Lump-Sum Awards Can Still Be Paid When Total of Future Installments Is Uncertain

The North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled that a lump-sum award of benefits can be allowed where the amount of future installments is uncertain. Case: Blackwell v. North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, No. COA20-829, 03/01/2022, published. Facts and procedural history: Carmela Blackwell worked for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as a teacher. She suffered numerous physical and mental injuries while breaking up a fight. The Industrial Commission found Blackwell to be permanently and totally disabled and awarded her weekly benefits. Sometime later, Blackwe...