Learning to drive is an important milestone in a teenager’s life. It is a step closer to complete independence from the teen’s parents and the beginning of a new set of responsibilities. A considerable number of Americans become licensed drivers before their 18th birthday, which puts them in a precarious position: they are allowed to…
In a show of support for workers and law-abiding businesses, the North Carolina House passed a bill that would prevent businesses from classifying workers as independent contractors when in fact they are employees. This misclassification cheats workers from being covered by workers’ compensation laws and allows the cheating businesses to avoid paying withholding taxes. In…
We are currently reviewing cases involving the prescription drug Xarelto which is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceutical and co-marketed by Bayer Healthcare. It is alleged these companies failed to warn patients and physicians of the increased risks of irreversible and fatal internal bleeding when using Xarelto. Usage of Xarelto In 2011, Johnson and Johnson introduced Xarelto…
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…
