Practice Areas

Eminent Domain (Land Condemnation)

Eminent domain is the legal principle by which governmental (municipalities, states and public authorities) and private (utilities, railroads, etc.) entities obtain real property for public use or benefit. A typical example would be the taking of property by the North Carolina Department of Transportation for use in constructing roads and highways.

Under State and Federal constitutional law, property owners are entitled to "just compensation" for their property taken in such circumstances. North Carolina statutes provide the legal framework by which a landowner is compensated for the "taking" of his or her property.

If you are a landowner whose property has been or may be subject to a condemnation proceeding, you have important legal rights which we will be pleased to discuss with you. You may call (828) 682-6112 for an appointment or complete a case inquiry form and we will contact you to discuss further information.

Personal Injury & Wrongful Death

Personal injury and wrongful death law involves situations in which a person has been physically or emotionally injured, a family member has died and/or personal property has been damaged as the result of the wrongdoing of another. Automobile accidents, medical negligence and defective product injuries are some of the situations from which personal injury claims may arise. While state statutory and decisional law usually governs personal injury lawsuits, federal law may apply in certain circumstances, such as when an injury is suffered on federal property or as a result of the wrongdoing of a federal employee or agency, or when a railroad worker is injured on the job.
Like any other legal claim, personal injury claims are subject to certain "statutes of limitations" which govern the time within which a lawsuit must be commenced. Therefore, it is essential that measures be taken promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the accident in question, and to file a lawsuit prior to the deadline imposed by the statute of limitations.
David Etheridge has handled hundreds of personal injury cases over the past 23 years. In all personal injury cases, the initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds.
You may call (828) 682-6112 for an appointment or complete a case inquiry form and we will contact you to discuss further information.

Workers Compensation

North Carolina maintains a statutory scheme for the compensation of covered workers in the event of an on the job injury and certain illnesses and conditions caused by the workplace. Generally speaking, most employers in North Carolina with 3 or more employees are required to provide workers' compensation coverage for their employees. If you have been injured on the job, you may call (828) 682-6112 for an appointment or complete a case inquiry form and we will contact you to discuss further information.

Business, Real Estate, Wills and Trusts, Environmental and Construction Litigation

David Etheridge has litigated and tried cases involving disputes between businesses, disputes concerning land and land contracts, controversies involving wills and trusts, environmental and toxic tort cases and issues relating to construction projects. If you or your business are facing any of these situations, please call (828) 682-6112 for an appointment or complete a case inquiry form and we will contact you to discuss further information.

Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.