(4th Circ., filed August 31, 2026): Arguing that the District Court’s ruling abandons traditional fault-based tort principles. Fault-based tort principles should govern under North Carolina law and sound public policy. The lower court’s ruling creates perverse incentives for businesses that invest in safety. Additionally, the District Court’s ruling has no meaningful limiting principles. It vastly expanded common-carrier status and jettisoned important distinctions between employees and independent contractors. Finally, the Court should respect the legislature’s chosen regulatory framework.
