Business Details
28 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Personal Injury & Workers' Compensation Lawyers in Asheville
Jay Kerr Law is a boutique personal injury law firm founded in 1998, dedicated to advocating for individuals and families affected by serious injuries, workplace accidents, and wrongful death. Our founder, Jay Kerr, brings decades of experience rooted in a personal commitment to justice, having grown up witnessing his family's struggle with disability and the transformative power of quality legal representation. We specialize in complex cases involving traumatic brain injuries, workers' compensation, motor-vehicle collisions, and premises liability, combining technical expertise with compassionate client service.Our team prioritizes direct communication and transparency, ensuring clients feel heard and supported throughout the legal process. Recognized by Best Lawyers as Lawyer of the Year 2025 for Workers' Compensation in Asheville, NC, we maintain strong community ties through referrals and advocacy work with organizations like the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina. With a focus on protecting vulnerable workers and children, we leverage deep industry knowledge and a network of medical professionals to secure fair compensation for our clients.
Services
Personal Injury
Workers Compensation
Wrongful Death
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Motor-Vehicle Collision
Construction Accidents
Premises Liability
General Negligence
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- Boutique firm offering personalized attention with decades of legal expertise
- Recognized by Best Lawyers as 2025 Lawyer of the Year for Workers' Compensation
- Specialized focus on traumatic brain injuries and vulnerable worker advocacy
- Community-driven practice built on client referrals and local partnerships
- Proven track record in complex cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death
Associations and certifications
- Best Lawyers
What people say
Exceptional lawyer
Highly recommend
Compassionate representation
Professional acumen
Trustworthy advocate
Services
Personal Injury Law
We represent clients suffering from life-altering injuries caused by negligence. Our practice handles catastrophic injuries like spinal trauma and brain damage, as well as moderate cases involving medical expenses and lost wages. We focus on proving negligence through thorough investigation while navigating North Carolina's contributory negligence laws. Our team works with medical experts to document damages for compensation covering medical costs, pain and suffering, and long-term disability impacts.
Workers Compensation
We advocate for injured workers navigating North Carolina's complex workers' compensation system. Our services include handling denied claims, securing proper medical treatment, and calculating fair wage indemnity. We specialize in catastrophic injury cases requiring ongoing care while assisting with temporary disability claims. Our experience with occupational disease claims and third-party liability cases ensures comprehensive representation for workers in construction, healthcare, and transportation industries.
Wrongful Death Claims
We help families seek justice for preventable loss of loved ones through wrongful death litigation. Our approach addresses legal complexities in proving negligence while managing estate implications under North Carolina's intestate succession laws. We pursue compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of financial support while emphasizing the emotional impact on surviving family members. Our team handles both motor-vehicle related deaths and professional malpractice cases.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
With nearly 25 years of experience, we represent victims of traumatic brain injuries from car accidents, falls, and medical complications. Our practice addresses both immediate medical needs and long-term care requirements, working with specialists to document cognitive and physical impairments. We advocate for compensation covering rehabilitation costs, lost earning capacity, and quality-of-life changes while supporting families through the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina resources.
Motor-Vehicle Collisions
We handle complex motor-vehicle collision cases involving severe injuries and wrongful death. Our expertise covers truck accidents, motorcycle collisions, and impaired driving cases with focus on proving liability through accident reconstruction. We address insurance challenges including underinsured motorists while pursuing compensation for medical expenses, vehicle damage, and emotional trauma. Our team successfully resolves cases involving spinal fractures, internal injuries, and catastrophic losses.
People
Jay Kerr
Attorney
Jay Kerr founded the firm in 1998 after personal experience with disability issues shaped his legal focus. With over 30 years of advocacy, he specializes in traumatic brain injuries and workers' compensation. Recognized by Best Lawyers as 2025 Lawyer of the Year, he combines legal expertise with community engagement through the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina.
Melissa Truitt
Senior Paralegal
Melissa Truitt has served as a North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal since 1992, specializing in personal injury and workers' compensation claims. With nearly 30 years of experience, she provides critical case management support while maintaining strong client relationships. Recognized as an 'Unsung Legal Hero' by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly in 2018, she ensures case preparation excellence.
Tara Kerr
Firm Accounting & Financial Management
Tara Kerr manages the firm's financial operations with CPA credentials and MBA expertise. A lifelong Western North Carolina resident, she brings over 20 years of financial management experience to ensure operational efficiency. Her background in accounting supports transparent case cost management and business development initiatives.
Questions
What should I do if my workers' comp claim was denied?
Review denial reasons related to compensability, workplace connection, or medical causation. Gather supporting documentation and consult experienced attorneys to challenge improper denials through appropriate legal channels.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in North Carolina?
Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the decedent's date of death, though exceptions may apply depending on specific circumstances and discovery timelines.
What compensation can I receive for traumatic brain injuries?
Compensation covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. Severe cases may include compensation for cognitive impairments and quality-of-life changes.
How are workers' compensation wage benefits calculated?
Benefits equal two-thirds of your average weekly wage over the 52 weeks before injury, including base pay, overtime, and bonuses, with adjustments for disputed calculations or payment discrepancies.
Can I choose my own doctor for a work-related injury?
Employers typically direct medical care but you may seek independent evaluations. Approval from the Industrial Commission may be required for alternative treatment providers outside employer-selected networks.
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