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.
Practice Areas
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.
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. His leadership is grounded in experience — before founding the firm, he represented national and regional insurance companies, Fortune 500 corporations, municipalities, and public utilities. That insider knowledge now gives him a strategic advantage when negotiating with insurers and litigating high-stakes claims.
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. Today, he’s recognized as one of North Carolina’s top personal injury lawyers by National Trial Lawyers, frequently invited to speak and instruct on trial tactics through professional legal organizations.
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. This experience provided him with firsthand insight into how insurance companies evaluate, negotiate, and litigate claims. Today, he uses that knowledge to anticipate defense tactics and strengthen his clients’ positions at every stage of the legal process.
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.
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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Have you suffered a serious injury due to the carelessness of another individual in Apex, North Carolina? You need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. At Horton & Mendez, our Apex personal injury lawyers are dedicated to providing compassionate, knowledgeable legal representation to help injury victims recover the full and fair compensation they deserve.
With our unique background and knowledge of insurance company tactics, we fight vigorously for your rights. When an unexpected accident turns your world upside down, you may be facing mounting medical bills and other significant damages that set you back and inconvenience you.
During this overwhelming time, you need a trusted advocate in your corner who will fight for your best interests and help you navigate the complex legal process. That is precisely what you will find at Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys.
Our Team’s Unique Experience and Knowledge
What sets Horton & Mendez apart is the unparalleled experience our Apex personal injury lawyers gained while working for one of the largest law firms in North Carolina, defending insurance companies against personal injury claims. This insider knowledge of how insurers operate evaluate cases, and the strategies they use to minimize payouts is invaluable in advocating for our clients.
As former insurance defense attorneys, we know their playbook. We understand the tactics they employ, the evidence they seek, and how they approach settlement negotiations. Now, we leverage this knowledge for your benefit. Our team brings everything we learned on the insurance company’s side of the case directly to your side. This unique perspective allows us to build strong cases, anticipate the opposition’s moves, and fight for the maximum recovery you are owed.
We have an in-depth understanding of the insurance industry’s internal processes, the factors they consider when assessing claim value, and the legal arguments they rely on to avoid liability. Armed with these insights, we develop customized strategies aimed at securing the best possible outcome for every client we represent.
Overcoming North Carolina’s Strict Negligence Laws
North Carolina is one of the few states that still follows the contributory negligence doctrine. Under this rule, if an injury victim is found at fault, even if it is a small percentage, they can be completely barred from receiving any compensation. Insurance companies frequently use this as a basis to deny claims.
However, our Apex personal injury attorneys have extensive experience in overcoming these arguments. We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your injury, gather compelling evidence, and vigorously defend against any allegations you share blame. Our goal is to demonstrate the defendant’s negligence while protecting you from unfair attempts to shift fault onto your shoulders.
Our Apex personal injury lawyers fight tenaciously to establish the defendant’s liability and to pursue the full compensation you need to move forward after a serious injury.
Contributory negligence often leads to unjust results, as even minimally at-fault plaintiffs can be denied recovery entirely. We understand the immense impact this can have on injured individuals and their families. That is why we work diligently to build the strongest possible cases for our clients, comprehensively documenting the defendant’s negligence and refuting any assertions of contributory fault. Our personal injury lawyers in Apex are skilled at presenting clear, convincing arguments that can persuade even the most skeptical insurance adjusters or juries.
Comprehensive Personal Injury Representation
At Horton & Mendez, our seasoned Apex personal injury attorneys have the skills, resources, and tenacity to handle a broad spectrum of cases. From complex multi-vehicle collisions to slip and fall accidents at local businesses, we have the knowledge and experience to advocate for your rights and skilled representation for a wide range of cases, including:
- Car accidents: If you have been injured in an auto collision caused by a negligent driver, we can help you pursue compensation for the damages you have sustained, including pain and suffering, vehicle repairs, and other damages. We handle cases involving drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving, and other types of negligence involved in car accidents.
