Deedee Gasch is an experienced civil trial lawyer, and her litigation practice covers a wide range of complex legal and medical issues. She is the chair of the firm’s Retail, Restaurant and Hospitality Practice Group and is actively involved in defending healthcare providers against general negligence and medical malpractice claims. Deedee also routinely defends cases involving automobile liability, trucking accidents, and products liability.
RETAIL, RESTAURANT & HOSPITALITY
Deedee is the chair of the firm’s Retail, Restaurant & Hospitality Practice Group and was elected in 2025 to serve a three-year term on the Board of Directors for the National Retail Restaurant Defense Association (NRRDA). NRRDA requires its members to concentrate their practices in serving the interests of the retail and restaurant industries and requires attorneys to submit references who can verify an attorney’s competency and advocacy of clients within these industries. Deedee is one of only four attorneys in North Carolina who has been accepted for membership in NRRDA, and is the only member attorney east of Raleigh.
Deedee is a tireless advocate to her retail, restaurant, and hospitality clients, which are comprised of national retailers and restaurants, locally owned and operated businesses, convenience stores, hotels, franchises, private clubs and organizations, concert venues, special event organizers, health and fitness clubs, sports facilities, amusement parks and family fun centers, go-kart tracks, storage facilities, and product manufacturers and distributors. Deedee defends and advises these companies and individuals on a host of legal issues including premises liability, dram shop/alcohol liability, negligent security, falling merchandise, product displays, safe food handling, food-born illnesses, trucking, distribution, commercial transportation, manufacturing defects, breach of warranties, and products liability.
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE / HEALTHCARE LAW
Deedee regularly advises and represents healthcare providers, hospitals, physician practices, home-health agencies, and long-term care facilities in claims involving medical negligence, licensing board investigations, pre-suit claims investigations, risk management, corporate negligence, and general liability matters (including premises liability, negligent security, and commercial auto fleet claims).
As part of this practice, Deedee defends claims involving catastrophic birth injuries, brain injuries, infection, retained objects, missed diagnoses, paralysis, amputations, wrongful death, and various surgical and other medical complications. Deedee believes in early intervention and frequent communication with her clients to handle these complex, often emotionally charged cases. When claims are unable to be resolved pre-suit, Deedee is thorough and meticulous in her investigations of these matters and has successfully advocated for healthcare professionals in courts throughout North Carolina.
Deedee offers seminars and presentations to her healthcare clients, providing the most up-to-date information on various rules and regulations governing the healthcare industry, policy compliance, avoiding litigation, and mitigation of risks. She also consults with hospitals and medical practices on risk management, policies and procedures, medical review and quality review committee formation and adherence, and investigation and review of adverse events.
COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE/TRUCKING
Deedee is a proven litigator in motor vehicle accidents and automobile and trucking claims. As part of this practice, she has represented some of the largest insurance companies in the country and their insureds in both personal lines and commercial lines claims. She has also represented automobile manufacturers, trucking companies, ride share services, and self-insured companies in the defense of claims ranging from accidents to products liability.
As part of this practice, Deedee offers 24-7 catastrophic claims response, giving her extensive experience on the scenes of claims in order to provide comprehensive accident scene investigation, preservation of evidence, and coordination of experts.
Deedee also provides consulting services regarding implementation of preventative safety measures and policies to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. In addition, she assists trucking fleets with preparation of standard operating procedures for accident safety and investigation.
MEMBERSHIPS & HONORS
Deedee has been selected for membership in prominent legal and trade organizations, including the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC) and the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (ADTA). Deedee also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Retail & Restaurant Defense Association (NRRDA) and is an active member of the North Carolina Association of Healthcare Risk Managers (NC ASHRM). She has been honored as a Legal Elite by Business North Carolina every year since 2022, selected by peers for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America for 2024 - 2026, and recognized by North Carolina Super Lawyers in the area of Personal Injury, 2025, and as a Rising Stars honoree in 2021. She maintains an AV rating with Martindale-Hubbell, a prestigious peer review rating that recognizes attorneys who have reached high levels of skill and integrity.
