M. Travis Payne

M. Travis Payne

5.0
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 47 years

Workers compensation Lawyer at Raleigh, NC
Practice Areas: Workers Compensation, Employment & Labor, Personal Injury, Social Security

315 East Jones Street, Raleigh, NC

About M.

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Workers Compensation 50%

Making sure that the rights of injured workers are protected, and obtaining them the benefits to which they are entitled when those benefits are denied. This includes appeals of such cases.

36 years | 300 cases

50%
Employment and Labor 40%

Protecting a wide variety of rights that employees have, included cases against large corporations as well as governmental employers. This includes claims for wages and overtime, discrimination, retaliation for whistleblowing or exercising statutory rights, and violations of constitutional rights. This includes appeal so such cases. I also provide advice and representation to unions and to workers who are trying to form unions

48 years | 300 cases

40%
Personal Injury 8%

Seeing that persons who are injured through the negligence of others receive the compensation they deserve. This primarily involves automobile accidents, but includes other types of injury situations.

41 years | 100 cases

8%
Social Security & Disability 2%

Representing persons who have applied for Social Security Disability benefits, and been denied. This representation primarily involves preparing for and then providing representation on appeal before and Administrative Law Judge.

31 years | 30 cases

2%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 200-400 per hour

Contingency

25%-38%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

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Licenses

Licensed in North Carolina for 47 years

State: North Carolina

Acquired: 1978

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Edelstein and Payne

315 East Jones Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601

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M. Travis Payne's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

10 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (10) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Advocacy

Posted by JB | July 03, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Workers Compensation

Travis is Honest, Clear, Highly Competent, & A Good Guy who Fights hard for Your Rights! Hiring Travis was my best decision!

When I first came to Travis, I was confused and lacking confidence with the Workers’ Comp legal system. Prior to speaking more about Travis, please allow me to explain how I had a 2nd chance to receive excellent legal representation, and meet Travis. My original attorney (not Travis Payne) felt my ...case had become too complicated, and asked me to settle for what I felt was an inappropriate amount, or pay him more $ money than the previously agreed upon rate. This 1st attorney contacted my former employer’s legal team, and let them know I was soon to be without representation. I felt this was likely done to scare me into paying this attorney what I felt was borderline extortion. Maybe this money was needed to keep up the payments in the opulently decorated fancy facility? What I do know is within days, I received packages of files containing literally hundreds of legal documents. My former employer indicated since I was without an attorney, I would have “X” days to answer many questions or else. I felt I was incompetent to represent myself, and felt I was being intimidated by my former employer. I was under tremendous emotional stress, and suffering from physical pain trying to recover from a serious workplace injury. I was feeling nervous, and knew I didn't have the skill set to manage my case. Unable to think clearly, I contemplated simply dropping my case. After a few less than friendly phone calls from people representing my former employer, I began seeking representation again. I called several attorneys, but struggled to find someone who seemed to care or had sincere interest in my case. I learned some workers' compensation attorneys only seemed interested in easy cases where a person had lost a limb (or worse) during an accident. I was glad I hadn’t lost a limb, however began to feel my situation was hopeless. Here's the good part. I thank my lucky stars for having the opportunity to speak with and meet Travis Payne. When I first met him, he came down the stairs of his modest facility, and had on a Jimi Hendrix T-shirt and jeans. 20 minutes later, I realized I met a true Salt-of-the-Earth Dude. In an hour, Travis taught me more about my rights than my previous attorney had in nearly a year. Travis even advised me of benefits I should have applied for months prior to meeting him. Travis told me, “Write this down, this is really important. I can’t believe your previous attorney hadn’t advised you to, but you still have time.….” Well, I felt and still feel Travis was a well-timed gift. I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to truly thank him enough. He advised me during our 1st call I had a strong case. He was honest, and said it would be a lot of work, but he'd be happy to help. He organized my case quickly, and instructed my former employer to stop contacting me. What a relief! Travis’ team was outstanding! Angie in particular was always exceptionally kind. They sent me a copy of all communications to my former employer, and I never felt in the dark. They also never pressured me to settle. Travis is not a doctor, however his handling of my case genuinely helped my emotional health. Later, my case settled for 800% more $ than the previous attorney asked me to accept. Plus, thanks to Travis’ professional advice, I continue to receive very necessary benefits which I wouldn’t have known I qualified for were it not for Travis’ compassionate, honest, professional advice. Regretfully, I remain permanently disabled, however am able to live above the poverty line thanks to Travis’ ability to advocate for me, and help me see the big picture. My only regret would be not having gone to Travis 1st. I have referred family and friends to Travis, because I feel his rare combination of Honesty, Caring, and Fighting skills are truly hard to find. If you’re finding yourself like I was, and simply unsure what to do with regard to your on the job accident, I would highly recommend calling Travis first.

