If you are facing the devastating loss of a loved one, you may be angry. The aftermath of your loss could also be putting financial strain due to loss of income, funeral and burial costs, and medical expenses on your family.
If your loved one’s death is the result of another’s negligence, you may have a right to file a wrongful death claim. Not only does this action seek justice and accountability, but it also allows you to pursue damages you may need. While money does not erase the hurt and pain, it may help alleviate the financial stress that might now be present.
If one of your loved ones sustains a fatal injury resulting from a third-party’s negligence, North Carolina law entitles you to compensation. Turning to a Morganton wrongful death lawyer means you are working with someone who understands what you are going through and understands how to navigate the claims process.
Call (828) 438-8418 for a free case evaluation with a wrongful death lawyer at the Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC team member today.
We Represent Families in Many Kinds of Wrongful Death Cases
There are limitless scenarios that could lead to a wrongful death claim. Here are several types of scenarios where your loved one may have been the victim of negligence:
- Defective products
- Unintentional injuries
- Vehicular accidents
- Premises liability
- Workplace fatal accidents
What You Need to Know About North Carolina’s Wrongful Death Laws
GS § 28A-18-2 states that wrongful death occurs due to the neglect or wrongful action of a third party. That third party can be a business or individual who could be responsible for the victim’s death. This third party may be determined to be liable for the harm your loved one suffered (and would be responsible for your loved one’s injuries, if your loved one had survived the accident).
During a wrongful death case, the personal representative’s Morganton wrongful death lawyer is responsible for proving the wrongful or negligent act was the cause of the victim’s death. Proving the third party is at-fault involves exhibiting proof that:
- There was a fatality
- That fatality was the result of the defendant’s negligence
- The victim’s personal representative suffered monetary losses
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
If North Carolina courts rule in favor of the deceased’s estate, that could mean the following recoverable damages are available:
- Funeral expenses and burial costs
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of advice, care, companionship, and guidance
- Loss of the deceased’s service and support
- Loss of parental guidance
- Lost wages and additional household support
- Medical expenses that result from the fatal injury, including emergency services and surgeries
To learn more about how the wrongful death claims process works, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC at (828) 438-8418.
North Carolina Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Lawsuits Could Affect You
G.S. § 1-53 states that the victim’s personal representative has two years to file a wrongful death claim. The clock typically starts counting down on the date of the victim’s death. However, there might be exceptions to this statute of limitations. For example, if the victim’s child is under the age of 18, the wrongful death case could be postponed until the minor child turns that age.
We Want to Help You Today
It can be extremely tough for families to lose a loved one, especially when their death is unexpected. Despite it being difficult to focus attention on anything else aside from funeral arrangements and grief, you may want to turn to a lawyer.
Here are examples of steps you can take if you believe your loved one was the victim of wrongful death:
- Ensure a police report is filed and request a copy. Each time an accident occurs leading to death, a detailed report should be filed by the police.
- Request that an autopsy is performed, if the death is unexpected or unnatural. That report offers details regarding the cause of death, which might be useful evidence in a wrongful death action.
- Obtain the at-fault party’s contact information so your lawyer can call them later for future testimony acquisition.
Our Team is Ready to Come to Your Aid
When you work with Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, your Morganton wrongful death lawyer is dedicated to doing all they can for you and your family. If you or a loved one suffered the loss of a family member or loved one due to wrongful death, you may have the right to pursue damages. Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC for a free case evaluation: (828) 438-8418.
We want to help you hold the responsible party liable for their actions. If you lost your loved one to a car accident, for instance, we want to try to keep another family from suffering a similar loss in the future. Through legal action, we can hope that any negligent driver faces the results of their thoughtless action (or inaction) and that affects their choices in the future.
If you were also involved in the accident that killed your loved one, we may be able to help you individually. You may be able to file a separate personal injury claim or lawsuit. We can help you if you were harmed in a car accident, premises liability accident, defective product accident, or other events in which you were injured. A lawyer can speak with you to determine how you may be able to pursue compensation after an accident.