Introduction to Our Privacy Policy
Prior, Criner & Edwards PLLC d/b/a Workers’ Compensation Law Firm prioritizes the protection of your personally identifiable information. As a premier Wilmington, North Carolina law firm serving clients in the Carolinas, we appreciate the confidential nature of the information when you engage us as your attorneys for workers’ compensation, personal injury, or vehicle accident matters. This Privacy Policy addresses in detail how your individual information is collected by us, how that information is utilized, how we maintain and store that information, and how we protect your privacy rights during the time we are engaged by you. Please review this policy in its entirety here and contact us with any questions or concerns.
About Us
Prior, Criner & Edwards PLLC / Workers’ Compensation Law Firm is a hardworking group with roots here in Wilmington, N.C. Attorneys Frank Prior, Sherman Lee Criner, and Ashley M. Edwards have decades of experience protecting the rights of injured North Carolinians and South Carolinians. We think it shows; our firm is known for its excellence, integrity, and strong advocacy. Our practice focuses on workers’ compensation, personal injury, vehicle accidents, and mediation. We are just as focused on preserving privacy and practicing ethically.
Applicability of This Privacy Policy
This site-wide privacy policy applies to any and all personally identifiable information (derived from your interactions with this website) that is obtained or may be obtained by Prior, Criner & Edwards PLLC, via our website, telephone consultations, in-person conferences, email communications and other communications connected with your use of our services. This privacy policy applies to current and former clients as well as persons who contact us in order to consult with us regarding a potential matter. In addition, this policy applies to any information we receive from third parties (for example: medical providers or insurance companies) in connection with our representation of your case.
What Information We Collect
In order to effectively provide legal services we need to obtain some personal information from our clients and website visitors. This information includes:
- Personally Identifiable Information (PII): such as one’s name, home address, phone number, email address, date-of-birth, social security number and any other information needed in connection with legal representation by our firm.
- Information about your particular case: such as your injury or accident, employment information, medical records, insurance policy numbers/company and case documents.
- Information about communications: relating to your particular case such as correspondence notes, transcripts of meetings and phone calls, email messages, etc.
- Technical Information: such as IP address, browser type, device identifier(s), website usage information such as cookies and other automatic data collection technologies used when you connect to our website.
- Payment information: such as banking information or other means of producing payment that may be necessary if our fees are reimbursable or to process a settlement check.
Such information may be gathered from you directly, received from third parties with your permission, or through various automated means when you connect with our website.
How We Use the Information We Collect
We use personal details you provide us to deliver our legal services, contact you and, where applicable, fulfill our contractual or legal obligations. In particular, we use personal information you provide to:
- Discuss your case from a legal aspect and provide consultation
- Prepare and file any necessary legal documentation
- Correspond with third parties such as the other side, courts, insurance companies
- Arrange mediations or settlements
- Accept and process payment in connection to fees we charge
- Respond to your specific queries or requests
- Fulfill any obligations required by law or regulation
- Continually improve our service, including our website
We never sell or rent your personal information to any third party. The only use we make of your personal information is in direct connection to your representation or to improve your experience of our practice areas.
Information We Share and How We Disclose Information
Your privacy matters. We only disclose your personal information where necessary to provide you with legal services, or to meet our professional and regulatory obligations to governing authorities, for example. Information may be disclosed to the following:
- Lawyers, paralegals and staff who need to know within our firm
- Experts and medical professionals in order to serve your needs
- Insurers, insurance adjusters and opposing counsel
- Courts, administrative tribunals and government agencies as required for your matter
- Service providers supporting us in operating our practices (e.g. secure data centre, billing, technical support)
All third parties are subject to confidentiality obligations. We do not use any of your information for marketing or other commercial purposes unrelated to the services we provide to, or on behalf of, our clients.
