The court issued an unpublished opinion about a pedestrian-vehicle auto accident in Hill v. Thompson this week. In the case, the 15-year-old plaintiff crossed a highway near her home, not at a crosswalk, and was struck by defendants’ vehicle. Defendants argued that plaintiff could not recover at all because she was contributorily negligent (partially at fault) for […]
NC Court of Appeals
This week’s workers’ compensation decisions by the NC Court of Appeals
The Court of Appeals released two opinions this week on workers’ compensation. In the first opinion, Fonville v. General Motors, the most significant holding concerned the defendants’ unilateral termination of benefits. In this case, the plaintiff was hurt when she was struck in the head by a tent pole at a corporate event, and the […]
Today’s workers’ compensation decisions by the NC Court of Appeals
Clayton v. Mini Data Forms, Inc.: The court held that although the defendants were not entitled to a credit under N.C.G.S. 97-42, an offset of benefits may still be required under Moretz and Rice to avoid the overpayment of benefits. More specific findings were required though, regarding whether “payments made to plaintiff for that work […]
Today’s employment and workers’ compensation decisions by the NC Court of Appeals
Hawkins v. General Electric Co.: The court mostly affirmed an award to the plaintiff based on an occupational disease, contact dermititis, that was causally related to his employment. The court also agreed that he was disabled as long as his condition persisted. Jeffers v. D’Alessandro: The plaintiff, a former player for the Carolina Panthers, had brought […]
Today’s workers’ compensation decisions by the NC Court of Appeals
Cannizzaro v. Food Lion: The court affirmed the decision of the Industrial Commission, which found that the plaintiff’s accident caused his psychiatric conditions. The court concluded that, although not a physician, a psychologist specializing in neurological and cognitive psychology with significant experience with traumatic brain injuries was qualified to provide expert testimony. D’Aquisto v. Mission St. […]
Today’s workers’ compensation opinion by the NC Court of Appeals
Leggett v. AAA Cooper Transportation, Inc.: A workers’ compensation case can involve a separate personal injury case against a third party (not the employer) if the third party was responsible for the employee’s injury. When these personal injury cases are resolved, the provider of the workers’ compensation benefits may have a lien on part of the […]