No Fees Unless
You Win*
We found ourselves in an alien world, you think you understand the legal system, but you don’t.
-Dan & Tracy
We’ve Studied Their Game. Now We Play for Your Team.
Personal Injury Law
Facial burns from chemical spill resulting in permanent injuries.
Record Breaking Workers’ Compensation Settlement
For a worker who fell 12 feet and sustained TBI and spinal cord injury.
Worker injured and suffered a TBI
Hand railing collapse on VRBO rental house resulted in severe orthopedic injuries
Minor bit in the face by a dog.
Slip and Fall from Leaking Commercial Refrigerator
Nick Mendez is the Founding and Managing Partner of Horton & Mendez, leading the firm’s vision, strategy, and growth across North Carolina while remaining deeply committed to representing individuals who have been seriously injured. Based in Wilmington, Nick focuses his practice exclusively on personal injury cases, including auto accidents, premises liability, vacation rental injuries, and other complex negligence claims.
As Managing Partner, Nick oversees firm operations, attorney development, and case strategy, ensuring every client receives the highest level of advocacy and service.
Devlin Horton is a leading personal injury attorney and founding partner at Horton & Mendez Injury Lawyers, based in Wilmington, North Carolina. As the firm’s lead trial lawyer, Devlin represents individuals and families affected by catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, motor vehicle accidents, and other serious personal injury claims across the state. His dedication to aggressive litigation and strategic advocacy has earned him national recognition and landmark verdicts in personal injury law.
Devlin’s background includes years defending Fortune 500 companies and national insurance carriers, giving him a unique advantage in anticipating defense strategies and negotiating from a position of strength.
Alan Castro is a dedicated personal injury attorney and workers’ compensation lawyer serving clients throughout North Carolina. Based in Wilmington, Alan leverages his unique background as a former workers’ compensation defense attorney to pursue full and fair compensation for individuals injured due to negligence, workplace accidents, or insurance disputes. His deep understanding of insurance company strategies, combined with a disciplined and strategic approach, gives his clients a distinct advantage in complex injury cases.
Before focusing exclusively on representing injured individuals, Alan defended workers’ compensation claims on behalf of insurance carriers and employers.
Amy Oleksa is the Managing Pre-Litigation Attorney at Horton & Mendez Injury Lawyers, based in the Charlotte metro. Amy leads the firm’s pre-litigation team, guiding injured clients and their families through the earliest, and most consequential, stages of their personal injury claims. Her focus is on building each file for maximum value from day one, so that cases are either resolved on the client’s terms before suit or handed to the firm’s trial team in the strongest possible posture.
Telana Poe is a dedicated personal injury litigation attorney at Horton & Mendez, representing clients throughout North Carolina. Based in Wilmington, she brings a deep passion for advocacy and a strong commitment to helping injured individuals navigate the legal process with confidence and clarity. Telana draws on her education and unique background to deliver informed, compassionate legal representation in complex personal injury matters.
Clients appreciate Telana’s thoughtful communication style and relentless advocacy on their behalf. Whether handling complex injury claims or guiding families through difficult legal decisions, she emphasizes clarity, responsiveness, and strategic planning to pursue the best possible outcome.
Jessica Cornette Faulk is a seasoned personal injury attorney in Wilmington, North Carolina, with extensive experience in both criminal prosecution and civil litigation. Known for her dedication to client advocacy, Jessica represents individuals injured in serious accidents, guiding them through every step of the legal process with compassion and precision.
Before joining Horton & Mendez, Jessica tried hundreds of cases as an Assistant District Attorney, including serious traffic offenses and homicide cases. She later transitioned to civil litigation, advocating for injured individuals and workers in a wide range of injury and compensation matters.
Rebecca Linder is a personal injury attorney at Horton & Mendez, representing clients throughout North Carolina in serious injury and accident cases. With a background in social work and prior legal experience in family, juvenile, and guardianship law, Rebecca combines compassion, strategic advocacy, and a client-centered approach to help individuals and families navigate complex legal matters after life-changing injuries.
Rebecca’s prior experience in sensitive areas of law, including family and juvenile matters, gives her unique insight into supporting clients through difficult circumstances. She brings meticulous preparation, thoughtful communication, and a strong dedication to achieving maximum compensation for injury clients across North Carolina.
Ryan McCollum is a dedicated litigation attorney at Horton & Mendez, where he focuses on high-stakes personal injury litigation and complex accident cases throughout North Carolina. With a disciplined background rooted in military service and academic excellence, Ryan approaches every case with integrity, strategic insight, and a commitment to securing meaningful results for injured individuals and families.
Before entering law, Ryan served as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army, where he learned leadership, discipline, and accountability, qualities he brings to his legal practice. After his military service, he pursued law at Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Campbell Law Review. His academic achievements and commitment to excellence support his meticulous approach to legal strategy and advocacy.
Big Firm Experience, Small Firm Touch
Once we decided representing the insurance companies wasn’t for us, we turned our focus toward serving individuals like you. We value the one-to-one relationships we make with our clients. We’re not a huge firm that will shuffle your case around between attorneys who don’t know your story. With us, it’s truly personal.
