Business Details
38 Years
experience
Trusted Workers' Compensation & Civil Litigation Lawyers in Raleigh
The Jernigan Law Firm has been a trusted legal resource in North Carolina since its founding in 1988. Specializing in workers' compensation and civil litigation, the firm has represented a diverse clientele ranging from teachers and construction workers to professional athletes. With over four decades of combined experience, our attorneys have consistently upheld the highest ethical standards while advocating for fair resolutions in complex legal cases. Our founder, Leonard T. Jernigan Jr., authored the definitive legal text on North Carolina workers' compensation law and received the prestigious Thurgood Marshall Award for his contributions to justice.While Mr. Jernigan has now retired after 49 years of active practice, his legacy of compassionate representation continues to guide our approach. We maintain strong relationships with legal professionals statewide to ensure clients receive appropriate referrals for ongoing representation. Our commitment to excellence has been recognized through numerous client testimonials praising our responsiveness, expertise, and personalized service. Though no longer accepting new cases directly, we remain dedicated to connecting injured workers with qualified legal resources across North Carolina.
Services
Workers' Compensation
Civil Litigation
Personal Injury
Auto Accidents
Wrongful Death
Office Injuries
Denied Claims
Employment Law
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- 49 years of combined legal experience in workers' compensation law
- Recipient of the Thurgood Marshall Award for legal service excellence
- Board-certified attorneys specializing in North Carolina workers' compensation
- Contingency fee basis ensures no upfront costs for clients
- Proven track record with complex cases involving serious injuries
Associations and certifications
- North Carolina State Bar Board Certification in Workers' Compensation Law
What people say
Competent and experienced
Excellent counsel
Quick response time
Best in Triangle
Dedicated staff
Services
Workers' Compensation
Our workers' compensation practice helps injured employees obtain medical treatment and disability benefits through North Carolina's statutory system. We specialize in complex cases involving denied claims, occupational diseases, and disputes over average weekly wage calculations. With deep expertise in Industrial Commission procedures, we guide clients through hearings and appeals while ensuring compliance with strict filing deadlines.
Civil Litigation
We handle serious personal injury cases arising from workplace accidents involving third-party negligence. Our civil litigation practice focuses on recovering full damages for clients through jury trials when necessary. This includes compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and permanent disabilities resulting from catastrophic injuries.
Wrongful Death
Our firm represents families seeking justice for loved ones lost due to workplace accidents or third-party negligence. We help navigate both workers' compensation death benefits and civil wrongful death lawsuits, ensuring families receive comprehensive compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.
Auto Accidents
We assist clients injured in motor vehicle collisions, including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. Our practice addresses complex cases involving commercial vehicles, drunk drivers, and uninsured motorists. We work to recover damages for medical treatment, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and long-term disability resulting from traffic accidents.
Denied Claims
Our team specializes in challenging denied workers' compensation claims through formal appeals processes. We prepare compelling evidence for Deputy Commissioner hearings and Full Commission appeals, focusing on cases where employers or insurers improperly deny legitimate injury claims or dispute disability ratings.
People
Leonard T. Jernigan Jr.
Founder/Attorney
Leonard T. Jernigan Jr. practiced law for 49 years in Wake County before retiring in 2025. Recognized with the Thurgood Marshall Award for exceptional service, he authored the definitive North Carolina workers' compensation legal text now in its fifth edition. He represented injured professional athletes in the NFL, NHLPA, and PHPA since 1996.
Questions
What areas of law does Jernigan Law Firm specialize in?
We specialize in workers' compensation claims, civil litigation for serious injuries, wrongful death cases, and auto accident claims throughout North Carolina.
What should I do after a workplace injury?
Notify your employer immediately and seek medical treatment. Contact our office to discuss filing Form 18 with the Industrial Commission within 30 days of the accident.
Do you charge for initial consultations?
No, we offer free consultations for all potential clients and work on a contingency fee basis for accepted cases.
What areas does the firm serve?
We serve clients throughout North Carolina including Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, and Chapel Hill areas.
Is Leonard Jernigan still practicing law?
Leonard Jernigan retired in 2025 after 49 years of practice but remains available for consultation on legacy cases.
