Burton Craige

Joseph Sledge v. Columbus County Clerk’s Office/AOC and SBI (NC Industrial Commission 2020); Sledge v. Philip Little, et al. (E.D.N.C. 2017). Civil rights suits by Joseph Sledge, who served 37 years in prison for two murders he did not commit. In 2020 the SBI and the Administrative Office of the Courts agreed to pay Sledge $2.9 million for their delay in producing evidence that exonerated him. Those settlements followed a $4.0 million settlement in 2017 with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office.

Julian Betton v. City of Myrtle Beach, et al. (D.S.C. 2020). Three officers of the Drug Enforcement Unit in Myrtle Beach shot Julian Betton nine times after they broke into his home while executing a search warrant, leaving Betton permanently paralyzed. In 2020, after more than four years of litigation, Betton settled his claims for a total of $11.25 million.

Sons of Confederate Veterans v. University of North Carolina (Orange County Superior Court 2020). 88 prominent UNC alumni, as friends of the court, opposed UNC’s payment of $2.5 million to the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) to settle a lawsuit about the disposition of the statue known as Silent Sam. In an amicus brief and at a hearing, the alumni argued that the trial court should not have approved the Consent Judgment because SCV had no standing to bring suit. The court vacated the Consent Judgment and dismissed the lawsuit.

Willie Grimes v. City of Hickory (W.D.N.C. 2016; NC Court of Appeals 2018). Willie Grimes was wrongfully convicted of rape and imprisoned for 24 years. Civil rights suit in federal court and insurance coverage litigation in state court, 814 S.E.2d 625, resulted in total settlement of $5,4 million.

Dwayne Dail v. City of Goldsboro (E.D.N.C. 2013). Civil rights suit by Dwayne Dail, who served 18 years in prison for a rape he did not commit.  Goldsboro Police Department misplaced the DNA evidence that eventually exonerated Dail. $7,520,000 settlement.

Greg Taylor v. Duane Deaver, et al., (E.D.N.C. 2013). Federal civil rights suit against SBI agents by Greg Taylor, who was wrongfully convicted of murder and served 17 years in prison.  $4,625,000 settlement.

In Re Tracey Cline (2013 N.C. App. LEXIS 1018).  Appointed as independent appellate counsel to defend judge’s order removing District Attorney from office for misconduct. Court of Appeals upheld removal order.

Craig v. New Hanover Board of Education, 678 S.E.2d 351 (N.C. 2009).  Reversing the Court of Appeals, N.C. Supreme Court unanimously held that a citizen may bring a claim under the State Constitution if other potential claims are barred by sovereign immunity.

Conaway v. Polk, 453 F.3d 567 (4^th Cir. 2006); 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 87702 (M.D.N.C. 2008). Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals granted prisoner’s writ of habeas corpus. On remand, federal district court found juror bias and ordered new trial.

Faulkner v. North Carolina Medical Board (Wake County Superior Court, 2007).  Doctor and patients challenged constitutionality of state law giving N.C. Medical Society power to appoint all physician members of N.C. Medical Board.  In response to lawsuit, legislature enacted statute providing for broader representation on the Medical Board.  N.C.G.S. § 90-3.

Faulkner v. Health Management Associates (Franklin County Superior Court, 2005).  Patient was severely burned in operating room fire in North Carolina hospital owned by a national hospital chain.  Case settled after plaintiffs presented evidence supporting claim for punitive damages.

Mercer v. Duke University, 190 F.3d 643 (4^th Cir. 1999); 181 F.Supp.2d 525 (M.D.N.C. 2001); 401 F.3d 199 (4^th Cir. 2005).  Female placekicker was excluded from Duke football team because of her sex.  Suit under Title IX resulted in victories at trial and in Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Robinson v. Department of Correction (N.C. Office of Administrative Hearings, 1998).  State employee was sexually harassed by her supervisor.  In response to her case, legislature enacted law giving state employees the right to bring claims of harassment based on sex and race under State Personnel Act.  N.C.G.S. § 126-34.1(a)(10).

State v. Gregory, 467 S.E.2d 28 (N.C. 1996). Capital appeal. N.C. Supreme Court found plain error in jury selection and ordered new trial.

Doe v. American National Red Cross, 798 F. Supp. 301 (E.D.N.C. 1992). Husband and wife contracted AIDS as a result of husband’s receipt of HIV-infected blood transfusion. After discovery revealed flawed screening of blood donors, plaintiffs defeated motion for summary judgment, and case settled on eve of trial.

Steele v. Anson County Hospital (W.D.N.C. 1990). Pregnant woman died after she was refused treatment at emergency department of rural hospital. First successful suit in North Carolina under Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act.

Sargent v. Murray Savings Association (Wake County Superior Court 1988).  Represented five victims of sexual harassment in claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress.  Jury awarded $3,250,000 in punitive damages.  Verdict induced employers in North Carolina to implement more effective procedures to prevent sexual harassment.

U.S. v. Rhode Island Dept. of Employment Security, 619 F.Supp. 509 (D.R.I. 1985). Lead government attorney in successful suit on behalf of approximately 9,000 women who were denied temporary disability insurance benefits, in violation of Pregnancy Discrimination Act.

Bazemore v. Friday, 751 F.2d 662 (4th Cir. 1984). Represented U.S. at trial and on appeal in suit against N.C. Agricultural Extension Service, asserting claims of employment discrimination on behalf of black extension agents. In a unanimous decision, 478 U.S. 385 (1986), United States Supreme Court ruled in plaintiffs’ favor and established standards for statistical proof in wage discrimination cases.