Kari L. Schultz

Kari Schultz joined Chartwell in 2025, bringing more than 20 years of experience handling complex workers’ compensation claims. She is a seasoned litigator with a strong track record of success in representing insurers, self-insured employers, and third-party administrators. Kari has extensive experience with claims involving catastrophic injuries, occupational diseases, multi-party coverage disputes, attendant care benefits, and death claims. She also regularly handles matters arising under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), serving the needs of national and international corporations, hospitals, colleges, shipping ports, and government entities. Some of her representative matters include:

• Paul v. FirstHealth of the Carolinas, IC No. 20-048574, August 27, 2024
• Ivey v. Food Lion, IC No, 20-051137, July 29, 2024
• Swartz v. Suburban Propane, IC No. 18-047657, November 21, 2023
• Vivian Dudley v. Food Lion, IC No. 19-742174, November 2, 2021
• Marsha Maas v. Walgreens, IC No. 767919, June 27, 2019
• Julien Duncan v. Dunhill Holdings, LLC, IC No. 16-732407, March 22, 2019
• Tyson v. House of Raeford, IC Nos. X71574 & X79386, February 10, 2014
• Nunez v. House of Raeford, IC No. 886835, October 6, 2011
• Newnam v. New Hanover Regional Medical Center, North Carolina Court of Appeals, COA 10-905, June 7, 2011
• Tina Gore v. Randy’s Meat Center, IC No. W03917, July 16, 2010
• Jason Ballard v. Charles Williams, et. al., IC No. 095052, February 24, 2011
• Barbara Chrobak v. Sears Corp., IC No. W02673, June 13, 2011
• Adcox v. Clarkson Brothers, North Carolina Court of Appeals, COA 09-401, December 8, 2009
• Robbins v. Oak Bark Corp., IC No. 605913, September 9, 2009
• Krause v. BAK Transport, IC No. 726814, July 22, 2009
• Byrd v. Penn Ventilation, IC No. 230359, April 2, 2008
• Evans v. New Hanover Regional Medical Center, IC No. 598108, February 11, 2008
• James v. New Hanover Regional Medical Center, IC No. 432461, January 5, 2007
• Evans v. South Atlantic Services, IC No. 418708, September 13, 2006
• Hunt v. Jones Concrete, IC No. 433421, February 2, 2006

Known for her deep understanding of the medical and legal complexities of workers’ compensation litigation, Kari consistently achieves favorable outcomes for her clients. She has earned an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a distinction held by only eight percent of attorneys nationwide, in recognition of her legal skill and ethical standards.

Beyond litigation, Kari is a sought-after speaker and educator in the workers’ compensation field. She has been invited to present at the North Carolina Industrial Commission’s annual educational conference and frequently conducts risk management workshops for employers and claims professionals. Her presentations cover key topics such as compensability decisions, the impact of social media on claims, procedural requirements under North Carolina law, and recent appellate case law updates. She is committed to keeping industry professionals informed of best practices and legal developments to minimize risk and exposure.

Kari is an active member of several professional organizations, including the North Carolina Bar Association, the New Hanover County Bar Association, the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys, and the American Bar Association. She takes pride in mentoring younger attorneys and contributing to the continued development of the workers’ compensation practice at Chartwell.

Outside of work, Kari enjoys spending time with her husband, their two young children, and their dog at their home in Wilmington, where they live near the beach.