News & Publications The practice of law is not a static process, but a dynamic one. We monitor and adapt to changes to keep our clients apprised of the latest developments in their industries.

Wyrick Robbins Wins Appeal in Kight’s Medical v. Pickett Case

Thursday, March 08, 2012
RALEIGH, NC—Wyrick Robbins’ Commercial and Appellate Litigation Groups earned a significant victory on behalf of its client Kight’s Medical Corp.  On March 6, 2012, the North Carolina Court of Appeals unanimously upheld a Wake County jury verdict in favor of Kight’s, resulting in a judgment of over $5 million.

The lawsuit stemmed from a business deal between Kight’s Medical and employee Ginger Pickett to sell Ms. Pickett a Kight’s Medical franchise in Chesapeake, VA.  The Court of Appeals upheld the jury’s award of damages to Kight’s Medical for claims of conversion, unfair competition, and unfair and deceptive trade practices.

Wyrick Robbins attorneys Michael D. DeFrank and Lee M. Whitman tried the case in Wake County Superior Court, resulting in one of the largest civil verdicts in North Carolina in 2010.  The firm’s appellate team of K. Edward Greene, Tobias S. Hampson, and Paul J. Puryear, Jr. argued the case in the Court of Appeals.

 “We are gratified the Court of Appeals recognized the overwhelming evidence in this case which supported the jury’s verdict,” said Toby Hampson, who argued the case before the panel of three judges in the Court of Appeals.  “Kight’s Medical suffered enormous damage from the conversion of its business and unfair competition by Ms. Pickett.”

About Kight’s Medical Corp.

Kight’s Medical is a leading provider in home health products that employs more than 50 health care professionals.  Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, Kight's Medical has national quality standards grounded in continuous performance improvement concepts.  For more information please visit www.kightsmedical.com.

About Wyrick Robbins

Wyrick Robbins is an entrepreneurial law firm with a focus on growth-oriented businesses.  The firm handles financial and corporate transactions and complex commercial litigation as well as other legal needs of dynamic companies.  In addition, Wyrick Robbins attorneys serve as trusted advisors to founders, investors, directors, and management.

For more information:

Jennifer Herendeen Plumer
jplumer@wyrick.com
919.781.4000

###