PRESENTATIONS
Deedee is frequently invited by clients and various organizations to present on an assortment of legal topics and assists with providing continuing education to claims managers, adjusters, and healthcare providers. She has given presentations on a range of topics including:
•Mitigation of Risks in Health Care Settings
•Nurse Charting and Documentation
•Dram Shop Law & Alcohol Liability for the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA)
•Rule 30(b)(6) Corporate Representative Depositions
•Retailer Liability for Property Damages
•National Trends in Jury Verdicts
•Tips to Lessen Exposure for Defendant Retailers
•Standard Operating Procedures and Policies for Accidents
•Mask Compliance at Restaurants during the Covid-19 Pandemic
•Claims Investigation and Fraud Prevention
•Industry Trail Blazers and Women Ceiling Breakers
•“What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There: Key Insights for Effective Communication, Persuasive Negotiation, and Compelling Influence and Executive Presence”
BACKGROUND & OUTSIDE THE COURTROOM
Deedee began her legal career in Florida, where she defended general negligence and bad faith claims for several of the largest insurance carriers in the country. As a young associate attorney, she was selected for membership in the Chester Bedell Inns of Court, an organization which recognizes members who embody excellence in the courtroom, respect for the law, and professionalism. Deedee represented injured plaintiffs after relocating to her home state of North Carolina in 2010, but returned to her first love of civil litigation defense upon joining Cranfill Sumner in 2015. Her experience on both sides of a case uniquely situates her in negotiations and at trial if settlement is not possible. While Deedee’s passion is trying cases before a jury, her goal is to always resolve a case with minimal costs and exposure to her clients. She believes in partnering with her clients and values their input at all stages of a claim to help ensure brand protection, mitigation of risks, and asset protection.
Deedee is a third-generation Tar Heel and attorney, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, a North Carolina Resident Superior Court Judge (deceased), and her father, a career trial lawyer. She has dual degrees in Journalism and Mass Communication and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She earned her law degree cum laude from Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida, where she attended on a merit-based scholarship and graduated ninth in her class. She is licensed to practice law in both North Carolina and Florida.
Deedee’s husband, Eric, is a marine biologist with a federal agency. The couple has two sons and a spoiled, rescued Bluetick Coonhound. They enjoy boating and fishing on the North Carolina coast, traveling, and scuba diving. While Deedee is proud of her professional accomplishments, her two boys are her greatest pride.
Accomplishments
•Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America in the fields of Litigation - Insurance (2024 - 2026); Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants (2025-2026); Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants (2025-2026)
•Selected for inclusion in North Carolina Super Lawyers in the field of Personal Injury, General (2025 - 2026)
•Selected for inclusion in Business North Carolina Legal Elite - Litigation (2022-2024, 2026)
•Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rated
•Selected for inclusion in North Carolina Rising Stars in the field of Personal Injury, Defense (2021)
•Chester Bedell Inns of Court (2007 - 2008)
Most Recent Posts
News
17 Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Named to 2026 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Cranfill Sumner LLP announced that 17 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2026 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2026 North Carolina Rising Stars lists....
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Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Listed Among 2026 Legal Elite
Eleven Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program....
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Deedee Gasch Discusses Accident Reconstruction Strategies at NRRDA Lighthouse Seminar
Deedee Gasch, a Partner at Cranfill Sumner LLP, served on the “Using Science to Shape Strategy: Accident Reconstruction in Claims...
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Deedee Gasch Secures Summary Judgment for Retail Store
Deedee Gasch, a Partner in Cranfill Sumner LLP’s Wilmington, N.C. office, obtained summary judgment in favor of her client, a...
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33 CSH Law Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2026
Thirty-three attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2026....
News
Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Participate in WCI 2025
Members of the Cranfill Sumner LLP team participated in various events during the WCI 2025 Conference in Orlando, Fl. from Aug. 17-20....
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Hiring Seasonal Employees for the Summer? Catch Up on the Latest in Federal Overtime Law.
With summer nearing, employers across North Carolina and the country are swelling their ranks with seasonal employees. This article aims...