Posted by anonymous | July 02, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Workers Compensation

Fantastic experience

Approximately 7 years ago (2010), I was injured while working. My employer did not deny any claims and arranged for the medical care that I needed. Unfortunately, after several surgeries, it became clear to my doctor that I would not be able to return to work in the capacity that I did before the i...njury. As such, my employer started the conversation regarding medical retirement. Up to the point of retirement, I didn't feel that I necessarily needed an attorney. However, when I started moving towards the inevitable medical retirement, I retained Mr. Payne. I was impressed with him, even before hiring him. I remember calling/emailing Mr. Payne if I had a question about the work comp situation. This was BEFORE I hired him to represent me. I think it says a lot about his character and his desire to help people that get into situations like I did. After retaining Mr. Payne, he walked me through my journey of retirement at age 27. His knowledge of the work comp system is quite impressive. I must also add that I met with 2 other attorneys before retaining Mr. Payne. The others that I contacted just seemed to really be a little preoccupied with other cases. They also were not familiar with my employers medical retirement process. However, Mr. Payne knew all about the medical retirement stuff with my employer. I am in my 4th year of retirement, and, to this day continue to have Mr. Payne represent me. He has a wealth of knowledge because he has been doing his job for many years. I have been to hearings with the industrial commission and was very pleased that he grilled the Vocational Rehab folks. I would certainly recommend Mr. Payne to anyone dealing with work comp mess.

Posted by Anthony | June 22, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

Worlds Greatest Law Firm

I was a member of a Firefighter's Association back in the 90's. Travis took our case dealing with overtime issues and back pay. This case was settled out of court with all firefighter's receiving back pay and all future overtime being paid correctly. Travis handled a worker's comp. case for me th...at began in 2005. We went before the Industrial Commission which found for my employer, Travis appealed to the full Commission which then found in my favor. Thankfully all my medical bills and medications were paid for and in addition to that I received weekly checks from my employer. We ultimately settled with medical benefits being paid for a number of years and also a cash payout. Travis and his firm worked very hard and tirelessly for me over the years and I will always be great-full for their commitment. I would gladly recommend Travis Payne and his law firm to anyone who needs assistance.

Posted by Pamela | June 11, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Workers Compensation

Great Attorney!

Travis was an excellent attorney for me in my worker's compensation case. I spent 4 years fighting my case and Travis was there every step of the way. He took the time in my initial consultation to explain the process to me and help me understand what I would have to do. He communicated with me fr...equently and made sure I understood what was happening along the way. He always took the time to answer any questions I had, even if I asked them multiple times, and he answered questions other co-workers had that were in a similar situation as me. I always felt Travis gave me his honest opinion and not say he could help me if he truly didn't think he could. I am confident that the reputation Travis has in worker's compensation cases, along with his knowledge of the system and my employer, proved a valuable asset to me. I know I did everything I could possibly do in my case and Travis helped me to exhaust all avenues available to me. He was very compassionate and understanding, as I cried many times about my case while talking with him. Travis truly cares about his clients and seeking justice for them. I highly recommend Travis Payne!!

Posted by Ted | June 06, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Workers Compensation

Long road but great help.

I was faced with a hard spot in my life as far as my financial future after a serious worker comp case due to a on the job injury. My case started in March of 2003 and was settled in June of 2009. My case was very complicated due to the nature of my injury and the Company I worked for unwilling to se...ttle the case. My Lawyer Mr. Travis Payne never wavered and fought very hard with tireless hours on my case never allowing Workers Comp or the Company to do anything but what was fair and just. Mr. Travis Payne is the person you want on your side when you don't know where to turn when your life has been turned upside down by a on the job injury. Mr. Payne is a person of great integrity and he will fight for your rights no matter how long it takes and when he says he cares about what happens to you it's a fact.