We Will Outwork the Other Side
Preparation is half the battle. We believe that each case is won or lost long before entering the courtroom. Our attorneys will outwork the other side and understand that preparation is the key to success.
We Will Go the Distance
With our background defending insurance companies in the past, we know how to prepare for their arguments — and their tricks. Our knowledge has helped us build stronger cases and aim for bigger verdicts. You can trust us to go to trial if necessary with all the tools to be your fiercest advocate in court.
100% Personal Injury, 100% of the Time
Standing up for the injured is what we’re proud to do. We want to help you and your family move forward from the unimaginable losses you suffered. As exclusively plaintiff’s lawyers, you can feel confident your rights as a personal injury victim will be upheld as we go after all the damages you could be owed.
Beyond The Courtroom
Giving back isn’t just something we do, it’s who we are. Through Horton & Mendez Cares, our team is deeply invested in the communities we serve across North Carolina.
In 2025, we gave back over $75,000, supporting impactful organizations like Paws4People, NourishNC, and local children’s museums. You’ll also find our team out in the community year-round, cheering in the Veterans Day Parade, supporting K9s for service, and showing up at local events that bring people together. Through partnerships with i9 Sports, UNCW Athletics, and Charlotte FC, we proudly support youth and professional sports that build stronger, healthier communities.
Because when our communities win, everyone wins.
We’re proud to stand alongside Charlotte FC as an Associate Partner. Soccer has a special way of bringing people together, and this partnership lets us celebrate the teamwork, determination, …
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In 2025, Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys launched the Best of NC Heroes giveaway to honor North Carolina’s first responders, including firefighters, police officers, nurses, EMS personnel, …
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2025 marked the first year of our Best of NC Teachers giveaway, where Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys awarded $2,000 cash prizes to outstanding NC educators, nominated and voted on by …
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Paws4People® trains and places Assistance Dogs, empowering users to transform their lives for a better tomorrow. We believe every person is deserving of priceless and well-deserved independence.
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You’re hurt. Bills are stacking up. The insurance company is calling, and every word they say is designed to protect their bottom line, not yours. We know, because we used to write their playbook.
At Horton & Mendez Injury and Accident Attorneys, our managing partners are former insurance defense attorneys who spent years working for multi-state insurance companies. We know how they evaluate claims, minimize settlements, and deny legitimate injuries. Now we use that insider knowledge to fight for injured people across North Carolina. Call 910-405-7751 for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.
Why Horton & Mendez
We know their playbook
Most personal injury firms learn insurance company tactics through trial and error. Our managing partners learned them from the inside. Our managing attorneys worked as insurance defense lawyers, handling claims on behalf of the companies now working against you. We’ve sat in their strategy meetings. We’ve seen how adjusters are trained to find reasons to reduce or deny your claim. That perspective changes everything about how we build your case.
No fee unless we win
You’re already dealing with medical bills and lost wages. The last thing you need is the stress of legal fees. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and nothing at all unless we recover compensation for you. Your consultation is completely free with no obligation.
Ready to talk? Call 910-405-7751 today. We’ll listen to your story and give you an honest assessment of your case.
Practice areas we handle across North Carolina
Car accidents
Car crashes are one of the most common causes of serious injury in North Carolina. Whether you were rear-ended on the highway or involved in a multi-vehicle collision, we handle every aspect of your claim, from investigating the crash scene to negotiating with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Truck accidents
Truck accident cases involve complex regulations, multiple liable parties, and catastrophic injuries. We understand Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules and know how to hold trucking companies accountable when their drivers or maintenance practices cause harm.
Motorcycle accidents
Insurance companies are quick to blame the rider. We know their tactics because we used to deploy them. Our team has significant experience fighting bias against motorcyclists and building cases that protect your right to fair compensation on North Carolina’s roads.
Workers’ compensation
Workplace injuries are a major focus of our practice. North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system is no-fault, meaning you don’t have to prove your employer was negligent. But that doesn’t mean getting benefits is easy. We navigate the NC Industrial Commission process and fight to get you the medical treatment and wage replacement you deserve.
Wrongful death
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is devastating. Under North Carolina General Statute § 1-53(4), wrongful death actions must be filed within two years of the date of death. We handle these sensitive cases with compassion and urgency, pursuing accountability and compensation for your family’s loss.
Additional practice areas
We also represent clients injured in bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bus and rideshare crashes, slip-and-fall accidents, dog bites, and premises liability cases, including injuries at vacation rental properties and Airbnb or Vrbo listings. If you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence anywhere in North Carolina, call 910-405-7751 to find out how we can help.
Why personal injury claims in North Carolina demand experienced representation
North Carolina has some of the strictest personal injury laws in the country. Understanding them isn’t optional. It’s the difference between recovering fair compensation and walking away with nothing.
The contributory negligence rule
North Carolina follows the doctrine of pure contributory negligence, which bars recovery by the plaintiff if they’re even partially at fault (even as little as 1%). North Carolina is one of only five jurisdictions, alongside Maryland, Virginia, Alabama, and the District of Columbia, that still follow this doctrine. Most states allow injured people to recover reduced compensation even when they share some fault. North Carolina does not.