News
Deedee Gasch Selected to Serve on NRRDA Board of Directors
Deedee Gasch has been elected to a seat on the Board of Directors for the National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association (NRRDA). She was elected during the 2025 Annual Conference for NRRDA in March 2025, where she also served as a panelist and presenter....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Present at NRRDA Conference
Deedee Gasch and Jennifer Morris Jones spoke at the 2025 Annual Conference for the National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association. The conference was held March 3-5, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas....
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21 Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Named to 2025 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Cranfill Sumner LLP announced that 21 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2025 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2025 North Carolina Rising Stars lists....
News
CSH Law Attorneys Participate in WCI 2024 Conference
Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys participated in various events throughout the 78th Annual Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference & 35th Safety & Health Conference which was held Aug. 18-21 in Orlando, FL....
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32 CSH Law Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2025
Thirty-two attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2025....
News
Deedee Gasch Discusses Dram Shop Laws
Deedee Gasch recently presented on dram shop laws and alcohol liability during Food People Fest 2024, a conference presented by Food People Brands. Deedee presented alongside Jay Gates from Arthur J. Gallagher & Co....
News
Deedee Gasch Presents at NRRDA Conference
Deedee Gasch presented at the 2024 Annual Conference of the National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association (NRRDA). She served as a panelist for the “Pouring Liability from Pints to Plaintiffs: Navigating the Dram Shop Legal Landscape” on Feb. 22....
News
Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Listed Among 2024 Legal Elite
Twelve Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program. ...
News
Deedee Gasch Selected to Join FDCC
Deedee Gasch, a Partner at Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law), has been selected to membership in the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC)....
News
32 CSH Law Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2024
Thirty-two attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2024....
News
Deedee Gasch Featured in ADTA Publication
An article by Deedee Gasch is featured in the Spring 2023 edition of The Association Press, a publication of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys....
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Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Listed Among 2023 Legal Elite
Twelve Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program. ...
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Telemedicine in North Carolina: The Basics
The United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Corradi v. Kolls, No. 4:22-CV-011, 2022 WL 4006928...
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The Spirit of the Holidays - Tips for Alcohol Service This Holiday Season
This post was originally published on November 23, 2021. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And for many,...
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Alert: North Carolina’s COVID-19 State of Emergency - and Healthcare Provider Immunity - to End on August 15, 2022
On March 10, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency over COVID-19 in Executive Order No. 116. Less than...
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Deedee Gasch Appointed Vice Chair of ADTA Publications Committee
Deedee Gasch, an attorney at Cranfill Sumner LLP, has been appointed to serve as the Vice Chair of the Publications Committee of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (ADTA). Her appointment began in May and continues through 2023....
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Supreme Court Holds States Can Seek Reimbursement from Tort Settlement Payments for Future Medical Care
On June 6, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court in Gallardo By & Through Vassallo v. Marstiller, No. 20-1263, 2022 WL...
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Deedee Gasch Named Chair of Cranfill Sumner LLP Retail, Restaurant and Hospitality Practice Group
Deedee Gasch, a Partner with Cranfill Sumner LLP, has been named the Chair of the firm’s Retail, Restaurant and Hospitality Practice Group....
News
Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Listed Among 2022 Legal Elite
Eight Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program. ...
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Making Spirits Bright - Tips for Alcohol Permittees This Holiday Season
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And for many, this holiday season marks the return to social gatherings...
News
Deedee Gasch Discusses Concert Injury Lawsuits in Billboard
Deedee Gasch was featured in the Nov. 12 article “Tragedy on Trial: Everything You Need to Know About Astroworld Lawsuits” on Billboard.com. The article examined the recent AstroWorld Festival tragedies and discussed the legal issues that could result from injuries allegedly sustained at the concert....
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North Carolina’s New “No Patient Left Alone Act” Mandates Patient Visitation Rights
On Oct. 15, 2021, Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill 191, “The No Patient Left Alone Act,” into law. The...
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When Concerts Turn Catastrophic - A Legal View on the Astroworld Festival Tragedy
Nearly 50,000 people attended the sold-out Astroworld Festival at NRG Park in Houston, Texas, on Nov. 5, 2021. Concertgoers, who...
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North Carolina’s Sweeping Alcoholic Beverage Reform Goes into Effect
Sober October is here, but new legislation is creating a buzz around the sale of alcoholic beverages in North Carolina. Effective...
