Firm news
Articles from the firm
Guidance written by the attorneys who handle the cases — on car accidents, insurance, liens, and what happens after an injury in North Carolina.
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Can I modify a personal injury settlement release after it’s been drafted?: A North Carolina guide
Yes—until you sign it. In North Carolina, a settlement release is a contract. Before anyone signs, you can negotiate edits to its terms.
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Will my personal injury award count as income that affects my Social Security benefits?: North Carolina
No. A personal injury settlement or court award is not “earnings” from work, so it does not reduce Social Security retirement benefits under the earnings limit.
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Will I still get any settlement money while lien negotiations are pending?: Clear guidance for North Carolina personal injury claims
Usually yes. In North Carolina, your attorney can release the undisputed portion of your settlement after paying fees and costs, while holding enough in trust…
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Who is responsible for paying my medical liens when a personal injury case is resolved?: North Carolina
In North Carolina, valid medical provider liens attach to your personal injury recovery.
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What steps should I take if the other driver’s insurer classifies the collision as no-fault and stalls the investigation?
North Carolina is a fault-based state, so an adjuster calling your crash “no-fault” does not decide liability.
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What steps are needed to satisfy medical and insurance liens before I receive funds?: A North Carolina personal injury guide
In North Carolina, your lawyer must identify every lien, verify the amount and validity, and pay or resolve those liens from the settlement before any money…
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What qualifies as punitive damages in a personal injury settlement and how are those taxed?
In North Carolina, punitive damages punish especially bad conduct and are available only if you first recover compensatory damages and prove fraud, malice, or…
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What obligations do healthcare providers have when releasing billing information to authorized representatives?
In North Carolina, providers may release a patient’s billing information only to the patient or someone who can legally act for the patient (for example, with…
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What information do I need to provide to request a patient’s billing statements from a healthcare provider?
In North Carolina, you typically need a signed, HIPAA-compliant authorization from the patient (or proof you are legally authorized), plus enough identifiers…
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What happens if the insurer doesn’t agree to reduce the lien in time?: North Carolina personal injury cases
In North Carolina, your lawyer should not distribute settlement money that is subject to a valid, unresolved lien.
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What happens if a healthcare provider doesn’t submit their lien before my settlement?: North Carolina
In North Carolina, medical providers have a statutory lien on your personal injury settlement even if they never “file” anything.
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How long does it take to clear all medical liens after a settlement?: North Carolina timing and rules
There is no fixed North Carolina deadline to clear medical liens after a personal injury settlement.
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How do I ensure my daughter’s medical and chiropractic bills are covered after her car accident?
In North Carolina, you can stack multiple sources to pay your child’s accident-related medical and chiropractic bills: your auto policy’s medical payments…
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How can I get the at-fault driver’s insurance company to accept liability for my daughter’s crash if no ticket was issued?: North Carolina guide
In North Carolina, a traffic ticket is not required for an insurer to accept liability.
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How can I find out if my settlement will be taxable or require a 1099?: Answered for North Carolina personal injury settlements
In North Carolina, money you receive for personal physical injuries or sickness is generally not taxable and typically does not generate a 1099.
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Can outstanding medical liens reduce the compensation I receive?: North Carolina Personal Injury
Yes. In North Carolina, valid medical provider liens attach to your personal injury recovery and must be paid from the settlement before you receive your share.
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Can I recover the deductible I paid when I filed my own insurance claim for her car repairs?
Yes. In North Carolina, you can usually recover your collision deductible from the at-fault driver’s insurer or through your own insurer’s subrogation recovery.
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Will using my health insurance affect my ability to get damages?
Using your health insurance will not stop you from pursuing damages in North Carolina.
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What steps should I take before signing settlement documents in my injury case?: Practical steps to protect your net recovery in North Carolina
Before you sign, confirm the final net amount you will receive after attorney fees, costs, and any valid liens or reimbursements.
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What steps can I take if the insurer undervalues my claim after appraisal?
In North Carolina, an appraisal usually decides the amount of loss, but it does not always end the dispute.