Insurance companies know this rule and use it aggressively. Their adjusters are trained to find any evidence, no matter how small, that you contributed to the accident. A recorded statement where you say the wrong thing. A text message on your phone near the time of the crash. Even your failure to wear a seatbelt. We anticipate these arguments because our managing partners used to make them themselves, and our cases are designed to shut them down.
Strict filing deadlines
North Carolina law typically requires that personal injury claims be filed within three years from the date of the incident. Wrongful death claims have a two-year timeframe from the date of death. Missing these deadlines means losing your right to pursue compensation entirely. Evidence also degrades over time. NC State Highway Patrol crash reports, witness memories, and surveillance footage all become harder to obtain the longer you wait.
An at-fault insurance system
North Carolina is an at-fault state that uses a contributory negligence law limiting a driver’s ability to file a personal injury claim. You file your claim against the at-fault party’s insurer, and that insurer will do everything possible to minimize what they owe you. Having attorneys who understand these tactics from the inside gives you a real strategic advantage.
Don’t let the insurance company set the terms. Call 910-405-7751 before giving any recorded statement or accepting any offer.
Our process: what to expect when you call
Step 1: Free consultation
You call 910-405-7751 and speak directly with our team. We listen to your story, ask questions about your injury and the circumstances, and give you an honest assessment: no pressure, no obligation, and no cost.
Step 2: Investigation and evidence gathering
If we take your case, we get to work immediately. We collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, photos, video footage, and any other evidence that strengthens your claim. Because we know what the insurance company will look for, we build your case to counter their strategy from day one.
Step 3: Claim filing and demand
We prepare a detailed demand and file your claim. Every dollar of your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses is documented and supported.
Step 4: Negotiation
This is where our insurance defense background matters most. We know how adjusters evaluate claims, what internal metrics they use, and where they have room to move. We negotiate from a position of knowledge, not guesswork.
Step 5: Trial (if needed)
Most cases settle through negotiation, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know the opposing attorneys won’t back down. If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we’re ready to take your case before a judge and jury.
Results for our North Carolina clients
Since 2023, Horton & Mendez has recovered over $80M for injured clients across North Carolina, with an average top-case settlement exceeding $639K. Our top case results have helped clients aged 5 to 98.
Here are examples of results we’ve achieved for real North Carolina clients:
We recovered $6.72M for a 46-year-old Wilmington man injured in a motor vehicle accident.
We recovered $2.9M for a 49-year-old Spanish-speaking worker in Wilmington following a workplace injury through the workers’ compensation system.
We recovered $1.5M for a 34-year-old Wilmington woman injured in a rear-end collision.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and depends on its unique facts.
Your case has its own story. Call 910-405-7751 to find out what it’s worth.
Frequently asked questions about personal injury claims in North Carolina
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
At Horton & Mendez, there is no upfront cost. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is completely free with no obligation.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in North Carolina?
North Carolina’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is three years from the date of the accident. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-53(4) requires that a wrongful death action be brought within two years of the date of the decedent’s death. Other case types may have different deadlines. The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be.
What if the insurance company says the accident was partly my fault?
This is one of the most critical questions in North Carolina personal injury law. North Carolina follows pure contributory negligence, which bars recovery if you’re even partially at fault. Insurance companies use this rule aggressively. That’s why having attorneys who understand their strategy matters. We build cases that anticipate and defend against fault arguments.
What compensation can I recover in a personal injury case?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses. North Carolina does not cap economic or non-economic damages, though punitive damages are capped at three times the amount of compensatory damages or $250,000, whichever is greater. The exact value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of your accident.
Do I have to go to court?
Most personal injury cases settle through negotiation without ever going to trial. However, we prepare every case as if it will go before a jury. Insurance companies offer stronger settlements when they know your attorneys are willing and prepared to go to court.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
Rarely. Initial offers from insurance companies are usually far less than what your case is worth. They’re hoping you’ll take a quick settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries and losses. Let us review the offer for free before you accept anything.
Do you handle cases outside of Wilmington?
Yes. While our original office is in Wilmington, we serve injured people across North Carolina. With nine offices statewide in Wilmington, Jacksonville, Gastonia, Apex, Cornelius, Monroe, Asheville, Raleigh, and Charlotte, we’re accessible wherever you are. Charlotte is coming soon.
What should I do right after an accident?
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Call law enforcement and make sure a report is filed. Take photographs of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage. Don’t give the insurance company a recorded statement before talking to a lawyer. Then call 910-405-7751 so we can start protecting your rights.
Talk to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer today
You didn’t plan for this injury. But what you do next matters. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and defense attorneys working to pay you as little as possible. You deserve someone on your side who knows exactly how they operate.
At Horton & Mendez, our seven attorneys bring 65+ years of combined experience and a statewide presence to every case, led by managing partners who are former insurance defense lawyers. We know their playbook, and we use it to fight for you.
Contact us at 910-405-7751 now for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available to take your call, and you won’t pay us a dime unless we recover compensation for you.
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