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Updates to Medical Malpractice Legal Procedures in North Carolina
On June 18, 2021, Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill 255 into law. The law contains two significant changes to the...
News
Deedee Gasch Featured on WSOC-TV
On July 29, Deedee Gasch was featured in the WSOC-TV news story “NC pandemic law could make it harder for patients to win lawsuits.”...
News
Deedee Gasch Accepted Into NRRDA
Deedee Gasch, a Partner at Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law), was accepted into membership of the National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association (NRRDA). ...
News
Deedee Gasch Invited to Join Association of Defense Trial Attorneys
Deedee Gasch has been elected into membership of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (ADTA)....
News
CSH Law Attorneys and Staff Participate in Mock Trial Competition
On Feb. 5 and Feb. 6, Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) attorneys and staff members volunteered at the 29th annual NCAJ High School Mock Trial Competition which was held virtually. The attorneys and staff who participated were Deedee Gasch, Melanie Huffines, Levi Huston, Colleen Shea, and Emily Enojado....
News
14 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2021 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Today Cranfill Sumner proudly announced that 14 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2021 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2021 North Carolina Rising Stars lists....
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2020 Premises Liability Case Law Updates
Open and Obvious Condition and Contributory Negligence Defenses Rule the Day No good deed goes unpunished for the Plaintiff good...
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Deedee Gasch Discusses Premises Liability in Automotive Repair
Deedee Gasch, a Partner at Cranfill Sumner, was recently featured in Repairer Driven News. The article was published on Dec. 15....
News
Deedee Gasch Featured in Repairer Driven News
Deedee Gasch was featured in the Dec. 11 edition of Repairer Driven News. In “$1.8M N.C. settlement highlights premises liability for auto repairers,” Deedee discusses North Carolina’s premises liability law and how it applies to auto repair companies....
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Deedee Gasch and Meredith Hamilton Lead Webinar
Deedee Gasch and Meredith Hamilton presented a webinar for RestaurantOwner.com. The webinar entitled “How to Handle the Mask Debate When the Customer is Always Right: Conversations with Guests That You May Have During the COVID-19 Pandemic” was held Oct. 6....
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Cranfill Sumner Launches COVID-19 Response Team
Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (Cranfill Sumner) announced the creation of its COVID-19 Response Team. The team is comprised of...
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The COVID-19 Recovery Act and Limited Immunity for Health Care Providers and Services
On May 2, 2020, the General Assembly ratified Senate Bill 704: the COVID-19 Recovery Act, and on May 4, 2020,...
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To Deliver or Not to Deliver: Considerations for Restaurants Adapting to Coronavirus
As restaurants close dine-in service for guests, restaurant owners and operators might consider offering delivery service during these unprecedented times....
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Cranfill Sumner Adds Staff to Wilmington Office
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced additions to its staff in Wilmington. Sarah Johann has been promoted to the position of Legal Assistant/Paralegal. Hannah Morris has joined Cranfill Sumner as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal. Evelyn Tordoff has joined the firm as a Paralegal....
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Cranfill Sumner Attorneys and Paralegals Volunteer for Mock Trial Competition
Attorneys and paralegals from Cranfill Sumner LLP’s Wilmington office volunteered for the Wilmington Regional Mock Trial competition. The attorneys and paralegals who participated are:...
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Melody Jolly and Deedee Gasch Featured in DRI Publication
Melody Jolly and Deedee Gasch were recently featured in the DRI publication, Customer Connection which is the newsletter of the DRI Retail and Hospitality Committee....
News
Deedee Gasch Named Partner of Cranfill Sumner LLP
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced that Deedee Gasch has been named a partner in the firm. Deedee is based in the firm’s Wilmington office....
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Splash Into Summer with These Swimming Pool Safety Tips
Summer is a time for water sports! Whether you’re heading to a pool, lake or beach, check out Deedee Gasch’s...
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Analyzing the Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Tiger Woods, His Bar, and His Girlfriend: A Lawyer’s Perspective
The latest Insights article by Deedee Gasch is now live on the online edition of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal. In “Analyzing...