How We Safeguard Your Data
We employ comprehensive security measures intending to maintain the confidentiality of your personal information and to protect that information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, or destruction, including:
- Encryption of all digital storage media for files containing sensitive information
- Physical storage of paper copies of files and other sensitive documents in a secure place in our Wilmington office
- Firewalls, anti-virus software, and two-factor authentication on our internal computer systems
- Access to client information is on a “need to know” basis and is limited to our staff who work on your case
- Regular employee training in privacy procedures and protocols for the use of customer information
- Periodic reviews of security protocols and audit procedures
In the event we experience a data breach, we will take steps to notify individuals and comply with the law regarding notification.
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website employs the use of cookies and analytics programs to enhance functionality and track usage of the website to optimize our services. Cookies are files with small amounts of data that are sent to your device and saved on your browser. They remember your preferences when you visit the site. We use Google Analytics and other similar analytics services to recognize how you use our site, what information you place on the page, which pages you visit frequently, and how we can better serve you.
You may block or disable your web browser’s cookies, but some functionality may not work properly. This will not impact your ability to access legal services. For more information, please review our Cookie Policy.
Your Privacy Rights
- Access: you may ask us to provide you with any available information we have about you.
- Correction: You can make a request that we update or correct your information if you believe that our information is not accurate.
- Deletion: You may request that we delete your information, except where required by other applicable laws and regulations.
- Objection: To opt out of certain uses of your information such as marketing emails (please note that we do not send marketing emails without your consent).
- Portability: In certain circumstances, you may ask us for some of your information in a structured machine-readable format or ask us to transfer it to another provider.
To exercise your rights, please call (910) 341-3202 or visit our office at 508 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Processing Sensitive Personal Information
Our law firm routinely collects health, employment, and financial information that is sensitive in nature. As such, we collect, utilize, and maintain such information with particular care and a higher degree of confidentiality than is typically associated with other business-related information. We reserve access to such information to dedicated professionals involved with your matter, as applicable. We are committed to compliance with HIPAA and all applicable privacy and confidentiality rules pertaining to medical information and follow strict protocols regarding transmission and storage of sensitive documents.
Children’s Privacy
Our services are only available to adults and those persons participating in matters arising in North Carolina and South Carolina. We don’t knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under 13 years of age; if we discover that we have collected such data, we will promptly delete it per our protocol. In the event a parent or guardian believes that a child under the age of 13 has submitted personal information to us, he or she should get in contact with us immediately.
Data Retention Policy
We keep client personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill purposes described in this Privacy Policy, ensure compliance with our legal and ethical obligations, or as otherwise requested by a regulatory authority. We typically maintain case files and related documentation for a minimum of seven years following case closure (or longer as required by applicable law). Following the end of the retention period, we securely destroy or de-identify all personal data.
Third-Party Services and Hyperlinks to Other Websites
We may have links to or integrate third-party online services with our site for client functions such as online appointment making or uploading documents. We do not control the privacy practices, information collection, or information use of these third-party services. We suggest that clients carefully review the privacy policies on any site that is linked to this site. We select and work with third-party vendors who agree to maintain your information in a manner consistent with our standards.
International Transfers and Other Global Privacy Practices
We most often represent clients located in and around North Carolina and South Carolina, and we store data in the United States. On the rare occasion when data will be transferred across the border (for example, a cross-border insurance claim), we will have an adequate contractual solution in place to protect your data in accordance with applicable data privacy laws.
Confidentiality and the Attorney-Client Privilege
All information provided to our attorneys, paralegals, or other professional staff in the course of legal representation is protected attorney-client privileged communications. That means your communications and information related to your case are legally confidential and cannot be disclosed outside of the terms of this agreement unless compelled by proper authorities or courts of law. We will vigorously protect this privilege as a means to ensure trust and promote full, candid collaboration.