See All Client Reviews

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Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2012

Harkavy Award for contributions to employment law, Labor and Employment Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association

2011

Recognition for service to the Injured Workers in North Carolina, Workers’ Compensation Section of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice

2007

Defender of Justice” to the firm of Edelstein and Payne, North Carolina Justice Center

2004

Rcognition for work as a cooperating attorney, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Work Experience

1982 - Present

Partner, Edelstein and Payne

1978 - 1981

Staff attorney in the Smithfield office, East Central Community Leagal Services

Associations

1995 - Present

North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Civil Rights Section

Past Chair

1987 - Present

North Carolina Bar Association

Past member of the Labor and Employment Council

1982 - Present

North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Employment Law Section

Member of Executive Committee

1982 - Present

North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Workers Compensation Section

Amicus committee and past member of Executive Committee

1982 - Present

North Carolina Advocates for Justice

Member of Amicus and Legislative Committees

1978 - Present

National Lawyers Guild

Past Chair of North Carolina Chapter

Sample of Legal Cases

Pulley v. City of Wilson, N. C. App. Case no. COA08-716 (April 7, 2009)

Affirmed favorable ruling for injured worker

Clemmons v. Securitas, Inc., N. C. App. Case no. COA06-1346 (June 5, 2007)

Affirmed favorable ruling for injured worker

Whitfield v. Laboratory Corporation of America, N. C. App. Case no. COA02-722 (June 17, 2003)

Upheld favorable ruling for injured worker

Dixon v. City of Durham, 128 N.C. App. 501, 495 S.E.2d 380, disc. rev. den., 348 N.C. 496, 510 S.E.2d 381 (1998)

Ruled thta the injured workers refusal of an offered job wsa justified.

Lenzer v. Flaherty, et al., 106 N.C.App. 496, 418 S.E.2d 276, disc. rev. den. 332 N.C. 345, 421 S.E.2d 348 (1992)

Reversed dismissal of plaintiffs claims

English v. General Electric, 496 U.S.72 (1990)

Reversed dismissal of plaintiffs claims

Crow v. Citicorp Acceptance Co., 319 N.C. 274, 354 S.E.2d 459 (1987)

REversed denial of class action certification

Sides v. Duke Hospital, 74 N.C.App. 331, 328 S.E.2d 818; disc. rev. den. 314 N.C. 331, 335 S.E.2d 490 (1985)

Reversed dismissal of plaintiffs claims

See More Legal Cases

Education

1978

Unversity of MIchigan School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1970

University of California - San Diego

Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2015

Employemtn Law Seminar

Twenty Years Later: SIDES and Its Impact Today

2014

Workshop

Know Your Rights

2014

Workshop

Know Your Rights

2013

Workshop

Know Your Rights

2013

State Convention Workshop

Know Your Rights

2011

Workers Compensation Seminar

Things to Watch Out for in Sweeping Releases

2011

Employment Law Seminar

Elements and Procedure for Claims under the Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act (REDA)

2011

Employment Law Seminar

Representing Employees Subject to Just Cause Protections under the State Personnel Act

2010

Workers Compensation Seminar

The Inter-Relationship Between Unemployment Benefits and Workers’ Comp

2009

Employment Law Seminar

Ethical Issues that Arise During the Representation of Groups of Plaintiffs

2007

Employment Law Seminar

Wage and Hour Laws

2006

Employment Law Seminar

Motion Practice and Pre-Trail Procedures in State Court and the Federal District Courts

2004

Employment Law Seminar

DOL Wage and Hour Regulations Effective August, 2004

2004

Employment Law Seminar

Federal Whistleblower Statutes

2001

Civil Rights Seminar

Recent Supreme Court Decisions Making States Immune from Federal Laws

2000

Employment Law Seminar

Public Employees’ Rights Under the Constitution of North Carolina

1998

Employment Law Seminar

Wage and Hour Laws

1995

Employment Law Seminar

Wage and Hour Laws

1995

Employment Law Seminar

Trial Practices for Employment Discrimination Cases: A Plaintiff’s Perspective

1988

Civil Rights Seminar

Practical Aspects and Considerations in Bringing a Civil Rights Action

Publications

2001

Trial Briefs Claims for Violations of State Constitutional Rights

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

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