The North Carolina Industrial Commission recently issued decisions in the first round of extended benefits cases, in which claimants are arguing entitlement to temporary total disability benefits past the 500-week cap. On May 19, 2022, Attorneys Paul F. Toland and Kristine L. Prati attended the joint seminar offered by the NCADA and NCASI to learn more about the history of the legislation, analyze the cases decided to date, and explore strategies moving forward. If you have questions about how this may impact your claim, or wish to discuss extended TTD benefits in North Carolina, contact them today to learn more!
Firm News
2022 Super Lawyers
James E.R. Ratledge, Reginald B. Gillespie, Jr., and Daniel C. Pope, Jr. have been named North Carolina 2022 Super Lawyers by Super Lawyers magazine! Each year, Super Lawyers recognizes the top five percent of lawyers in North Carolina via a patented multiphase selection process involving peer nomination, independent research and peer evaluation. Congratulations!
Daniel C. Pope, Jr. to Speak at North Carolina Bar Association Workers’ Compensation Section
Daniel C. Pope, Jr. will be speaking on February 5, 2021, for the course “COVID, COVID, Go Away, Workers’ Comp. Is Here to Stay” (2021 Workers’ Compensation Winter Program). Should you Become a Workers’ Compensation Specialist? Mr. Pope will analyze what it means to be a certified workers’ compensation specialist and why you may want to become a specialist. Determine if you’re eligible to become a certified specialist, what steps to take — including the specialization exam — and the timeline for becoming a specialist in 2021.
Frances M. Clement Defends Appeal To Court of Appeals
Frances M. Clement successfully defended an appeal brought by an employee to the Court of Appeals requesting full compensability after the Full Commission conducted a hearing and wholly denied Plaintiff’s claim on credibility grounds. The Court of Appeals affirmed the Full Commission’s opinion and award, denying Plaintiff compensation.
Kristine L. Prati Defends Appeal To Full Commission
Kristine L. Prati successfully defended an appeal brought by the employee to the Full Commission requesting reinstatement of indemnity benefits. In the Opinion and Award filed on August 15, 2016, the Full Commission agreed with the prior ruling of the Deputy Commissioner and refused to award ongoing temporary total disability benefits as the employee failed to prove that he was disabled.
Kristine L. Prati Recertified As Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law
On February 12, 2016, Kristine L. Prati was recertified by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law.