Morehead City Wrongful Death Attorneys Pursue Damages from Liable Parties
North Carolina firm assists plaintiffs in cases related to fatal negligence
Negligent drivers, property owners and manufacturers can cause serious injuries, and sometimes the victims never recover. Nothing can bring the person you loved back, but a wrongful death claim offers the opportunity to obtain compensation for your tragic loss. Carolina Law Group, headed by Tommy Kellis, advocates for North Carolina clients in litigation after a person close to them dies as a result of someone else’s misconduct or inaction. From our office in Morehead City, we assist people from across the Carteret County area, including Lenoxville.
What is a wrongful death?
Wrongful death claims resemble personal injury cases in that a defendant is being sued for their negligence or willful misconduct that harmed someone else. The difference is that in wrongful death actions, the harm is fatal. This means that there are different types of damages available and that proving the case might be more of a challenge because the victim cannot act as a witness. Our firm advocates for plaintiffs in all types of these claims, including matters stemming from the following:
- Auto accidents
- Falls on dangerous surfaces
- Motorcycle accidents
- Defective products
- Truck accidents
- Construction accidents
Before you accept an offer from a defendant or their insurance company, you should speak to an attorney familiar with the compensation awarded to wrongful death claimants in particular types of cases. We have the skill and experience to guide you through a tough time and to secure a substantial settlement or verdict.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit?
In North Carolina wrongful death lawsuits, the plaintiff is the personal representative of the decedent’s estate. This differs from some states where surviving family members are permitted to file claims. However, the payment collected in a settlement or judgment usually passes to family members based on the terms of the decedent’s will or under state intestacy law.
What is the statute of limitations in a wrongful death claim?
North Carolina’s statute of limitations states that wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the victim’s date of death. Though putting the pieces back together after an unexpected loss can be difficult, you should not hesitate to take action. Finding critical evidence becomes more difficult over time and starting the legal process promptly means that you can obtain legal relief sooner.
What damages can be recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit?
No legal resolution can truly compensate a bereaved loved one for all they have lost, but North Carolina authorizes various types of wrongful death damages that offer a measure of justice. Plaintiffs can collect payment for the following:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs incurred after the fatal incident while the decedent was still alive
- Income that the decedent would have earned had they lived
- Services and care that the decedent provided, such as household repairs and child care
- Comfort, companionship and guidance that was lost when the victim died
Our attorneys will examine the details of your wrongful death claim closely and advise you regarding the potential compensatory damages you can expect as well as punitive damages that might be available.
Contact an experienced Morehead City lawyer to discuss a wrongful death claim
The Carolina Law Group advises wrongful death plaintiffs in Morehead City, Lenoxville and other North Carolina communities. Call us at 252-636-3737 or contact us online to schedule a consultation at our Morehead City office.
