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Vernon Rollins Sumwalt
also known as Vernon Sumwalt
About Vernon
Biography
Vernon Sumwalt has handled approximately 250 workers’ compensation hearings, 100 appeals—mostly from cases he has tried—and many other cases before juries and our courts of general jurisdiction in both North Carolina and South Carolina. He is the current President of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (formerly the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers) and has taught almost 140 state and national classes for lawyers and other professionals. He has also written over 45 books, chapters, and other articles on different aspects of workers’ compensation and trial law.
Since 2005, Vernon has been a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law. To research some of the workers’ compensation cases he has tried to a decision from the North Carolina Industrial Commission, please follow this link to the Industrial Commission’s website. Put “public” as both the “user name” and “password” to sign in. Once there, search for “Vernon Sumwalt” in the Full Text search to pull up decisions in his cases.
Since 2014, Vernon has also been a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Appellate Law. To research some of his experience in appeals, please follow this link to Google Scholar, select “case law” for “North Carolina courts” and then search for “vernon sumwalt” (in all lowercase).
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Workers Compensation
70%
28 years | 1,500 cases
Appeals
15%
28 years | 100 cases
General Practice
15%
28 years | 100 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
25%-45%
Payment Methods
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in South Carolina for 27 years
State: South Carolina
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Licensed in North Carolina for 27 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
The Sumwalt Group Workers' Compensation and Trial Lawyers
The Refinery, Fifth Floor, 1213 West Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC, 28208
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Vernon Rollins Sumwalt's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
19 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 19 reviews
Posted by Josh | August 31, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Workers Compensation
Great Lawyer
Vernon Sumwalt was the perfect layer for my Workers’ Comp needs. He went above and beyond and fought for me every step of the way. In the end, I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Highly recommend him to anyone looking for representation. He’s got your back.
Posted by Steve | August 08, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Lawyer review
An absolute delight to work with and a very knowledgeable Lawyer. Would recommend 100% if your in need of his services.
Posted by Barbara | August 03, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
THE BEST HANDS DOWN!!!
We could not have been any more Satisfied then what we were with Mr. Vernon Sumwalt and his team! This was our second time hiring Mr. Vernon Sumwalt (first back in 2008) & just like the first time, he Did Not disappoint with taking care of my challenging case this time around...I won both times!!! ...
Posted by Sara | August 01, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Peace of mind
Most down to earth individuals we could have asked for. They were so patient and attentive with our mother. They answered her questions clearly and took time and care with her to address all her questions. Unfortunate circumstances that brought us to their office but they helped us navigate her situa...
Posted by Nancy | May 26, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Workers Compensation
Proffessiona and competent
I used Vernon for a workers comp case back in 2014 and I was extremly pleased with his work and the outcome of my case.
Vernon Rollins Sumwalt's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Vernon is one of the most knowledgeable attorneys in the State on Worker's Compensation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Vernon is one of the finest work comp lawyers in North Carolina."