How to Reach Us About Privacy Issues
If you have any questions, concerns or requests concerning this Privacy Policy or any privacy or confidentiality matter relating to your Personal Information, please contact us either:
- Telephone: 910.341.3202
- Office: 508 Market St, Wilmington NC 28401
Alternatively, you may also consult with any of our principal attorneys, Frank Prior, Sherman Lee Criner and/or Ashley M. Edwards, with respect to any privacy or confidentiality matters. We do take your privacy and confidentiality concerns seriously and will make every reasonable effort to address and respond to your concerns.
Revisions and Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may revise this Privacy Policy periodically to address new or changed practices, technology, or legal requirements. If major revisions are made, such changes will be communicated to clients by posting on the website or by other communication. The most current version of the Privacy Policy will be available on the website. We encourage you to examine this policy periodically to remain informed of how we secure your information.
Client Consent and Agreement to this Privacy Policy
By using our firm for legal services, contacting us through our website, and/or providing us with personal information over the phone, email, or in person, you expressly consent to our collection, use, and handling of your personal information in the manner described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies, then please contact us to discuss the potential issues or do not provide any personal information.
Remote and Virtual Services Data Security Protocol
We understand that many clients seek (or must have) a remote consultation and electronic exchange of documents. We utilize secure, encrypted methods for any and all virtual communications and electronic document exchanges. Video conferences occur over end-to-end encrypted platforms, and digital signatures are executed using protected, industry-compliant services. We keep a watchful eye on our technology providers so that your information is safe at every step of its journey.
Client Testimonials and Case Studies
From time to time, we may publish client testimonials or case studies in anonymous form to let others know about the services we provide and the results we achieve. We will not disclose your name, likeness, or facts of your case without your permission to do so in writing. All testimonial information is given voluntarily. You may withdraw that permission at any time by contacting our office. To see examples, visit our Testimonials or Case Studies pages.
Ethics and Regulatory Compliance
As attorneys, we follow the North Carolina State Bar, South Carolina Bar and American Bar Association rules regarding client confidentiality, data protection and attorney conduct. We maintain privacy practices that address compliance with federal and state laws including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and relevant state privacy laws.
Data Breach Notification Policy
In the remote chance that a data breach occurs at our firm involving your personal information, our firm will conduct a prompt investigation and take immediate and appropriate measures to contain and control the breach. We will provide you with any required notices under North Carolina law, South Carolina law, and federal law based on this type of breach, which will include details about the breach, the type of information involved, and what steps are being taken to protect your personal information in the future.
Opting Out of or Modifying Communications from Us
We respect your right to define whether or not we should communicate with you in any particular fashion. You may opt in or out of any sort of correspondence, including newsletters or information updates at any time by contacting our office. Important communications regarding your matter or legal obligations will continue to be conveyed to you, as they are required for the purposes of our representation.
Prospective, Current and Ex-Clients
The above policy applies to persons seeking our services, active clients, and former clients whose matters have been concluded. Your information is protected throughout your relationship with this firm. Strict confidentiality, including client privilege requirements, and privacy policies continue to apply even after a person’s matter has been completed.
Filing a Privacy Complaint with Us
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated or you have a problem with any aspect of our use of your non-public personal information (NPI), you may make a complaint directly to us by calling (910) 341-3202 or coming to our Wilmington office at 508 Market St. We will thoroughly investigate all complaints and respond to you accordingly and promptly. You have the right to complain to the North Carolina State Bar or South Carolina Bar if you are not satisfied with our response.
Commitment to Constant Improvement
Your privacy is important. We regularly assess and update our privacy practices to align with advancements in technology, legal requirements, and client expectations. We value your feedback as we work to uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and security.
Conclusion
At Prior, Criner, & Edwards PLLC d/b/a Worker’s Compensation Law Firm, we believe that every client is entitled to care, respect, and accuracy when it comes to handling their personal information. We appreciate your confidence in us to help with your legal needs, as well as your privacy. If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or would like to discuss the treatment of your privacy rights please call us at (910) 341-3202, or we welcome you to visit our law office anytime at 508 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401. We value your privacy and esteem.