Firm news
Accident Q&A series
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Can the insurer change or withdraw the settlement after I send the W-9?: Answered for North Carolina personal injury
In North Carolina, an insurer generally cannot back out once there is a binding, signed settlement agreement (for example, a signed release or a written,…
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Can I use my insurance’s medical payments coverage to cover treatment before the at-fault insurer pays?
Yes. In North Carolina, medical payments ("Med Pay") coverage under your own auto policy can pay your reasonable, accident-related medical bills right away,…
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Can I use my health insurance before my workers' comp claim is approved and still get reimbursed?
Yes. In North Carolina, you can use your health insurance for necessary treatment while your workers’ compensation claim is pending.
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Can I recover medical expenses and compensation for paralysis from a rental property accident?: North Carolina Premises Liability
Yes—under North Carolina premises liability law, a tenant may recover medical expenses and other damages (including for paralysis) if the landlord owed a duty…
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Can I recover compensation for my medical expenses and lost wages?: Answered for North Carolina personal injury cases
Yes. In North Carolina, if another driver’s negligence caused your crash, you can recover economic damages such as reasonable medical expenses and proven lost…
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Can I access medical payments benefits while subrogation negotiations are pending?: North Carolina
Yes. In North Carolina, medical payments ("Med Pay") coverage is a first-party benefit under your own auto policy and can be paid regardless of any ongoing…
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What kind of evidence do I need for a medical malpractice claim over an infection?
In North Carolina, you need evidence showing a health care provider failed to follow the applicable standard of care and that this failure caused your…
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What are the risks of continuing negotiations versus going to court?: North Carolina personal injury guidance
In North Carolina personal injury cases, the main risk of continued negotiations is missing the statute of limitations, which generally ends your right to sue…
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What are the next steps after signing a release in a personal injury case?: North Carolina Personal Injury
In North Carolina, after you sign a release, the insurer issues the settlement check, your attorney deposits it into a trust account, resolves any medical and…
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How long do I have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit for an infection in North Carolina?: Clear filing deadlines and key exceptions
In North Carolina, most medical malpractice lawsuits must be filed within three years of the health care provider’s last act or omission.
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How do I prove that the doctor’s failure to wash hands and wear gloves led to my infection?
In North Carolina, you prove this by showing: (1) the medical standard of care required hand hygiene and gloves, (2) the provider did not follow that…
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How do I negotiate a fair settlement for ongoing back pain after an accident?: North Carolina
In North Carolina, a fair personal injury settlement for ongoing back pain starts with clear medical proof, careful accounting of current and future costs,…
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How can I find a lawyer to help if my doctor’s poor hygiene caused an infection?: North Carolina
In North Carolina, infections from poor hygiene during medical care can support a medical malpractice claim, but you generally need a qualified medical expert…
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How can I finalize my personal injury settlement once both sides agree on an amount?
In North Carolina, you finalize a personal injury settlement by putting the agreed terms in writing, signing a release that closes the claim, resolving all…
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Can I sue a physician for negligence if I developed a lasting infection?: North Carolina
Yes. In North Carolina, you may file a medical negligence lawsuit if a health care provider failed to meet the applicable standard of care and that failure…
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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.
