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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
Hedrick Gardner is proud to announce that Raleigh Partner Catherine Lee was selected for inclusion in the 2024 edition of the North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Employment Law Power List. One of 31 attorneys selected for the list, Catherine is a partner in our Raleigh office where she focuses her practice on administrative and employment law. […]
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 […]
Hedrick Gardner is pleased to announce that 32 of our attorneys have been included in the 2025 Best Lawyers® lists. 30 of the firm’s attorneys have been included in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and two have been included in the 2025 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America list. Additionally, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Hedrick Gardner is pleased to announce that one of our attorneys and two practice groups are ranked in the 2024 edition of Chambers USA, a highly regarded legal industry guide. Patricia Shields is ranked in Litigation: General Commercial in North Carolina. A highly experienced trial and appellate attorney, Tricia’s practice focuses on civil litigation. She […]
The North Carolina Industrial Commission has released updated instructions for employers, carriers, and third party administrators completing the IC File Number Field when filing documents electronically. This new protocol streamlines the filing process, allowing documents to be submitted even without an assigned IC file number. The Industrial Commission has advised that Employers/Carriers/TPAs/Counsel should now: The […]