John Ayers
Workers compensation lawyer
Bobby Bollinger
Workers compensation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2020
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2020
Order of Service, North Carolina Advocates for Justice
2019
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2019
Order of Service, North Carolina Advocates for Justice
2019
Top 100 in North Carolina, Top Attorneys in North Carolina (Charlotte Magazine)
2018
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2018
Order of Service, North Carolina Advocates for Justice
2018
WC Claimants' "Lawyer of the Year" (Charlotte, NC), Best Lawyers in America
2017
Top 100 in North Carolina, Top Attorneys in North Carolina (Charlotte Magazine)
2017
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2017
Order of Service, North Carolina Advocates for Justice
2016
Order of Service, North Carolina Advocates for Justice
2016
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2016
WC Claimants' "Lawyer of the Year" (Charlotte, NC), Best Lawyers in America
2016
Top 100 in North Carolina, Top Attorneys in North Carolina (Charlotte Magazine)
2016
Top 25 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Top Attorneys in North Carolina (Charlotte Magazine)
2015
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2015
Order of Service, North Carolina Advocates for Justice
2015
Top 100 in North Carolina, Top Attorneys in North Carolina (Charlotte Magazine)
2015
Top 25 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Top Attorneys in North Carolina (Charlotte Magazine)
2014
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2014
Board Certified Specialist - Appellate Practice, North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
2014
Order of Service, North Carolina Advocates for Justice
2013
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2013
WC Claimants' "Lawyer of the Year" (Charlotte, NC), Best Lawyers in America
2013
Order of Service, North Carolina Advocates for Justice
2012
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2012
Ebbie Award, North Carolina Advocates for Justice
2012
Order of Service, North Carolina Advocates for Justice
2011
Honorary New Lawyer Award, North Carolina Advocates for Justice
2011
Order of Service, North Carolina Advocates for Justice
2011
James L. Cross Leadership Award, North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
2011
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2010
Order of Service, North Carolina Advocates for Justice
2010
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2009
Order of Service, North Carolina Advocates for Justice
2009
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2005
Board Certified Specialist - Workers' Compensation Law, North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
N/A
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2020 - Present
Trial Lawyer, The Sumwalt Group
2000 - 2020
Attorney, The Sumwalt Law Firm
1998 - 2000
Trial Lawyer, Suggs & Kelly, PA
1996 - 1998
Law Clerk, Suggs & Kelly, PA
Associations
2019 - Present
National College of Workers' Compensation LawyersFellow
2012 - Present
National Academy of Social InsuranceMember
2007 - Present
Lexis-Nexis(R) Larson's National Workers' Compensation Advisory BoardMember
2019 - 2020
North Carolina Advocates for JusticePresident
Sample of Legal Cases
Walker v. K&W Cafeterias
(Plaintiff-Appellant’s New Brief filed July 10, 2019, and New Reply Brief filed Sept. 25, 2019, oral argument on Jan. 6, 2020)
Watkins v. Federal Express
resolved through Consent Order on July 22, 2019, and order dismissing appeal filed on Aug. 7, 2019
Walker v. K&W Cafeterias
petition for discretionary review granted
Pine v. Wal-Mart Assocs., Inc.
McCleod v. Spectrum Brands
Defendants’ Notice of Appeal to Court of Appeals filed on May 18, 2017, and withdrawn after case settled on June 30, 2017
Easter-Rozzelle v. City of Charlotte
Lewis v. Transit Management of Charlotte
case settled before petitions for discretionary review and responses to petitions for discretionary review for both sides decided, dismissed on June 12, 2017
Wilkes v. City of Greenville
Rainey v. City of Charlotte
Edwards v. Reddy Ice
Breath v. OrthoCarolina
Farley v. Sygma Network, Inc.
case settled after Notice of Appeal filed on June 12, 2015
Alfredson v. Premier Transp. Co.
case settled after Notice of Appeal filed on January 30, 2015
Skoff v. U.S. Airways, Inc.
Rainey v. City of Charlotte
petition for disc. review denied
Haileab v. John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc.
wrote both appellant’s and appellee’s briefs on behalf of Plaintiff
Burley v. U.S. Foods, Inc.
Heglar v. Commissioners of the N.C. Indus. Comm’n
Gregory v. Pearson
3-3 split, affirming per curiam without precedential value
Bethea v. U.S. Airways, Inc.
Miller v. Northeast Med. Ctr.
Burley v. U.S. Foods, Inc.
Miller v. Northeast Med. Ctr.
Skoff v. U.S. Airways, Inc.
petition for discretionary review denied
Medlin v. Weaver Cooke Constr.
Ademovic v. Taxi USA, LLC
Wells v. Charlotte Mecklenburg Hosp. Auth.
Winston v. Charlotte Observer
appeal withdrawn after defendants’ Notice of Appeal filed on Sept. 13, 2013
Sinanovic v. W.B. Moore Co.
settled after Notice of Appeal filed, but before Record on Appeal filed
Gonzalez v. Worrell
Anglin v. Dunbar Armored
Helfrich v. Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
Tinsley v. City of Charlotte
Tinsley v. City of Charlotte
appeal after further proceedings
Smith v. Aramark
Settled after Defendant’s Notice of Appeal filed, but before Record on Appeal filed with Court of Appeals, and appeal withdrawn as ordered on October 10, 2012
Grayson v. First Charlotte Perfusion Services & Novant Health
Hatley v. Continental Gen’l Tire
reporting 2011 N.C. App. 1927 (unpublished opinion, wrote appellant’s brief).
