Wright v. Murray

WYNN, Judge.

In North Carolina, when a plaintiff recovers ten thousand dollars or less in a personal injury suit, the trial court may allow a reasonable fee to the plaintiff’s attorney “upon a finding by the court that there was an unwarranted refusal by the defendant insurance company to pay the claim which constitutes the basis of such suit.” 1 Here, the defendant argues that the trial court abused its discretion by ordering $25,000 in attorney fees following the jury’s award of $7,000 to the plaintiff. Because the trial court’s order is supported by the requisite findings of fact and…