Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering filing a lawsuit in North Carolina, it is important to understand the applicable statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is the time limit within which a claim must be filed. Once the statute of limitations has expired, you may no longer be able to file a claim for that specific incident. Each type of civil claim has its own statute of limitations, so it is important to consult with an experienced attorney to determine the deadlines that apply to your case.

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for many civil claims is three years. This means that you must file your claim within three years of the incident that led to your injury or damages. In some situations, this time limit can be tolled, or extended, like when the damages were not discovered until later or a party is baited into not bringing their claim by promises from the other party. However, these exceptions are often applied narrowly and almost always depend on the unique circumstances of the case, so it is always best to file your claim as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues with the statute of limitations. For more information regarding statutes of limitations and civil claims, contact Parton Law.

Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process in which a neutral third-party helps the parties in a dispute reach a mutually acceptable solution. Mediation can be less expensive and less time-consuming than litigation, and it allows the parties to maintain control over the outcome of their dispute. In most North Carolina cases, parties are required to participate in mediation before proceeding to trial. The downside of mediation is that the mediator does not have the power to make legal rulings or force the parties to reach a resolution; so, when the parties’ positions are far apart and unlikely to settle, mediation can feel like a waste of time and money.

Litigation, on the other hand, is a formal legal process in which the parties present their cases to a judge or jury, who then makes a decision. Litigation is typically a more expensive and time-consuming process than mediation, and it can often be unpredictable in terms of outcome. However, litigation may be necessary in cases where mediation has been unsuccessful or where there is a need for a formal legal ruling or judgment.

For more information on the strategic use of litigation and mediation, contact Parton Law.

Parton Law, PLLC charges a fee of $389 for a consultation with our Managing Partner, Attorney Corey Parton, or our Senior Attorney, Leslie Muse, which is conducted via telephone or video, whichever best accommodates you.

In addition to the Attorney’s time conducting the consultation, the consultation fee covers:

• Completion of our Intake Form and Online File and Teams Channel Creation: After the consultation fee is paid, our Litigation Assistant or Paralegal will complete the intake form, gathering the necessary information to get everything ready for your consultation. The intake also consists of the creation of a SharePoint file and Teams Channel.
• Conflict of Interest Check: Lawyers are bound by strict Rules of Professional Conduct which require thorough checks for professional and personal conflicts of interest. Your consultation will preclude Parton Law from representing any other involved parties. This is often referred to as ‘conflicting out’ the attorney.
• Pre-Consultation Case File Review: Prior to the consultation, the Attorney will review your summary of the matter, including any pending pleadings or existing orders, contracts or agreements, and any other relevant documents or information provided.
• Consultation Meeting: During the Consultation, the Attorney will provide a unique assessment of your legal situation and advise you of your legal rights, risks, and available remedies.
• Post Consultation: After the consultation, you will have the option to retain Parton Law, PLLC as your legal counsel. If you choose to retain Parton Law, you will sign a Legal Services Agreement and put down an Advanced Trust Retainer.