Shaw v. U.S. Airways, Inc.
Cawthorn v. Mission Hosp., Inc.
Mehaffey v. Burger King
Yous v. Greif, Inc.
Cardwell v. Jenkins Cleaners, Inc.
Hatley v. Continental Gen’l Tire
appeal after remand
Ashley v. C&H Carriers
case settled after Record on Appeal filed, but before any briefs filed
Thompson v. Aramark, Inc.
Thomas v. Contract Core Drilling & Sawing
Kee v. Caromont Health, Inc.
Gesel v. Miller Orthopaedic Clinic
petition for disc. review denied
D’Aquisto v. Mission St. Joseph’s Health Sys.
Nale v. Ethan Allen
Nale v. Ethan Allen
petition for disc. review denied
Gesel v. Miller Orthopaedic Clinic
Meares v. Dana Corp.
McCarver v. Hunter Motors, Inc.
Starr v. Gaston County Board of Educ.
Davis v. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino
Roberts v. Dixie News, Inc.
Polston v. Six Star Economic Devel./Golden Corral
Shaw v. U.S. Airways, Inc.
appeal after remand
Shaw v. U.S. Airways, Inc.
Gainer v. Graebel Van Lines
dismissed Dec. 5, 2006 (case settled and defendants voluntarily withdrew appeal after record filed, but before briefs filed)
Dodrill v. Jerry Rhyne’s Collision Repair
Starnes v. Interstate Foam & Supply
defendants’ Notice of Appeal dismissed before Record on Appeal filed
Silvers v. Mastercraft, Inc.
D’Aquisto v. Mission St. Joseph’s Health Sys.
appeal after remand
Bowling v. US Airways Group, Inc.
Settled after defendants’ Notice of Appeal filed with Industrial Commission, but before Record on Appeal filed
Queen v. Penske Corp.
Driggers v. Central Church of God
Defendants’ appeal voluntarily withdrawn and dismissed before Record on Appeal filed
Queen v. Penske Corp.
petition for disc. review denied
Meares v. Dana Corp.
petition for disc. rev. denied
Montgomery v. Toastmaster, Inc.
Meares v. Dana Corp.
subsequent appeal after remand
Brooks v. Capstar Corp.
Konrady v. U.S. Airways, Inc.
Atkins v. Kelly Springfield Tire Co.
Boney v. Winn-Dixie, Inc.
London v. Snak-Time Catering
Case settled after Record on Appeal and after writing appellant’s brief
Willey v. Williamson Produce
Osmond v. Carolina Concrete Specialties
Logan v. Roger’s Concrete Co.
Bridwell v. Golden Corral Steak House
petition for disc. review denied
Bridwell v. Golden Corral Steak House
Ruiz v. Belk Masonry Co.
petition for disc. review denied
Ruiz v. Belk Masonry Co.
Logan v. Roger’s Concrete Co.
petition for disc. review denied
Osmond v. Carolina Concrete Specialties
petition for disc. review denied
Groves v. Travelers Ins. Co.
Thomas v. Bost
Thomas v. Bost
petition for disc. review denied)
Shah v. Howard Johnson
Saunders v. ADP Total Source FI XI, Inc.
