Split Court Says Industrial Commission Had Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Worker's Claim

A divided North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled that the Industrial Commission had exclusive jurisdiction over a worker’s claims against his employer for negligence in responding to a medical emergency he experienced at work. Case: Smith v. The BDK Group Shallotte LLC, No. COA25-738, 05/06/2026, published. Facts: The BDK Group Shallotte LLC and affiliated entities jointly own, operate, manage and control a Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Shallotte. Jeffrey Smith worked for BDK as a district manager, and he went to the Shallotte location in April 2023 to prepare for a future store openin...