With several new associates starting at our firm over the past few months, I’m reminded of what it was like to be a brand new lawyer. I’m actually reminded of what it was like to be a brand new anything – the feelings of uncertainty, self-consciousness, and eagerness to learn. Specifically, when practicing law, you…
At the end of our previous post, The Case for Mentoring: Meeting Attorneys Where They Are, we highlighted the importance of keeping an open line of communication between mentor and mentee. This tip bears repeating. Maybe even a little louder, as they say, for the people in the back. In mentoring, as in life, communication…
On July 26, 2022, the Full Commission issued another extended benefits decision, Messick v. Walmart Stores, Inc. The panel consisted of Vice-Chair Griffin, Commissioner Taylor and Commissioner Goodman. In this case, the Full Commission awarded the claimant extended benefits. The issue of extended benefits was not an issue at the Deputy Commissioner level. The Deputy…
“Meet people where they are.” By now, it’s a phrase everyone has probably heard in one setting or another. It’s a sentence that I have running through my head on any given day or week. It’s a mantra of sorts when we consider retention, mentoring, and hiring; all of which are hot topics for law…
Getting an injured worker back to work is often the ultimate goal when mitigating exposure. When considering how to best maximize an injured worker’s post-injury earning capacity, employers and adjusters should attempt to collect information regarding an injured worker’s potential pre-existing limitations, vocational skills, education, and experience as early as possible. This could be done…
Former state representative Ken Goodman has been confirmed as a Commissioner at the Industrial Commission by unanimous vote in the House and Senate of the General Assembly on April 18, 2019. He previously served as a Democratic member of the General Assembly representing the 66th district in Montgomery, Richmond, and Stanly Counties. James Gillen has…
Thompson v. International Paper Co. On February 23, 2012, Darrell Thompson was involved in an at-work accident and suffered severe burns that covered more than 23% of his body, mostly to his left shoulder and arm. Following the injury, Mr. Thompson underwent three major skin graft surgeries and received treatment from several providers at the…
Shawn Patillo suffered a low back injury on February 16, 2011 while working as a press operator for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. (“Goodyear”). He was evaluated at the on-site medical clinic and was restricted to “off-standard” work, which meant he could not fully perform all his job functions and required assistance with his job…
Kelly Lewis worked as a bus operator for Transit Management of Charlotte (“Charlotte Transit”). He suffered an admittedly compensable back injury on June 15, 2009 when the bus he was driving was rear-ended. A Form 25R was completed wherein Mr. Lewis was assigned a 0% permanent partial disability rating. The last medical expense payment was…