Over 85 years of combined experience representing workers hurt on the job in North & South Carolina
If you or a loved one were hurt on the job in North or South Carolina and are seeking straightforward legal advice, then look no further than the Wilder Pantazis Law Group. Established in 2018 to serve injured workers in the area, our work injury lawyers have the knowledge, passion and experience to evaluate your legal options fairly and truthfully. We invite you to tell us your story by scheduling your free consultation with one of our friendly and dedicated attorneys.
Se habla español. Nuestro bufete se especializa en la ley de compensación laboral de Carolina del Norte y Carolina del Sur. Tenemos muchos años de experiencia apoyando a los trabajadores que han sufrido por una lesión de trabajo.
Annemarie PantazisAnnemarie is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist, a distinction held by a select few North Carolina lawyers. She is licensed to practice law before all state courts in North Carolina, the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. She is also the author of several publications on workers’ compensation.
Rob WilderRob was admitted to the North Carolina Bar Association in 1973, and ever since he has perfected his experience, finesse and resourcefulness as a tested attorney. Having litigated more than 200 jury trials, Rob is a personable and persuasive professional whose areas of concentration include helping clients face litigation pertaining to product liability, catastrophic injuries, employment and healthcare.
Beau WilderBeau is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist. He has represented hundreds of personal injury victims and workers’ compensation claimants across North and South Carolina—litigating cases in both state and federal courts, as well as before the North Carolina Industrial Commission and South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. He works tirelessly on behalf of his clients and fiercely advocates for injured victims at every stage.
Allison VaughnAllison is an Associate Attorney at the firm who primarily focuses her concentration on complex business litigation matters, general civil litigation and workers’ compensation law. She was admitted to the North Carolina State Bar in 2014, and is well-versed in both state and federal laws. Inside and outside the courtroom, Allison is a dedicated advocate on behalf of her clients. She attended the Charleston School of Law where she graduated cum laude and received her Juris Doctor degree.
Sam McGeeSam McGee has tried cases varying from medical malpractice to business torts, nursing home abuse to will contests, and car wrecks to inadequate security cases. A graduate of Wake Forest University, Yale Law School, and Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College, Sam began his legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable Morris S. Arnold on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Vince VaranoVince joined the Wilder Pantazis Law Group as an Associate Attorney in 2024. Vince was inspired in law school to passionately advocate for those who could not fight for themselves. He focuses his practice on personal injury and workers’ compensation matters in North Carolina so that he can make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Essential questions to ask when
hiring a work injury attorney
What’s your experience with work injury cases?
This question is important because it helps gauge an attorney’s expertise and familiarity with the complexities of workers’ compensation law, which can be quite different from other legal areas.
An experienced attorney will have a better understanding of how to effectively negotiate with insurance companies and represent your interests, ensuring you receive the maximum benefits you’re entitled to under the law.
Additionally, their experience can provide valuable insights into the likelihood of success in your case, as they can draw upon their past cases to offer informed perspectives.
At Wilder Pantazis Law Group, our attorneys have more than 85 years of combined experience in work injury law, so we’re well-equipped to provide you with knowledgeable and effective representation tailored to the unique challenges of your case.
Have you handled cases with injuries similar to mine before?
A lawyer experienced in dealing with your specific type of work injury will have a deeper understanding of the associated medical issues and legal nuances. This specialized knowledge is essential for accurately evaluating your case, developing a strong strategy, effectively negotiating with insurance companies, and arguing your case in court (when necessary).
Additionally, their experience with similar cases can provide valuable insights into potential outcomes and strategies used by employers and insurance companies to reduce or deny these types of claims, increasing the likelihood of a favorable resolution.
What are your fees, and how are they structured?
Asking this question ensures transparency and helps avoid any surprises regarding legal expenses. Workers’ compensation attorneys typically charge clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning their payment is dependent upon winning your case or securing a settlement.
Under this arrangement, the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the compensation awarded to you. In South Carolina, the law typically limits an attorney’s fees to a maximum of 33% of your settlement or award.
While you are responsible for any expenses incurred in securing the settlement or award, like costs for acquiring your medical records, these do not require upfront payment. Rather, they are reimbursed to the attorney from the proceeds of the settlement.
What benefits am I entitled to based on my injury?
Asking a work injury lawyer about the specific benefits you’re entitled to based on your injury is crucial for several reasons.
First, it helps you understand the scope of compensation available for your situation, including medical expenses, lost wages, and potential long-term care or vocational rehabilitation benefits. An experienced lawyer can provide a comprehensive overview of the benefits you can claim under workers’ compensation laws, which can vary widely depending on the nature and severity of your injury.
This question also allows you to gauge the lawyer’s knowledge and experience in handling similar cases, ensuring they are well-equipped to maximize the benefits you receive. Moreover, understanding your entitlements early on helps set realistic expectations for your claim’s outcome and prepares you for the legal process ahead.
How will we communicate throughout my case and how often?
When choosing a work injury lawyer, it’s important to inquire about their communication approach and how they balance the legal aspects of your case with keeping you informed and involved in the decision-making process.
Regular and clear communication ensures you’re kept up-to-date on your case’s progress and developments. This not only allows you to concentrate on your recovery but also ensures you remain a key participant in the legal journey, making informed decisions when necessary.
What’s my role during the workers’ comp claim process?
Asking about your role during the workers’ comp claim process before hiring a lawyer helps clarify your responsibilities and what is expected of you, such as providing necessary documentation or attending medical evaluations, which can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.
Understanding your role also helps establish how active or passive you should be in the process, allowing you to prepare accordingly for any required involvement. This question ensures a clear understanding of the collaboration needed between you and your lawyer, setting the stage for an effective partnership and a smoother claim process.