Introduction
Every attorney at Cardinal Law Partners holds North Carolina Board Certification in Workers Compensation, a distinction that only a small percentage of attorneys in the state have earned. Founded by Kristin Henriksen, Megan Callahan, John Landry, and Justin Wraight, the firm brings over 50 years of combined experience to workers compensation, personal injury, and Social Security Disability cases. With offices in Raleigh, Greensboro, and Belmont, Cardinal Law Partners serves injured workers across North Carolina and South Carolina from strategically placed locations that cover the state’s major metropolitan areas and surrounding communities.
Practice Areas
Workers Compensation
The core of the firm’s practice involves representing employees who have been injured on the job in North Carolina. Workers compensation in the state applies to employers with three or more employees, and the system is designed to provide medical care coverage and lost wage reimbursement for workplace injuries. Cardinal Law Partners assists with initial claims, disputed benefits, denied treatment, and settlements. The attorneys handle formal filings with the North Carolina Industrial Commission, represent clients at hearings, and negotiate with insurance carriers that delay or deny legitimate claims.
The firm provides guidance on technical aspects of workers compensation law, including the tax treatment of benefits. Workers compensation benefits in North Carolina are not taxed by the state or federal government, a rule that applies to temporary total disability compensation, permanent partial disability ratings, and medical compensation. Temporary partial disability benefits are also tax-exempt, though reduced wages earned while working with restrictions remain taxable.
Personal Injury
Attorney Megan Callahan brings over 15 years of personal injury experience to cases involving negligence liability. The personal injury practice addresses situations where an injured person seeks compensation from the party whose negligence caused the harm, as distinct from workers compensation claims, which do not require proof of fault.
Social Security Disability
For workers whose injuries or conditions prevent them from returning to any form of employment, the firm provides Social Security Disability representation. These claims involve a different administrative process and different legal standards than workers compensation, requiring attorneys who understand both systems.
Attorney Profiles
Kristin Henriksen is a North Carolina Board Certified Workers Compensation Specialist and one of the four founding attorneys of the firm. Her certification reflects advanced knowledge and experience in workers compensation law as recognized by the North Carolina State Bar.
Megan Callahan brings over 15 years of experience in personal injury law. Her practice spans both workers compensation and negligence-based injury claims, giving the firm the ability to evaluate cases from multiple legal angles.
John Landry is a Board Certified Workers Compensation Specialist whose experience contributes to the firm’s statewide practice representing injured workers before the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
Justin Wraight has over 10 years of experience helping injured workers and has secured one of the largest workers compensation settlements in North Carolina. As a Board Certified Specialist, he understands the complexities of the system and works directly with insurance providers and the Industrial Commission to secure proper compensation for workplace injuries.
Location and Service Area
Cardinal Law Partners operates from three offices across North Carolina:
Raleigh (Main Office): 13341 Falls of Neuse Rd., Suite 202, Raleigh, NC 27614
Greensboro: 1501 Highwoods Blvd, Suite 100, Greensboro, NC 27410
Belmont: 112 Kenwood Street, Belmont, NC 28012
The firm also serves clients in Gastonia, Hickory, and surrounding communities. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The firm can be reached at (833) 444-4257.
The three-office structure positions the firm to serve workers in the Research Triangle area, the Piedmont Triad, and the Charlotte metro area, covering the most densely populated regions of the state. The firm also represents clients in South Carolina.
Client Focus
Cardinal Law Partners structures its practice to help injured workers at every stage of the claims process. From filing the initial report of injury through negotiating a final settlement, the attorneys handle the legal work so clients can focus on recovery. The firm provides free books with information about workers compensation rights and procedures, giving clients educational resources alongside direct legal representation.
The firm operates on a contingency fee basis, with attorney fees regulated by the North Carolina Industrial Commission. This means the fee structure follows established guidelines rather than varying from firm to firm. Free consultations allow injured workers to discuss their situation and learn about their options before making a commitment.
For workers facing uncooperative employers or insurance carriers, the attorneys file formal reports with the Industrial Commission and pursue hearings when necessary. The firm handles the complex paperwork, meets deadlines, and coordinates with medical providers on behalf of clients dealing with the physical and financial consequences of workplace injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all attorneys at Cardinal Law Partners Board Certified?
Yes. Every attorney at the firm is a North Carolina Board Certified Workers Compensation Specialist, which requires demonstrated expertise in workers compensation law as recognized by the NC State Bar.
Are workers compensation benefits taxable in North Carolina?
No. Workers compensation benefits, including temporary total disability, permanent partial disability ratings, and medical compensation, are not taxed at the state or federal level. However, wages earned while working with restrictions under temporary partial disability are subject to normal income tax.
Where does the firm have offices?
The firm has offices in Raleigh (main office at 13341 Falls of Neuse Rd., Suite 202), Greensboro (1501 Highwoods Blvd, Suite 100), and Belmont (112 Kenwood Street).
What types of cases does the firm handle beyond workers compensation?
In addition to workers compensation, the firm handles personal injury cases and Social Security Disability claims.
Is there a fee for initial consultations?
No. The firm offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, with fees regulated by the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
Closing
Cardinal Law Partners pairs Board Certification across its entire attorney roster with statewide reach through offices in Raleigh, Greensboro, and Belmont. Justin Wraight’s record-setting settlement demonstrates what the firm can achieve for injured workers, while the team’s combined 50-plus years of experience provides depth across the full range of workers compensation challenges. Contact the firm at (833) 444-4257 or visit cardinallawpartners.com to schedule a free consultation.