COVID-19 RESOURCES

COVID-19 Update: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in accordance with state and federal recommendations, our physical offices are closed; however, we remain fully operational in a remote capacity. While most firm members are working remotely through a secure connection, we have a small team onsite each day to support essential functions. All firm members have access to voicemails left on their office phone and can also be reached quickly by email or cell phone. As we navigate these uncharted waters together, we hope you will find this resource page useful. If you have any questions or would like to discuss these topics in more detail, please reach out to one of our attorneys.

Federal Resources

Updates from the CDC: How to protect yourself and what to do if you are sick

U.S. Department of Labor: Paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

U.S. Small Business Administration: Small business guidance and loan resources

Local and State Resources

All NC COVID-19 Executive Orders

NCDHHS Response to COVID-19: Including information about symptoms and testing, news briefings and up to date case count

Business & Employer Resources from the State of NC

The North Carolina Judicial Branch’s Response to COVID-19 (including updates from the NCIC and U.S. District Courts)

Teague Campbell

The NC Judicial Branch continues to monitor COVID-19 across the state. In conjunction with the Governor’s Coronavirus Task Force, state public health officials and the NC Department of Emergency Management, Chief Justice Beasley has issued several new orders. The NC Industrial Commission and U.S. Districts Courts have similar orders. We have compiled the pertinent resources…

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How Will Layoffs Due to COVID-19 Affect a Claimant’s Entitlement to Workers’ Compensation Indemnity Benefits?

Elizabeth Ligon and Bruce Hamilton

While the North Carolina Industrial Commission has not yet issued any decisions specifically related to COVID-19, there are prior cases that have considered whether a claimant is entitled to indemnity benefits when their disability is the result of economic conditions. In general, when a claimant’s disability is due to an economic downturn, rather than a…

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COVID-19 Orders from the NC Department of Insurance Affecting Insurance Companies and Representatives

Carmelle Alipio and William Bulfer

On March 27, 2020, and again on March 30, 2020, Mike Causey, Insurance Commissioner at the North Carolina Department of Insurance issued Orders that N.C.G.S. § 58-2-46 be effective across all North Carolina counties. The Orders are effective until April 26, 2020, and apply to all insurance companies including service corporations, HMO, MEWA, surplus lines…

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COVID-19 and Workers’ Compensation Implications in North Carolina Due to an Increase in Teleworking

Bruce Hamilton and Tracey Jones

Brief overview of the legal analysis of COVID-19 workers’ compensation exposure in North Carolina. COVID-19 cases must be handled and analyzed on a case-by-case basis; however, based upon the current statute and case law, it is unlikely that suspected COVID-19 or actual COVID-19 cases would be considered compensable under either an injury by accident or…

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