court of Appeals reached a unanimous decision in favor of the North Carolina State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, represented by Administrative Law partner Anna Baird Choi and associate Grant Simpkins. The Court of Appeals affirmed the Board’s findings that the chiropractor engaged in unethical conduct, negligence, and failed to render acceptable care in […]

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Hot Topic: Temperature-Related Injuries and NC Workers’ Compensation Law

In North Carolina, temperature related injuries, such as heat strokes, are generally considered compensable injuries “where the employment subjects [an individual] to a special or particular hazard from the elements, such as excessive heat or cold, likely to produce sunstroke or freezing …” Fields v. Tompkins- Johnston Plumbing Co., 224 N.C. 841, 842-43, 32 S.E.2d […]

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Celebrating the Remarkable Career of Judge Linda Stephens

Throughout her extraordinary four-decade career, Judge Linda Stephens has made a lasting impact on the legal profession in North Carolina. Following her retirement, her legacy as a trailblazer, mentor, and exemplary attorney will continue to inspire us all. Linda’s journey is one of pioneering achievements. From being the first in her family to graduate high […]

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