petition for discretionary review allowed in part
Education
1998
University of South Carolina School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
University of Miami
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2020
Workplace Torts and Workers' Compensation
Appellate Case Law Update
2020
Workplace Torts and Workers' Compensation
Moderator
2020
Quirky Issues 2020
SSDI Offsets with Workers' Compensation, How to Solve Non-Recognition Problems at SSA
2020
North Carolina Industrial Commission Educational Conference
Case Law Update (with Bruce Hamilton)
2020
Let's Just All Agree to Disagree: 2020 Workers' Compensation Annual Meeting
Panel Discussion: "Six Months In--Forecasting the Future of N.C. Gen. Stat. 97-29(c) in February 2020"
2020
32nd Annual Conference (New Orleans)
Uncompromising the Great Compromise of Workers' Compensation--New Routes Around the Exclusive Remedy Doctrine
2020
2020 Paralegal Fall Conference
Handling a Workers' Compensation Claim when Third-Party Liability is Involved: Issues that Can and Will Arise
2019
Workplace Torts and Workers' Compensation
Appellate Case Law update
2019
Workplace Torts and Workers' Compensation
Moderator
2019
Annual Convention
Panel Discussion: "Preparing and Taking Doctors' Depositions"
2019
Annual Conference
North Carolina Workers' Compensation Law
2019
24th Annual North Carolina Industrial Commission Educational Conference
Case Law Update (with Bruce Hamilton)
2019
2019 Half Day Workshop
North Carolina Workers' Compensation Law
Publications
2020
Trial Briefs (NCAJ)
President’s Column: The Extra Mile (The World is Changing—and So Are We)
2020
Trial Briefs (NCAJ)
President’s Column: Best Lawyers v. Best Lawyering
2019
North Carolina Advocates for Justice Blog
President’s Column: Our Time to Take Back the Courtroom
2019
Trial Briefs (NCAJ)
President’s Column: Music Lessons (and the Legend of Ben Folds)
2019
Trial Briefs (NCAJ)
President’s Column
2018
Balloon Press
Negligence Policy, Elements, and Evidence: The Role of Foreseeability in the Law of Fifty States
2017
LEXIS-NEXIS® © 2017, 2018, 2019 eds.
Lexis-Nexis Practice Guide: North Carolina Workers’ Compensation
2015
LexisNexis e-Newsletter
Workers’ Compensation and Its Secondary Payers: Medicare and Medicaid
2013
Trial Briefs (North Carolina Advocates for Justice)
Workers’ Comp Bills Filed in 2013
2013
Workers’ Compensation Emerging Issues Analysis (LEXIS-NEXIS® © 2013 ed.)
Commentary on 2013 North Carolina Workers’ Comp Related Legislation
2012
LEXIS-NEXIS® (1st Edition 2012, 2nd Edition 2014, 3rd Edition 2016)
North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law: A Practical Guide to Success at Every Stage of a Claim; Chapter 13, “Credits under the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act”
2012
LEXIS-NEXIS® Workers’ Compensation eNewsletter National Edition vol. 3, issue 9
WCRI's Baseline for Evaluating the Impact of North Carolina's 2011 Reforms: A Measuring Stick That Falls Short
2011
LEXIS-NEXIS® Workers’ Compensation eNewsletter National Edition vol. 2, issue 41
It’s Still the Economy, Stupid: Considering the NCCI Research Brief ‘Workers’ Compensation Claims Frequency
2011
Wrote the North Carolina sub-chapter 6.11 for “State Specific WCMSA Requirements (2011 edition and annual republications, LEXIS-NEXIS®)
The Complete Guide to Medicare Secondary Payor Compliance
2011
LEXIS-NEXIS® Workers’ Compensation eNewsletter National Edition, vol. 2, issue 24
Off-Label Uses of Medical Products and Services
2010
2010 Emerging Issues 4912 (LEXIS-NEXIS® © 2010)
Vernon Sumwalt on "A Tale of Two Cases" (Stare Decisis Only Matters Sometimes): Gregory v. W.A. Brown & Sons, 2010 N.C. LEXIS 35
2010
2010 Emerging Issues 4876 (LEXIS-NEXIS®)
Vernon Sumwalt on Preapproval and Awards of Retroactive Attendant Care Services: Boylan v. Verizon Wireless, 685 S.E.2d 155
2009
Workers’ Compensation Law Center Powered by Larson’s (LEXIS-NEXIS® © 2009)
"Scenes We’d Like to See" from WCRI’s Medical Benchmark Studies
2009
Workers’ Compensation Law Community Powered by Larson’s (LEXIS-NEXIS® © 2009)
Bye Bye Brewington
2009
South Carolina Damages (South Carolina Bar 2nd Edition)
Chapter 39: Workers’ Compensation
2009
97-10.2(e): Outlaw v. APAC-Atlantic, Inc.,” Workers’ Compensation Law Community Powered by Lexis-Nexis® and Expert Commentary (LEXIS-NEXIS ®)
Vernon Sumwalt on "Last Clear Chance" Doctrine under N.C. Gen. Stat.
