Raleigh In early 2014, North Carolina Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry had some good news to share: Workplace deaths dropped significantly, with only 23 people having died in accidents on the job in the past year. It was the smallest annual toll since Berry took office in 2001. That count, though, captured only a sliver of…
Divorce is essentially the death of a marriage and is traumatic for all parties involved. The path towards divorce typically begins before or at the time of separation from your spouse. Even if both parties appear amicable, it may help to discuss your situation with a family law attorney to determine if their services would be beneficial…
Fair Settlement Proposal Myth: If you approach the insurance carrier reasonably, you will be offered a fair settlement proposal. Reality: Like most businesses, insurance companies operate on a profit basis and will not always make an offer that is in your best interests. Recorded Statements Myth: After your accident, the insurance carrier may call you for a recorded…
The budget conference committee was just appointed, so we finally have an opportunity to let our voices be heard about Section 15.1.6(b) of the budget bill. This provision would dramatically change the terms of Deputy Commissioners who hear workers’ compensation cases at the Industrial Commission. The Senate budget provides for four year terms for deputy…
Victims of state sterilization in North Carolina will soon have an opportunity to make their case for compensation in front of the N.C. Industrial Commission’s Eugenics Asexualization and Sterilization Compensation Program, and members of the NC Advocates for Justice (NCAJ) Workers’ Compensation Section have volunteered to represent them for free. David Vtipil of Younce, Vtipil,…
On March 25, 1911, fire spread through the Triangle Shirtwaist Company garment factory in lower Manhattan. Many of the workers were young women. They had little time or opportunity to escape. The fire spread quickly and killed 146 workers. The only fire escape collapsed during the rescue effort. The haphazard design of the workplace trapped…
In most car accidents, you do not need a lawyer. I know that sounds strange coming from a lawyer who is trying to make a living, but it is true. Now, before I give you my rules of thumb about when you need to hire an attorney and when you do not, let me begin…
Giant Food has alerted customers of a recall they issued on their PF Chang’s Pork & Leek Dumplings Frozen Appetizers due to undeclared shrimp and Pollock on the label. The product is safe to eat for any consumers “who do not suffer from a Crustacean shellfish or fish allergy.” There have been no incidents reported…
We have begun reviewing claims involving Lipitor which is a member of the drug class known as statins. It is prescribed to reduce cholesterol. Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research, a division of Warner-Lambert Company, obtained approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market Lipitor on December 17, 1996. Warner-Lambert entered into a co-marketing agreement with…
Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A., is happy to announce the recent marriage of Ellen Stamness to Joe Baznik. Ellen and Joe were married on May 3, 2013 in a beautiful, destination wedding to the Dominican Republic. Joe met Ellen about 4 years ago as a result of him purchasing a home next door to…