- Truck accidents: The immense size and weight of commercial trucks mean that accidents involving these vehicles tend to cause severe, catastrophic injuries. We help truck accident victims take on trucking companies and their insurers in pursuit of the substantial compensation they will need.
- Motorcycle accidents: Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable to serious injuries when other motorists fail to share the road safely. Our firm stands up for the rights of injured motorcyclists and works to hold careless drivers accountable.
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: When pedestrians or cyclists are struck by motor vehicles, the resulting injuries are often life-altering. We help victims of pedestrian accidents seek compensation for medical expenses and other related damages, including pain and suffering.
- Premises liability: Property owners are required by law to keep their premises in reasonably safe condition for whoever is staying there or visiting. If you were injured due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, such as a slip and fall at a retail store or an injury at a vacation rental, we can help you explore your options for seeking compensation.
- Dog bites: Under North Carolina law, dog owners can be held strictly liable when their animal attacks and injures someone. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, we can guide you through the process of pursuing damages.
- Wrongful death: Losing a loved one in a fatal accident is an incredibly painful experience. While no amount of money can undo your loss, filing a wrongful death claim can provide a measure of justice and much-needed financial recovery. We help families deal with these complex cases with compassion and skill.
- Workers’ compensation: If you were hurt on the job in Apex, our personal injury lawyers can assist you with filing a workers’ compensation claim and appealing any wrongful claim denials. We work to ensure you receive proper medical care and financial benefits.
Our Apex personal injury lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you face in the aftermath of a serious injury. We take the time to listen to your story and formulate a legal plan that aligns with your unique needs and goals.
With our team in your corner, you can have peace of mind knowing that dedicated professionals are working tirelessly to maximize your compensation. Whether you have been hurt in a car crash caused by a distracted driver, suffered a workplace injury due to unsafe conditions, or lost a loved one in a tragic accident, we are here to help. We have the skills and determination to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. We take on powerful insurance companies and well-funded defendants, leveling the playing field to ensure your rights are protected.
Standing Up to Insurance Companies
In an ideal world, insurance companies would simply pay the full amount that injury victims are rightfully owed. In reality, insurers are focused on protecting their bottom lines above all else. They routinely employ tactics to undervalue, delay, or outright deny legitimate injury claims.
At Horton & Mendez, our Apex personal injury attorneys are intimately familiar with these profit-driven strategies. We know how to stand up to insurance adjusters, establish the severity of your injuries, and demand full and fair compensation. While we always attempt to reach efficient out-of-court settlements to get you paid as quickly as possible, we prepare to go to trial from day one. The insurance companies know our reputation as aggressive litigators and skilled courtroom advocates. This often enables us to achieve higher settlements than our clients may be offered otherwise.
Our lawyers understand the importance of receiving fair compensation, especially if you have suffered significant losses. We work hard to ensure this is the case, no matter how hard the insurance defense fights.
Committed to Serving Apex and the Surrounding Communities
Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys is proud to serve accident and injury victims in Apex and throughout the greater Triangle area. We care deeply about this community and have seen the devastating impact that negligence and wrongdoing can have on local families. With every case we take, we strive to make our area safer and hold those who cause harm accountable for their actions.
We know the prospect of taking legal action while trying to recover from injuries can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to shoulder the legal burdens for you so you can focus your energy where it belongs – on healing and putting your life back together. We keep you informed at every stage of the process while handling all of the details of your case.
Begin Your Path to Justice Today
If you are searching for an Apex personal injury lawyer after an accident, look no further than Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys. Our skilled attorneys are ready to put our experience, knowledge, and tireless advocacy to work for you and your family.
Contact us today for a case review with an Apex personal injury attorney. We are here to help you seek the justice and financial recovery you need to move forward after a serious injury. Call Apex personal injury law firm Horton & Mendez at 910-507-3876 or message us online to schedule your consultation.
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