No amount of compensation can heal the unexpected loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, the loss of an innocent life occurs all too often due to a third-party’s carelessness or negligence. When families suffer these losses, they often find themselves struggling with how to move forward. We understand how devastating these times are, and thus we are available to help individuals through life’s most difficult experiences.
Because we know these circumstances can turn your world upside down, we make it our goal to offer much-needed support. Our team understands the complexities of filing wrongful death claims. Call (828) 286-3866 for a free case evaluation with a Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, team member today. A Spindale wrongful death lawyer could help you bring the liable party to justice.
Types of Spindale Wrongful Death Actions We Can Help You File
Our legal team views those who are suffering as family. We understand the overwhelming impact you are likely experiencing. That is why we place focus on handling the following claims:
- Automobile, motorcycle or truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Dangerous and defective product and accidents
- Defective medical device accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Occupational diseases
- Maritime and offshore accidents
- Over-the-counter or prescription drug accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Railroad accidents
Under some circumstances, victims suffering from injuries pass away while receiving medical treatment. If that is the case, then the victim’s personal representative could receive compensation for the resulting medical expenses. Our team of professionals has assisted multiple clients suffering from the loss of a family member to injuries resulting from another’s carelessness or negligence.
We Can Help You Understand North Carolina’s Wrongful Death Laws
North Carolina G.S. § 28A-18-2 defines wrongful death as a death that is the result of the “neglect, wrongful act, or default” of a third party. After a wrongful death, the victim’s family can file a claim on their loved one’s behalf or the estate’s behalf.
This statute further indicates that the personal representative of the victim’s estate must file the claim for wrongful death. You have the responsibility of showing that a wrongful act, neglect, or default resulted in your loved one’s death. Winning a claim involves showing evidence that the defendant:
- Is the person responsible for the victim’s death
- Should have predictably foreseen or known that their failure to act or carelessness would result in the victim’s death
North Carolina’s statutes also stipulate that the following individuals can act as a personal representative during wrongful death claims:
- Heirs of the victim’s estate
- Individuals bequeathed a portion of the victim’s estate
- Surviving children, parents, spouses, and other family members
- Grandparents, siblings, and other family members
- Other parties specified in the decedent’s will
Spindale Wrongful Death Recoverable Damages You May Be Able to Pursue
That same statute (N.C.G.S. § 28A-18-2) also outlines the damages a victim’s family could potentially recover in a wrongful death action due to the defendant’s breach of the duty of care. In your case, such a breach would be the liable party’s action or inaction that led to your loved one’s wrongful death. Upon learning that your family member or loved one was a victim of wrongful death, call our firm and we will be able to discuss your options with you.
Not only will your Spindale wrongful death lawyer discuss your case’s details, but we will also outline the potential damages that you could recover. Some examples of potential recoverable damages could include the following:
- Advice, comfort, companionship, guidance, and society of the decedent to those entitled to recoverable damages
- Assistance, care, protection, and services of the decedent—whether obligatory or voluntary, to those entitled to recoverable damages
- Burial and funeral expenses for the victim
- Compensation for the family’s pain and suffering
- Expenses for care, hospitalization, and treatment relevant to the injuries leading to the victim’s death
- Loss of income
To learn more about how the wrongful death claims process works, call (828) 286-3866.
The North Carolina Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Could Be Relevant
North Carolina G.S. § 28A-18-2 dictates that a victim’s personal representative must file a lawsuit within two years from the decedent’s death (or accident date that led to wrongful death). This timeline is very important. Additionally, supporting evidence could also be in danger of getting misplaced, deleted, forgotten, or disposed of if you wait to take action. If you fail to file a claim within this timeframe, it could result in the loss of the opportunity to pursue any compensation.
We are prepared to work hard on your behalf. We need as much information as possible to do so, including:
- Medical records and, if applicable, an autopsy report
- Photographic evidence of the victim’s accident that led to their death
- Expense reports and bills detailing the victim’s funeral and burial
- Evidence that the victim was responsible for sharing a portion of their income with a spouse or partner
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we are dedicated to providing families with respectful and compassionate representation. In addition to providing the respect and compassion families need following a wrongful death incident, your Spindale wrongful death lawyer will also pursue the damages you may be entitled to collect.
Call Our Team Today to Learn More
If you are suffering from the loss of a family member or loved one due to wrongful death, consider contacting our team for help recovering damages. Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, for a free case evaluation: (828) 286-3866.