Blog
Personal Injury | Worker's Compensation | Employment Law
Welcome to the Harman Law blog, where we provide valuable insights into personal injury, employment law, worker’s compensation, and estate planning. Whether you’re facing legal challenges or simply want to stay informed about your rights, our blog offers information, helpful tips, and updates on the latest legal trends in North Carolina. At Harman Law, we’re dedicated to protecting the interests of individuals and families across our community, and our blog is here to guide you every step of the way.
Recent Blogs
Misclassification: Are You Actually an Employee, Not a Contractor?
In today’s evolving workforce, the distinction between an employee and an independent contractor has become increasingly blurred. While flexibility and autonomy are often touted benefits of independent contracting, misclassification can lead to significant legal and financial consequences for both workers and employers. Understanding the criteria that determine employment status is crucial to ensure rights and obligations are appropriately assigned. The Economic Reality Test: How Courts Decide Employment Status Courts and regulatory agencies utilize the
How to Prove the Other Driver Was at Fault in a Crash
Car accidents are stressful enough without the added pressure of proving fault. Yet, in North Carolina, doing so isn’t just important—it’s often the determining factor in whether or not you can recover compensation. Because North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule, you need to show that the other driver was 100% at fault for your crash. That means solid evidence, accurate documentation, and sometimes expert assistance. In this blog, we’ll walk through the
Can You Be Fired While on Medical Leave in NC?
Navigating medical leave can be challenging, especially when concerns about job security arise. In North Carolina, understanding the distinctions between various leave protections and the circumstances under which termination is lawful is crucial for employees. Differences Between FMLA, ADA, and Short-Term Disability Understanding the nuances of medical leave protections is essential: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): A federal law providing eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually for
Personal Injury Blogs
How to Prove the Other Driver Was at Fault in a Crash
Car accidents are stressful enough without the added pressure of proving fault. Yet, in North Carolina, doing so isn’t just important—it’s often the determining factor in whether or not you can recover compensation. Because North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule, you need to show that the other driver was 100% at fault for your crash. That means solid evidence, accurate documentation, and sometimes expert assistance. In this blog, we’ll walk through the
Delayed Injuries After a Car Crash: Why You Should Still See a Doctor
A car accident can be traumatic—but if you walk away without obvious injuries, it might feel like a lucky break. Unfortunately, not all injuries are immediately visible. Many people experience delayed symptoms that only appear hours or even days after a crash. If you’ve been in an accident, it’s essential to understand how delayed injuries happen and why medical attention matters for both your health and your legal rights. Why Adrenaline Hides Symptoms for
Common Types of Traumatic Brain Injury After an Accident
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can dramatically alter a person’s life, affecting their ability to work, maintain relationships, and perform daily activities. At Harman Law, we understand the profound impact TBIs have on individuals and their families. This guide aims to shed light on the various types of TBIs, their causes, symptoms, long-term effects, and the financial implications associated with treatment. Understanding the Severity: Mild, Moderate, and Severe TBI Mild TBI (Concussion): Often resulting
Employment Law Blogs
Misclassification: Are You Actually an Employee, Not a Contractor?
In today’s evolving workforce, the distinction between an employee and an independent contractor has become increasingly blurred. While flexibility and autonomy are often touted benefits of independent contracting, misclassification can lead to significant legal and financial consequences for both workers and employers. Understanding the criteria that determine employment status is crucial to ensure rights and obligations are appropriately assigned. The Economic Reality Test: How Courts Decide Employment Status Courts and regulatory agencies utilize the
Can You Be Fired While on Medical Leave in NC?
Navigating medical leave can be challenging, especially when concerns about job security arise. In North Carolina, understanding the distinctions between various leave protections and the circumstances under which termination is lawful is crucial for employees. Differences Between FMLA, ADA, and Short-Term Disability Understanding the nuances of medical leave protections is essential: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): A federal law providing eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually for
Is Your Workplace a Hostile Environment? Signs to Watch For
If you’ve ever left work feeling anxious, unsafe, or emotionally drained—not because of the job, but because of the people—you may be wondering if what you’re experiencing is more than just a toxic culture. In some cases, workplace behavior crosses a legal line into what’s known as a hostile work environment. Understanding the difference is critical. Not every unpleasant work situation qualifies, but if certain behaviors are present and persistent, you may have legal
Worker's Compensation Blogs
Compensability of Injuries Suffered by Traveling Employee
McSwain v. Industrial Commercial Sales & Service, LLC On April 7, 2020, the North Carolina Court of Appeals issued an important decision that helped clarify the compensability of injuries suffered by traveling employees. The Supreme Court of North Carolina has held that traveling employees (employees whose job requires them to stay overnight away from home) are generally considered to be acting “in the course of” their employment during their respective trip, except when there
What if a Co-Worker Caused My Injury at Work?
What are My Legal Options if a Co-worker Caused My Workplace Injury? What if a co-worker caused my injury at work? In most cases, you will file a workers’ compensation claim for any injuries caused by another employee. Workers’ comp claims are no-fault to provide the broadest protection for employees and do not take into consideration who caused the accident. Eligibility for workers’ compensation is typically only based on whether the accident happened during
What is Permanent Partial Disability?
An Injury Victim’s Ability to Work Permanent Partial Disability, or PPD, is a disability rating related to injuries sustained after an accident that affects the patient’s ability to work. Generally speaking, the injured party can still work, but not at the same level they once could due to injuries sustained. This means their earning potential can be affected for the rest of their career. How is PPD Determined? Medical personnel that has been monitoring