News
Deedee Gasch Featured in At Your Service
Deedee Gasch, an attorney in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, was recently featured in At Your Service magazine, a publication of the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association....
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Ten Questions with Laurie King, Vice President, Director of Corporate Relations at MCO Transport, Inc.
In honor of National Transportation Week, Deedee Gasch has released the second in a series of Insights articles about transportation...
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Celebrating National Transportation Week
May 11-17, 2019 is designated as National Transportation Week. In “Celebrating National Transportation Week,” Deedee Gasch discusses the history behind and importance...
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You’ve Been Sued. Now What?
“You’ve Been Sued. Now What?” is the latest Insights article by Deedee Gasch. Deedee discusses the steps to take if...
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How Businesses Can Maximize Their Attorney-Client Relationships
We all know that attorneys can help in court cases and lawsuits, but they can also assist with many additional...
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North Carolina’s Baseball Rule Limits Spectator Liability
Summer nights mean time for the Great American Pasttime. But, what happens if a fan is injured by a stray...
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Liability Waivers: Can You Contract Away Negligence?
How strictly are liability waivers enforced in courts of law? Deedee Gasch examines that question in her latest Insights article, “Liability...
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Employee Training: Accident and Claims Prevention
Deedee Gasch discusses “Employee Training: Accident and Claims Prevention” in her latest Insights article in the online edition of the Greater...
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An Injury is Reported at Your Business... Now What?
“An Injury is Reported at Your Business... Now What?” is the latest Insights column written by Deedee Gasch. Deedee discusses...
News
Deedee Gasch Serves as Judge for Mock Trial Competition
On Feb. 2, Deedee Gasch volunteered as a judge for the High School Mock Trial Competition for the Wilmington region. High school mock trial teams from the Wilmington area competed by trying a mock civil case involving a student who died from a prescription opioid overdose....
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Employer liability for workers: The Independent Contractor vs. Employee Distinction
The latest Insights article by Deedee Gasch discusses the difference between employees and independent contractors and the implications those definitions...
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Kicking off the New Year: Time to Review Your Business Insurance Policies
The latest Insights article by Deedee Gasch is available now on the online edition of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal....
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Holiday Spirits: Four Things Alcohol Permittees Need to Know When Selling Alcohol
Deedee Gasch’s latest Insights article addresses how bars and restaurants should handle the sale of alcohol over the holiday season....
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Preventing Alcohol Liability for Your Social Gathering: Social Hosts and Alcohol Service
It’s holiday season, which means celebrations are happening all around. But, with the celebrations also comes responsibilities and potential liabilities...
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Product Liability: Making Safer Products
“Product Liability: Making Safer Products,” the latest Insights article by Deedee Gasch, is available now on the online edition of...
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Lawsuits and Social Media: Think Before You Post
The latest Insights article by Deedee Gasch is now available on the online edition of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal. ...
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Your Auto Policy: Review, Don’t Just Renew
In her latest Insights column, Deedee Gasch reviews the types of automobile insurance and how to ensure a person is...
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Insurance Claims in the Aftermath of Florence
“Insurance Claims in the Aftermath of Florence,” the latest Insights article by Deedee Gasch, is available now on the Greater...
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Deedee Gasch Featured In Summer 2018 “At Your Service”
Deedee Gasch, Of Counsel with Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP, is featured in the Summer 2018 edition of At Your Service,...
News
Deedee Gasch Featured in At Your Service
Deedee Gasch, Of Counsel with Cranfill Sumner LLP, is featured in the Summer 2018 edition of At Your Service, a publication of the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys to Host Alcohol Liability Webinar with NCRLA
Deedee Gasch and Jennifer Welch will present at the upcoming Alcohol Liability Webinar hosted by the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) and Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner). The webinar will address information about North Carolina’s Dram Shop Laws and the best practices to avoid claims and lawsuits regarding overserved individuals....
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Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Receive AV Rating From Martindale-Hubbell
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced that 11 attorneys have recently received an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell....
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Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Judge Mock Trial Competition
On Feb. 4, Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys volunteered as judges for the High School Mock Trial Competition in Wilmington. Deedee Gasch and Elizabeth King served as judges for the event at the New Hanover County Courthouse....