2009
The Course & Scope Vol. 22, No. 2 (N.C. Bar Association Workers’ Compensation Section)
The Chair’s Comments: Is There a Bailout in Our Future?
2009
Chronicles (South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Education Association)
A North Carolina Perspective: Mediation Pros and Cons
2008
Workers’ Compensation Law Community Powered by Larson’s and Expert Commentary (LEXIS-NEXIS® © 2008)
Misrepresentation in Contract of Employment: Did North Carolina Decision in Freeman v. Rothrock Go Too Far?
2008
The Course and Scope Vol. 22, No. 1 (N.C. Bar Association’s Workers’ Compensation Section)
The Chair’s Comments
2007
Shaw v. U.S. Airways, Inc., ___ N.C. App. ___, 652 S.E.2d 22, 2007 N.C. App. LEXIS 2320 (February 2008, LEXIS-NEXIS® © 2007)
LexisNexis® Expert Commentaries: Larson Series, Vernon Sumwalt on North Carolina Evaluation of Fringe Benefits in an Employee’s ‘Average Weekly Wage’
2007
§ 97-25.6, 2005 N.C. Sess. Law 448, 2005 N.C. H.B. 99, 2005 N.C. ALS 448, at *6 (November 2007, LEXIS-NEXIS® © 2007)
LexisNexis® Expert Commentaries: Larson Series, Vernon Sumwalt on the Physician-Patient Privilege in Workers’ Compensation Cases Since the Enactment of N.C. Gen. Stat.
2007
Legette v. Scotland Memorial Hospital, ___ N.C. App. ___, 640 S.E.2d 744, 2007 N.C. App. 361 (LEXIS-NEXIS® © 2007)
LexisNexis® Expert Commentaries, Vernon Sumwalt on Proving Causation of Work-Related Medical Conditions
2007
The Course and & Scope vol. 21, no. 1 (North Carolina Bar Association)
Membership Profile—Rick Harper
2006
Trial Briefs (North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers
Proving Causation in Injury Cases
2004
South Carolina Lawyer Bulletin (South Carolina Trial Lawyers)
Ten Things Every Workers’ Compensation Attorney Should Know about Medicare
2004
South Carolina Damages Vol. 2 (South Carolina Bar, 1st Edition)
Workers' Compensation (Chapter 27)
2003
Workers’ Compensation Committee Program (American Bar Association, San Francisco, California)
A Continuation of the Medicare Forum and Its Impact on The Workers’ Compensation System
2003
The Course & Scope Vol. 17, No. 1 (North Carolina Bar Association)
Revisiting the Workers’ Compensation/Social Security Offset
2003
South Carolina Bar (3rd edition 2003, 4th edition 2005, 5th edition 2008, 6th edition 2012, 7th edition 2019)
The Law of Workers' Compensation Insurance in South Carolina
2000
South Carolina Bar, (4th edition 2000, 5th edition 2002, 6th edition 2009, 7th edition 2015)
The Law of Automobile Insurance in South Carolina
1998
South Carolina Bar, 2nd Edition
The Law of Workers' Compensation in South Carolina
1998
The Advocate (Nevada Trial Lawyers Association)
A Step-by-Step Approach to the Breast Implant Client’s Social Security Case
1997
South Carolina Trial Lawyer Bulletin
A Step-by-Step Approach to the Breast Implant Client’s Social Security Case
1997
5 S.C. Envtl. L. J. 207
Book Review: Foundations of Environmental Law & Policy
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Out of state Workers Comp claim
17 Nov 2022
Q&A
What can I do about employer discouraging reporting an injury?
20 Jul 2021
Q&A
When can I reopen a Workers Comp claim if I settled with Form 26A?
12 Jul 2021