Legal Question in Civil Litigation in North Carolina

Since you indicate you already have an attorney, it would be improper for another attorney to advise you - so this is a general observation based on your version of the events and is not to be taken as legal advice. Generally speaking we follow what is known as the 'American Rule' where each party pays their own attorney fees. So if attorneys fees are awarded it would be something that was contractually agreed to or is allowed by law in certain circumstances. Your attorney should know if an award of attorney's fees is even a remote possibility in your case. However, you seem to be thinking you have this case in the bag - you very likely do not. From a general lay persons point of view (i.e. what your average jury member is likely to think) or even a Judge if you are having a bench trial, you very well may get nothing because of the hold harmless agreement you signed. Frankly, if that agreement was drafted properly and is valid - I'm surprised you made it this far. While, I do agree based on you version of the events, that the home inspector clearly dropped the ball, it very likely won't matter if that agreement is valid and that is a big risk you should likely factor along with advice from your attorney in to your decision to accept the offer on the table or to make a counter-offer. .Anywho, listen to your attorney - that's what you are paying them for and best of luck to you!