Thomas Henson, Sr.
Attorney
Email: twh@lawmed.com
“It is a blessing to be able to work with people I love. I founded the firm with my best friend, Bob Fuerst, more than 35 years ago, and I’m happy to say that he is still my best friend. I love being able to work with my sons and watch them become top-notch lawyers in their own right. They could work in any firm they wanted, but I’m blessed to have them working here with me.
HensonFuerst is a place where we support each other. The firm was founded with a philosophy of teamwork, and with each person we hire, the team gets that much stronger.”
Professional Experience
Thomas W. Henson, Sr., founded HensonFuerst with Bob Fuerst in 1976. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1964 and his Juris Doctorate in 1967—both from the University of North Carolina.
Tom has extensive experience in catastrophic injury cases, including a groundbreaking nursing home verdict, which changed the procedure for the delivery of pain medication for persons suffering from intractable pain. This verdict—Estate of Henry James v. Hillhaven Corp., No. 89 CVS 64 (N.C. Super. Ct. Jan. 15, 1991)—was of such significance that it was reported in newspapers across the country, from The Wall Street Journal to the San Francisco Chronicle. As a result of this case, nursing home residents are now more likely to receive proper and appropriate pain medication to ease their suffering and make life more tolerable.
His professional excellence has earned him the highest rating an attorney can receive, AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®.
Bar Admissions:
- North Carolina
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of North Carolina
- United States Supreme Court
Main Practice Areas:
Professional Associations:
- American Association for Justice
- North Carolina Advocates for Justice
- North Carolina State Bar
- Phi Delta Phi
Certifications/Awards:
My Clients Should Know
I want my clients to trust that every HensonFuerst lawyer will provide them with the best representation possible. We treat every client the way we would hope to be treated if we found ourselves in a time of crisis. I can’t promise we’ll win every case, but I can ensure that every case will get the same high quality care and representation.
Why I Became a Lawyer
When I was growing up, I always felt like the underdog. I was younger than most kids in my grade—I was singled out by kids who were older and bigger. I think if that happens to you when you’re young, you develop a sense of wanting to see justice done—to have someone stand up against the bullies. That’s why I became a lawyer. It was my way of fighting for others’ rights.
Personal Information
Because I enjoy my work so much, I consider it my profession and hobby. When I’m not working, I’m usually with my wife, my sons and their families, and my dogs. As a family, giving back to the community is important, so we devote quite a bit of time to fundraising for charitable organizations. I also enjoy reading—James Patterson mysteries are a personal favorite—and I follow sports. I’m a big Carolina hoops fan.
Do What You Have to Do
I live by one main guiding principle: Do what you have to do. It applies to my professional life and to my personal life. It means living my life with integrity and responsibility, taking care of clients, family, friends, and community. It means taking care of my duties and staying true to my word. I have always strived to be the kind of person who could be trusted to do exactly what was promised.