Did you lose a loved one in an accident in Charlotte, North Carolina? The Charlotte wrongful death lawyers at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers can help you file a wrongful death claim and secure the accountability, justice, and financial support your family needs. Call today at (704) 486-5824 for a free consultation.
We’ll explain your rights and develop a strategy to pursue justice on behalf of your family. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay attorney fees if we recover a settlement or verdict for you.
Why Choose Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers After a Wrongful Death in Charlotte, NC?
Wrongful death cases in Charlotte, NC, often involve high emotions and complex damages. You need a Charlotte personal injury lawyer who can balance compassion for your family with relentless advocacy in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we bring more than 190 years of combined attorney experience to every case we handle. Our team has guided families through some of the most complex and emotional cases in North Carolina courts, recovering hundreds of millions for injured clients across the state.
We will provide the personal attention you deserve during one of the hardest times of your life. Call us today to schedule a free case review with a Charlotte wrongful death attorney.
What Is a Wrongful Death Under North Carolina Law?
North Carolina defines wrongful death as a death caused by the “wrongful act, neglect, or default” of another person or entity. In essence, if the deceased could have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, the surviving family members or the estate’s personal representative may bring a wrongful death action.
Wrongful death claims can stem from many types of negligence or misconduct, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Premises liability incidents
- Acts of violence
It is important to note that wrongful death lawsuits are civil claims and are separate from any criminal charges. Even if a defendant is never charged or is acquitted in criminal court, you may still pursue a civil claim for damages.
How Much Is a Wrongful Death Case Worth in Charlotte?
While no amount of money can replace your loved one, compensation can ease financial burdens and provide stability during an uncertain future.
The value of a wrongful death case in North Carolina depends on several factors, including:
- Your loved one’s age, health, and expected life span
- Their income, earning potential, and financial contributions to the household
- The services and support they provided to the family
- Medical expenses incurred before their passing
- Funeral and burial expenses
- The emotional impact of the loss on surviving family members
- The nature of the at-fault party’s conduct
- The availability of insurance coverage or other financial resources
- Whether the decedent had any potential contributory negligence
We work closely with experts in many disciplines to determine the true value of your losses. Our mission is to recover every dollar your family needs to move forward.
What Types of Compensation Are Available in a North Carolina Wrongful Death Claim?
North Carolina law allows a wide range of damages to be recovered in a wrongful death case. These damages aim to address the financial losses and the emotional harm caused by an untimely death.
A compensation award may include money for:
- Medical expenses incurred for treatment before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of the decedent’s income, benefits, and expected inheritance
- Loss of services and household contributions
- Loss of companionship, comfort, and guidance
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering of surviving family members
- Loss of parental guidance for minor children
- Loss of consortium for a surviving spouse
Only certain family members are entitled to recover damages in North Carolina. Typically, this includes a surviving spouse, children, or parents, depending on the circumstances. If no immediate relatives exist, the right to recover may extend to other next of kin.
Can You Still Recover Compensation if Your Loved One Was Partially at Fault?
North Carolina is one of just a few states that follows the strict rule of contributory negligence. Under this doctrine, if your loved one is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident that caused their death, your family could be barred from recovering damages.
This is a harsh standard, and insurance companies often try to shift blame to avoid paying compensation. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced wrongful death attorney by your side to challenge any unfounded allegations of fault. At Riddle & Riddle, we know how to push back against unfair blame-shifting tactics and protect your family’s right to justice.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Charlotte
Wrongful deaths in North Carolina arise from many types of accidents and acts of negligence.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Construction accidents
- Defective products
- Premises liability accidents
- Intentional violence, such as assaults or shootings.
In some cases, multiple factors may contribute to a fatal accident. We will conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify every cause and liable party in your case.
Proving Liability in a North Carolina Wrongful Death Case
To win a wrongful death case in North Carolina, you generally must prove four key elements:
- Duty of Care – The defendant had a legal responsibility to act with reasonable care.
- Breach of Duty – The defendant failed to meet that standard through negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct.
- Causation – The breach directly caused your loved one’s fatal injuries.
- Damages – Your family suffered measurable losses as a result.
You must prove each element by a preponderance of the evidence (i.e., it’s more likely than not that your claim is true).
Building a strong case often requires gathering extensive evidence, such as:
- Police reports and accident reconstructions
- Medical records and autopsy findings
- Eyewitness statements
- Surveillance video or photographs of the scene
- Testimony from expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists, doctors, or economists
- Employment and financial records showing lost income and benefits
Our attorneys know how to collect, preserve, and present this evidence effectively. We have extensive experience handling complex wrongful death cases across North Carolina and know how to build a persuasive claim.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in North Carolina?
Under North Carolina law, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This representative is usually named in the deceased’s will or appointed by the court if no will exists.
While the personal representative is the one who files the lawsuit, the compensation is distributed to the surviving family members, such as the spouse, children, or parents, according to North Carolina’s intestacy laws. This ensures that the financial recovery benefits the people most affected by the loss.
An experienced lawyer can guide your family through this process and make sure the right parties are represented and protected.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in North Carolina?
Wrongful death actions in North Carolina are subject to deadlines. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-53(4), families generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
If you fail to file within this timeframe, the court will likely dismiss your case, and your family may lose the right to recover compensation.
Because evidence can be lost and witnesses’ memories can fade over time, it’s critical to contact a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible after your loss. Early legal action strengthens your case and helps ensure that your family’s rights are preserved.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Charlotte?
At Riddle & Riddle, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees, and the lawyer’s payment is a percentage of the compensation recovered through a settlement or court verdict. If your case is not successful, you generally won’t owe attorney’s fees.
This system allows families to pursue justice without taking on additional financial risk. You can focus on grieving and healing while your lawyer handles the fight for accountability.
We offer contingency fees in all wrongful death cases. We also offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and legal options.
Contact a Charlotte Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Free Consultation
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we know that no amount of money can ever replace your loved one. But a wrongful death claim can provide your family with financial stability and help bring a measure of justice.
Featuring more than 190 years of combined attorney experience, our team has the skill and compassion to guide you through this difficult time. We’ll handle the legal process from start to finish, so you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.
Call today to schedule your free, confidential consultation with a Charlotte wrongful death attorney. Let us stand by your side and secure the support your family deserves.